In the article, we consider the benefits and harms of natural statins from cholesterol.
Dyslipidemia is a disease in which there is a change in the ratio and amount of important components of lipid metabolism. The main danger of such a diagnosis is that the probability of atherosclerotic disorders in the vessels of the brain, limbs, heart, kidneys and other organs and systems increases.
What are statins?
Therapy of hypercholesterolemia and mixed variants of dyslipidemia requires the use of special medicines called statins. These substances inhibit the production of endogenous choleserol during the synthesis of mevalonate. A group of substances that belong to the so-called natural statins is also highlighted, which will be discussed below.
Indications for statin treatment
Reception of drugs of this group is prescribed in cases when hypercholesterolemia is detected by chance, and the cholesterol levels in the blood according to the analysis exceed 7-8 mmol / l. At the initial stage of treatment, a special diet is prescribed, which can only be followed if there is no history of severe damage to the heart and blood vessels. A number of conditions are also distinguished when, regardless of blood cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins, statins (including natural ones) are prescribed to reduce the level of the substances described.
If the patient’s history contains information about heart attacks or strokes, special preparations are prescribed for the patient, the action of which is aimed at strengthening the heart and blood vessels, as well as cleansing the blood flow from excess cholesterol and toxins.
The most effective means
Recently, statins have become increasingly popular among cardiologists. The most effective drugs from this group are Atorvastatin and Simvastatin. According to doctors, these drugs can improve the prognosis of patients who have had serious pathologies of the heart and blood vessels.
Statins are also prescribed in cases where echocardioscopy indicates a site of hypokinesis, and an electrocardiogram indicates the presence of scar tissue after a heart attack, which indicates the development of cardiosclerosis. In this case, a statin is prescribed that inhibits the production of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase.
Another area of application
Another area of statin use is heart rhythm disturbance, which increases the risk of blood clots. Diseases that affect the rhythm of heart contractions can be atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, paroxysmal tachycardia, extrasystology, etc.
Natural statins
There are a number of drugs that are made on the basis of the so-called HMG-CoA reductase blockers and are produced by a special type of mycelial fungi. These drugs are considered statins of natural origin. Unlike synthesized preparations, such as Mevastatin and Lovastatin did not go through chemical treatment.
Lovastatin
Lovastatin is a substance that is made on the basis of the aspergillus tereus fungus. When it enters the bloodstream, the mycelial fungus inhibits the production of hydroxymethyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A-reductase. Thus, it is possible to reduce the production of endogenous cholesterol, which is one of the components of the atherogenic fraction of lipoproteins. Several drugs are produced on the basis of lovastine, including:
- Mevacor.
- Cardiostatin.
- "Lovastatin."
- "Holetar."
Mevastatin
Natural statin "Mevastatin" is made on the basis of the vital products of a fungus called penicillium citrinum. The active component of the drug is compactin. Doctors agree that Lovastatin is more effective than Mevastatin.
The listed natural statins appeared first, before scientists learned how to synthesize and modify these substances. Chemically produced drugs from this category, such as Privastatin, Simvastatin, Rosuvastatin, etc. In the fight against dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis, both natural and synthesized variants of substances are equally effective.
Pharmaceuticals are in the process of developing new natural statins that will affect blood lipids. They affect the production of mevalonic acid, as well as the early and late stages of cholesterol synthesis. However, at the moment, the use of such substances is not practiced due to the small number of studies.
Statins in food
Natural statins are also found in foods.
When the level of triacylglycerides and cholesterol is not much higher than the norm, while there are no symptoms of pathological changes in the structure of the heart, it is recommended to include natural products in the diet that are responsible for reducing these indicators. If low-density lipoproteins and cholesterol after some time of dieting have not returned to normal, it is necessary to turn to medical methods of treatment.
So, let’s figure out which natural statins to lower cholesterol are contained in which products?
To effectively lower blood cholesterol, you need to understand what foods can stimulate this process. The following products effectively cope with this task:
- Garlic.
- Linseed oil.
- High fiber foods.
- Oranges and other citrus fruits.
- Oats and lentils.
- Pistachios.
- Dark chocolate.
A diet based on these foods is indicated for those whose cholesterol levels are uncritically higher than normal. In some cases, however, the inclusion of naturally occurring statins, which are found in drugs, may be required.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated compounds of organic origin. They prevent the development of atherosclerotic disorders in the body. At the same time, the content of high density lipoproteins increases, while the level of total cholesterol decreases.
Omega-3s are found in fatty fish such as mackerel, herring or pink salmon. Other seafood also contains a sufficient amount of these acids that can lower bad cholesterol by increasing the amount of high density lipoproteins.
In addition to obtaining natural statins from food, you can additionally take various dietary supplements.
Dietary supplements
The modern pharmaceutical market is ready to offer a wide range of dietary supplements, which include omega acids.
The basic principle of proper nutrition for dyslipidemia is to limit the amount of consumed animal fat. Among people there is an opinion that vegetable oils also contain a large amount of bad cholesterol, but this is an erroneous judgment. Cholesterol is an animal waste product. Plants do not have the ability to produce this substance. When choosing vegetable oils, it is best to give preference to mustard, linseed, olive, etc. These oils contain a sufficient amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
The harm of statins
Experts believe that drugs based on natural substitutes for statins, as well as synthesized, are highly effective and well tolerated by the patient. However, their use, especially the longer, does not pass without a trace for the health of the body. As a rule, statins are prescribed by a long course of administration, which can reach several years.
Muscle effects
Under the main blow, the human muscle system falls, it is on it that the maximum negative effect of statins falls. Some patients show signs of myopathy, accompanied by soreness and weakness of the skeleton muscles. If you do not stop taking statins in a timely manner, this can lead to the development of rhabdomyolysis, which is a disease characterized by the breakdown of muscle fibers, which can cause acute kidney failure. The latter occurs due to the clogging of the kidney channels by the breakdown products of muscle tissue.
The risk of developing such pathological processes increases significantly if, along with statins, the patient takes other drugs. The most dangerous combination is their simultaneous administration with substances such as fibrates, Verapamil, Amiodarone, antibiotics, cytrostatics.
Enhancing Negative Factors
In addition, a number of factors are highlighted that can enhance the negative effect of statins on the patient's body:
- Unbalanced and poor nutrition.
- The presence of pathologies in a chronic form of the course.
- Elderly age.
- Impaired liver function.
- Previous surgery.
- Taking a large number of drugs.
- Alcoholism.
To prevent adverse reactions of the body to statin treatment, you should consult a specialist before you start taking these drugs. The doctor will help you choose the right drug, determine the dosage and duration of administration.
In addition, the patient is advised to undergo a thorough and complete examination before taking medications, including laboratory and instrumental studies. Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will choose the drug and prescribe the appropriate treatment regimen. Self-treatment with statins is strictly prohibited.
Thus, drugs aimed at lowering the level of harmful cholesterol in the blood are far from always safe and harmless. With prolonged use, even statins can adversely affect the work of some organs and systems of the human body.
Reviews of natural statins to lower cholesterol confirm this .
Recommendations of doctors
Doctors in many cases do not recommend taking statins. So, for patients of reproductive age, regardless of gender, experts advise primarily to lower cholesterol by observing a balanced diet and lifestyle adjustment. However, this option is suitable for those whose blood cholesterol levels are not critically high. If the level of this substance is so high that it threatens the development of irreversible consequences for the cardiovascular system, the doctor decides on the appointment of drugs, including statins.
Patient Comments
There are patient reviews of these drugs. Mostly they are positive.
Patients argue that for successful therapy, giving up bad habits, alcohol and smoking, as well as including moderate sports loads, is equally important. Only in the totality of measures taken, treatment with statins will give an appropriate result.