The Truth about C Reactive Protein and Cholesterol Lowering Drugs

You might disagree, but hear me out on this...TheC-reactive protein have been proven by scientists
drug companies know what they want you toto be as good as or better than drug therapy at
think. They want you to think that the onlycombating C-reactive protein.Diet--Healthnotes
reliable predictor for heart disease is an elevatedNewswire reported the conclusions of one study
low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level, andthat showed that making several positive changes
the best way to decrease your risk to taketo one's diet could significantly reduce C-reactive
"statin" drugs such as Zocor and Lipitor.protein levels. Adding plant sterols, insoluble fiber,
Cholesterol-reducing medications are among thesoy protein, and almonds to the low-fat,
highest-grossing pharmaceutical products ever, sovegetarian diets of test subjects helped reduce
drug companies want to lead you to theirC-reactive protein levels by 28 percent more than
medications. But an elevated LDL-cholesterol levela control group fed a low-fat, vegetarian
is not the only predictor of heart disease. It's notdiet.Other studies have found links between
even the best predictor--that honor goes to aincreased consumption of whole grains and
little known test that looks for elevated levels ofreduced C-reactive protein levels. These studies
C-reactive protein.What is C-reactiveshow that subjects who ate more simple
protein?C-reactive protein is produced by thecarbohydrates had higher C reactive protein levels
body during times of inflammation. Doctors arethan subjects who ate more complex
not exactly sure why some people have elevatedcarbs.Supplementation--Vitamin and mineral
C reactive protein and others have normal levels,supplements have also shown to be an
but they do know that high C reactive protein isinexpensive, effective weapon against C-reactive
linked to higher rates of heart disease, stroke,protein.Niacin--Niacin is a B-complex vitamin that
heart attack, and sudden cardiac death.Traditionalworks so well to lower cholesterol and C-reactive
doctors agree that a test for C-reactive protein isprotein that it is regulated by the FDA and
a better measure of a person's risk for heartavailable by doctors in prescription strengths.
disease than cholesterol. The New England JournalConsumers can also buy high-quality B-complex
of Medicine reported in November of 2002 thatvitamins, which have many other benefits, from
elevated C reactive protein predicts cardiovascularany health food store.Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin
problems better than elevated LDL-cholesterol.E--Supplementing with vitamin E will reduce your
The American Heart Association agrees.How IsC-reactive protein levels and enhance your health.
Elevated C Reactive Protein Determined?The testScientists have recently proven that combining
to determine C-reactive protein levels is quitevitamin E supplementation with coenzyme Q10 is
simple. A blood sample is taken, and the sample iseven more effective, and can reduce C-reactive
analyzed in the laboratory. It's a test that's neitherprotein levels by as much as 30
expensive nor invasive.Even though doctors agreepercent.ConclusionsIt's still a good idea to make
that C-reactive protein is such a powerfulthe diet and lifestyle changes that will lower your
predictor for heart disease, the simple test is notLDL-cholesterol levels. Reducing your intake of
often offered to patients. Why? They don't asktrans and saturated fats will help you live a longer
for it. Commercial advertising (supported bylife. If you're concerned about your risk of
pharmaceutical companies who make moneycoronary disease, though, focus on you
from lowering people's cholesterol levels) leadsC-reactive protein levels. Ask your doctor for a
patients to ask their doctors to prescribeblood test to determine your level of C-reactive
cholesterol-lowering statin drugs. They rarely askprotein. If it's high, talk to your physician about
about C-reactive protein tests and remediesusing diet and exercise, along with nutritional
because it's not a big-money business.What Homesupplementation, to lower your C-reactive protein
Remedies Treat High C Reactive Protein?Druglevels and your risk of heart
companies that sell statin drugs know that theydisease.References"Comparison of C-Reactive
could lose money if people start worrying moreProtein and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
about their C-reactive protein levels than they doLevels in the Prediction of First Cardiovascular
about their LDL-cholesterol levels. They are quickEvents." Paul M. Ridker, M.D., Nader Rifai, Ph.D.,
to point out that studies show that the sameLynda Rose, M.S., Julie E. Buring, Sc.D., and Nancy
drugs used to lower cholesterol will also lowerR. Cook, Sc.D. The New England Journal of
C-reactive protein. However, these drugs are bothMedicine. 347:1557-1565, Nov. 11,
expensive and dangerous. Muscle reactions have2002."Inflammation, Heart Disease and Stroke:
left patients severely disfigured, and evenThe Role of C-Reactive Protein." Changes Can
physicians are questioning the wisdom andReduce Cholesterol and C-Reactive Protein as
efficacy of widespread use of statin drugs.Happily,Much as Medication." Ho is editor of both Nutritional
natural healing offers many ways to keepSupplement Info Spotlight, and Beat Your Health
C-reactive protein levels in the healthy range.Condition which offer unconventional and unique
These methods can be used to lower elevated Csolutions for common health issues. Claim your
reactive protein, or to maintain good heart health.FREE subscription to his newsletter now at
Even better, natural methods for reducingNutritional Supplements Info Newsletter.