Should You Take Statins?

Should You Take Statins?

Statins are among the most commonly prescribed medications, with over 82 million prescriptions issued in the 12 months in the UK.

But are they really helping to reduce heart attacks and increase life span?

While you might believe that the science is settled, the truth may shock you… 

Here’s what you need to know before considering them.

The Cholesterol Myth: How Low Should You Go?

Conventional guidelines push for ultra-low LDL cholesterol levels, but recent research suggests this might be misguided. 

Studies show the lowest long-term mortality is found in individuals with LDL levels between 100–189 mg/dL—a range much higher than current recommendations. 

Additionally, cholesterol is not the primary cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). 

This is shown by recent studies that found the link between 'bad' cholesterol (LDL-C) and poor health outcomes, such as heart attack and stroke, may not be as strong as previously thought.

In fact, factors like stress, inflammation, and blood clotting disorders play a more significant role in CVD than cholesterol levels.

This raises an important question: are we over-treating cholesterol levels at the expense of broader metabolic health?

Are Statins Worthwhile? 

A study in JAMA Internal Medicine looked at how long it takes for statins to help prevent heart problems in adults aged 50 to 75 who have not had heart disease.

The researchers reviewed data from eight studies involving over 65,000 people. They found that treating 100 people with statins for 2.5 years could prevent one serious heart problem, like a heart attack or stroke.

However, they did not find evidence that statins help people live longer. 

This means the benefit seems to focus on reducing heart problems, not overall survival.

When it comes to longevity, this review of 19 previous studies (total of 68,094 elderly participants) found that the higher the cholesterol, the longer one lives. 

Some studies even suggest a potential protective role of high cholesterol against infections and atherosclerosis.

Statins, Diabetes, and Insulin Resistance

One of the most concerning side effects of statins is their potential to increase insulin resistance, which may explain their association with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

Even the Cholesterol Treatment Trialists' Collaboration—a group often seen as pro-statin—acknowledged a dose-dependent increase in new diabetes diagnoses among statin users.

Ironically, the very mechanism that makes statins effective at lowering cholesterol might work against the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. 

With insulin resistance at the root of many chronic diseases, this side effect cannot be ignored.

Weight Gain and “Moral Hazard”

Statin users often report weight gain, which some attribute to a phenomenon known as "moral hazard"—a sense of complacency due to believing the medication provides full protection against heart disease. 

However, there’s a biological explanation as well: statins decrease GLP-1, a hormone critical for appetite regulation and weight control. 

This makes statins essentially the opposite of Ozempic, a drug designed to boost GLP-1 levels.

Read: Mushrooms Are Nature’s Ozempic: Why Mushrooms Could Be Better Than Any Weight Loss Drug

Are There Better Alternatives?

Cholesterol has often been blamed for heart disease, but this view may be too simplistic. 

Other factors, such as stress, inflammation, and blood clotting disorders, play a more significant role in heart disease than cholesterol levels alone. 

Processed foods high in fructose, refined oils, and refined carbohydrates are more closely linked to heart conditions. 

So, rather than focusing solely on LDL cholesterol, it’s time to address the bigger picture: metabolic health. 

Insulin resistance, driven by poor diet and excess body fat, is the most important risk factor for heart attacks. 

Improving metabolic health can dramatically reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease without relying on pharmaceutical interventions. Here's how:

  1. Ditch Ultra-Processed Foods: Replace them with whole, nutrient-dense foods.
  2. Exercise Regularly: Resistance training is particularly effective for improving body composition and insulin sensitivity.
  3. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess body fat contributes to chronic inflammation and insulin resistance.

Read: The Truth About Eggs And The Food Industry

A Case for Nattokinase

Emerging evidence suggests daily nattokinase supplementation may be an effective way to manage atherosclerosis progression. 

Unlike statins, which come with a laundry list of side effects, nattokinase is a natural enzyme with fewer drawbacks. 

Could it be a safer alternative? Research is promising, but as always, consult a healthcare provider before making changes to your regimen.

A Case for Mushrooms 

Mushrooms may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Several types of mushrooms contain compounds that support heart health, such as beta-glucans and ergosterols.

  1. Beta-Glucans: These are a type of soluble fiber found in many mushrooms. Beta-glucans can lower LDL cholesterol (the so-called "bad" cholesterol) by reducing its absorption in the gut.
  2. Ergosterols: Found in many edible mushrooms, ergosterols can influence cholesterol metabolism in the liver, helping to maintain a balance of cholesterol levels.
  3. Antioxidants: Mushrooms contain antioxidants like ergothioneine, which can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Both of these factors play a role in cholesterol buildup in arteries.

Many studies show that cooking with mushrooms or using mushroom supplements is a simple way to improve cholesterol profiles, heart health and overall wellness. 

Shiitake, oyster, cordyceps and reishi mushrooms are among the most studied for cholesterol benefits, but many other varieties show promise. 

The Economics of Statins

Statins have generated over $1 trillion in revenue, despite their patents expiring.

This financial incentive cannot be ignored when evaluating their widespread use. 

Big Pharma profits from treating symptoms rather than addressing root causes like poor metabolic health. 

The solution to long-term health isn’t found in a pill bottle but in consistent lifestyle changes.

The Real Secret to Longevity

So, what truly contributes to a long, healthy life? 

It’s not obsessing over LDL cholesterol levels or adhering to restrictive dietary trends. Instead, it’s about good metabolic health, which stems from:

  • Proper Exercise: Resistance training and regular movement.
  • A Diet of Whole, Real Foods: Including adequate animal protein and healthy fats.
  • Avoiding Ultra-Processed Junk: The less processed, the better.
  • Being Outdoors: The sun and fresh air are essential for good health

Read: 10 Most Important Studies On Human Health

Conclusion: Should You Take Statins?

For individuals at high risk of cardiovascular events, statins may have a place as a secondary prevention strategy. 

However, for those in the primary prevention category—people who are not diabetic or have not suffered a heart attack—the benefits are less clear, and the risks may outweigh the rewards.

Ultimately, the best path to health lies in addressing the root causes of disease: poor metabolic health from a nutrient-deficient diet, lack of exercise, lack of nature, and excess body fat. 

Pharmaceutical interventions like statins may be part of the solution for some, but they are no substitute for a foundation of metabolic health.

This is the future of health. 

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