October 6, 2024

Thanks, Mercedes! A Cautionary Tale About Statins and High Cholesterol

“Thanks to Mojo Fitness!!!”, Mercedes Karel

While Mercedes Karel looked like the picture of beauty, strength, and fitness at her son’s recent wedding, she has been dealing with some particularly challenging ailments, due to her history with statin medications for high cholesterol. She was kind enough to share a cautionary tale that no one talks about…

Here’s Mercedes,
“My siblings and I, 10 in total (Wow!), have high cholesterol, so we had no choice but to be on statins, Unfortunately, we are discovering that statins (meds to help control high cholesterol) don’t work with our makeup. The meds are causing my tendons to shred. I currently have a sagittal band tear, torn rotator cuff, and torn bicep tendon and I did another one somewhere on the same arm. I’m CERTAIN the statins have caused my tendon issues…

My best advice to our Mojo community—stay healthy enough to not need the medicines with all these side effects!!!!
Mercedes Karel

I gotta admit, I’ve heard the term “statins” thrown around here and there, but I never thought much of it. I kinda considered them “aspirin” for our blood. After learning this dire warning, I decided to do a deep dive into statins. Here we GO!

What are statins?

Statins are a class of medications used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. They work by blocking the production of cholesterol in the liver. While statins can be highly effective in reducing the risk of heart disease, it’s important to understand their potential side effects and consider alternative approaches whenever possible.

Of course, many people don’t have the choice to be off statins. But If you have contemplated the trade-off between enjoying more bacon and a more relaxed lifestyle versus taking statin medications, I encourage you to think more carefully.

Statin side effects:
Statins can have negative side effects because they interact with various biological processes in the body. While they are generally well-tolerated, some people experience adverse reactions.

Interference with Muscle Function: Statins can interfere with the production of a substance called coenzyme Q10, which is essential for muscle function. This can lead to muscle aches, pains, and in rare cases, a condition called rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown).
Liver Toxicity: Statins are metabolized by the liver, and in some individuals, they can cause liver damage. This is more common in people who already have liver problems or who are taking other medications that can affect the liver.
Increased Blood Sugar Levels: Statins can sometimes raise blood sugar levels, especially in people who are already at risk for diabetes.
Cognitive Effects: Some studies have suggested that statins may be associated with cognitive difficulties, such as memory problems.

*The risk of side effects varies from person to person, and it’s essential to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Looking to lower your cholesterol levels naturally?
Along with following a healthy diet, low in saturated and trans fat, regular sessions of moderate to vigorous exercise (Mojo!) are the way to do it.

Imagine that your blood is like a dirty “cholesterol-splattered” floor. When we exercise vigorously, it helps to “mop up” the cholesterol and remove it from our blood.

It helps to increase your heart rate and blood flow. This helps to move cholesterol away from your arteries and into your liver, where it can be broken down and removed from your body.
Exercise helps to build muscle. Muscle tissue helps to use up cholesterol, so the more muscle you have, the less cholesterol will circulate in your bloodstream.
Finally, exercise helps to lose weight. When we lose fat, we also lose some of the cholesterol that is stored in our body.

Cholesterol Confusion: According to the Cleveland Clinic, “We should no longer worry about cholesterol in our food”. Confused? You’re not alone. Click here to Read More