How Do You Stop Taking Statins?
Because high cholesterol has long been associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks and strokes, doctors often prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins. Designed specifically to reduce total cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol within the body, statins generally do what they’re supposed to do. Unfortunately, they can also cause severe muscle spasms and life-threatening liver damage. In fact, one out of four statin users makes the decision to stop taking the medicine within six months. You can make some lifestyle choices that may lower your cholesterol levels to the point where you no longer need a statin. Eat a balanced diet. There is a growing body of evidence to support the cholesterol-lowering qualities of foods from various food groups. Choose plenty of fish, legumes, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Eat foods that are low in trans fats. Prepared foods are particularly high in trans fats that raise LDL and lower HDL (“good”)
