Cholesterol, Statin Drugs, and What We’re Missing

Before we dive in, let me be clear: I’m not a doctor, and nothing here is meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Never stop taking prescribed medications without talking to your physician. This discussion is for education and information only.

Centuries ago, Paracelsus offered physicians a piece of wisdom that feels even more relevant today:

“The physician is only the servant of nature, not her master. Therefore it behooves medicine to follow the will of nature.”
—Paracelsus (1493–1541)

Somewhere along the way, modern medicine drifted from this idea. At the first sign of elevated cholesterol, the default response is often a prescription—usually a statin—rather than asking why cholesterol is elevated in the first place. As you’ll see, cholesterol is not the villain it’s made out to be. In fact, when cholesterol rises, the body may be signaling that something deeper needs attention.

Let’s explore what cholesterol actually does, why the body raises it, and what statins do in response.

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Why Cholesterol Matters More Than You Think

Cholesterol is essential for life. Every cell in your body contains it. It’s the raw material for adrenal hormones like testosterone, progesterone, estrone, DHEA, and cortisol. When these hormones fall out of balance, the result can be autoimmune disorders, fatigue, fibromyalgia, low libido, inflammation, allergies, asthma, blood sugar issues, and more.

So what throws hormones out of balance?
Common culprits include:

• Poor diet
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
• Environmental toxins
• Adverse drug reactions

When hormone levels drop, the body compensates by increasing cholesterol production—because cholesterol is the building block needed to restore balance. But instead of investigating the underlying imbalance, we often treat the cholesterol number itself. Lowering cholesterol without addressing the root cause can leave the original problem unresolved.

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Five Critical Roles of Cholesterol

1. Cholesterol and Vitamin D

Cholesterol is required to make vitamin D. Without enough cholesterol, vitamin D levels drop—affecting immunity, bone health, and cancer risk. Media reports often blame lack of sunlight for widespread vitamin D deficiency, but rarely mention the role of cholesterol‑lowering drugs.

2. Cholesterol and Fat Digestion

Cholesterol is the main ingredient in bile salts, which are essential for absorbing fats and fat‑soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Without adequate cholesterol, deficiencies follow.

3. Cholesterol and Cell Structure

Every cell membrane relies on cholesterol for strength and stability. Without it, cells become “leaky,” contributing to chronic illness and even cancer.

4. Cholesterol and the Nervous System

Cholesterol is vital for:

• The myelin sheath around nerves
• Memory
• Brain structure (over half the brain’s dry weight is cholesterol)
• Serotonin receptor function

Low cholesterol is strongly associated with brain fog and cognitive decline.

5. Cholesterol and the Immune System

Low cholesterol levels—especially in men—are linked to reduced immune cell activity, including T‑cells and helper T‑cells.

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Do Statins Actually Improve Survival?

Drug companies promote statins as lifesavers, but when you look closely at the major studies, the reduction in overall mortality is surprisingly small.

Here’s a quick look at five studies often cited by the American Heart Association:

Study	Survival Difference	Notes
Heart Protection Study (2002)	~1.7%	Researcher questioned whether such a small benefit outweighs risks.
PROSPER (2002)	0.2%	Not statistically significant; cancer increased in statin group.
ALLHAT (2003)	0.4%	No significant difference vs. lifestyle changes.
ASCOT‑LLA	0.5%	Fewer cardiac events, but almost identical survival.
PROVE‑IT	1% difference between two statins	No placebo group.

Across these trials, the improvement in survival is minimal.

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What About Low Cholesterol? The Other Side of the Story

Multiple studies show that very low cholesterol is associated with higher mortality, especially from:

• Cancer
• Respiratory disease
• Liver disease
• Digestive disease
• Certain infections

In older adults, higher cholesterol often correlates with lower mortality. Some studies even show dramatic increases in death rates when cholesterol falls below certain levels.

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Statin Side Effects: More Than Muscle Pain

1. Muscle Pain and Weakness

The most common complaint. Statins block not only cholesterol production but also CoQ10, a key molecule for cellular energy. Low CoQ10 = muscle fatigue, including the heart.

2. Body Aches

Often related to CoQ10 depletion and typically improve after stopping the drug.

3. Heart Failure

Some research suggests statins may impair the heart’s ability to relax and fill properly—similar to early congestive heart failure.

4. Brain Fog and Dementia

Low cholesterol affects brain structure and neurotransmitter function. Levels below 150 mg/dL are consistently linked to cognitive issues.

5. Cancer

Animal studies and some human data show increased cancer risk with statin use, including a dramatic rise in breast cancer rates in certain groups.

6. Depression

Low cholesterol disrupts hormone production and serotonin signaling—both tied to mood regulation.

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Do Statins Prevent Heart Attacks?

Statins do reduce heart attack risk—but so does aspirin. In fact, one study found no greater reduction in cardiovascular events with statins than with daily aspirin.

Why?
Because both reduce inflammation, which appears to be the real driver of heart disease—not cholesterol itself.

Aspirin costs a few dollars. Statins generate billions. You can draw your own conclusions.

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Final Thoughts

When cholesterol rises, the body may be signaling a deeper imbalance—not a deficiency of statin drugs. Lowering cholesterol without understanding why it’s elevated can create new problems while masking the original issue.

Our healthcare system often treats numbers instead of causes. Maybe it’s time to revisit Paracelsus’ advice and work with nature rather than against it.

Zinc Promotes Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

A recent Harvard study suggests that higher zinc intake may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 28%. Zinc is one of the body’s most important trace minerals, playing a role in numerous physiological functions. While it’s well known for supporting a healthy immune system, emerging research indicates that zinc may also influence memory, muscle strength, and endurance in adults.

The Harvard research followed 82,297 women aged 33 to 60 as part of the Nurses’ Health Study over a span of 24 years. After adjusting for other potential risk factors, the researchers found a clear association: women with higher zinc intake had a significantly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

In the United States, more than 20 million people are affected by diabetes—about seven percent of the population. According to the American Diabetes Association (2002), the total economic burden is estimated at $132 billion, with $92 billion attributed to direct medical costs.

Omega‑3 Fish Oils During Pregnancy May Reduce Infant Allergies

New research from Sweden suggests that taking omega‑3–rich fish oil supplements during pregnancy may significantly reduce the risk of food allergies and eczema in infants. According to findings published in ACTA Paediatrica, babies whose mothers received fish oil supplements during pregnancy and early breastfeeding experienced noticeably fewer allergic reactions compared to those in the placebo group.

“This randomized, placebo‑controlled, double‑blind study shows that omega‑3 supplementation during pregnancy and lactation may reduce the risk of developing allergic sensitization to egg, IgE‑associated eczema, and food allergy during the first year of life,” wrote lead author Catrin Furuhjelm of Linköping University.

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Three Ways to Supplement with Minerals

When it comes to mineral supplementation, not all forms are created equal. The body absorbs different types of minerals at very different rates, and understanding these differences can help you choose supplements that actually work for you.

1. Elemental Minerals

Elemental minerals are essentially metals. In adults under 40, only about 8–12% of these metallic minerals are absorbed. After age 40, absorption drops even further to 3–5%.

Take Calcium Lactate as an example:

• 1,000 mg of Calcium Lactate contains only 140 mg of elemental calcium
• If the body absorbs just 10%, that means only 14 mg of usable calcium actually enters the system

This low absorption rate makes elemental minerals the least efficient option.

2. Chelated Minerals

Chelated minerals are commonly used in livestock nutrition because they’re easier for the body to absorb. Digestive enzymes are added to bind the minerals to amino acids, improving uptake.

Absorption rate: around 40%

This makes chelated minerals significantly more effective than elemental forms.

3. Colloidal Minerals

Colloidal minerals are designed with a negative (-) electrical charge, while the intestinal lining carries a positive (+) charge. Because opposite charges attract, colloidal minerals have an impressive absorption rate of up to 98%.

This makes them the most bioavailable form of mineral supplementation.

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My Preferred Supplement Approach

My favorite supplement line comes from Youngevity. As a foundational product, I prefer Beyond Tangy Tangerine, which provides over 90 vitamins and minerals—more than you’ll find in most other supplements.

It’s a highly absorbable liquid formula containing over 77 plant‑derived colloidal minerals, making it exceptionally easy for the body to use. It also includes generous amounts of B vitamins, which help support healthy nerves and micro‑blood vessels.

Autoimmunity and Nutrition

One of the immune system’s most important jobs is to distinguish between the body’s own tissues and foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and other harmful agents. To defend us, it deploys specialized white blood cells (lymphocytes) and produces antibodies designed to target and eliminate these threats.

However, this system isn’t foolproof. When the immune system fails to properly differentiate between “self” and “non‑self,” it may mistakenly attack the body’s own tissues—a process known as autoimmunity. In autoimmune diseases, lymphocytes and antibodies target healthy organs and cells as though they were foreign.

More than 78 clinically recognized autoimmune diseases have been identified, and the list continues to grow. Some are widely known—Type 1 Diabetes, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Juvenile Arthritis. Others are less familiar, such as Crohn’s disease, Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, Pemphigus, Progressive Systemic Sclerosis, Sarcoidosis, Sjögren’s Syndrome, Temporal Arteritis, and several autoimmune skin disorders.

Collectively, these conditions affect over 15 million Americans, with women disproportionately represented. The physical, emotional, and financial impact on individuals and society is substantial.

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Why Autoimmunity Happens

Researchers have identified many mechanisms that may contribute to immune system malfunction. These include:

• Drug and hormone interactions
• Genetic predisposition
• Cross‑reactivity between immune responses to bacteria/viruses and human tissues
• Nutritional imbalances—either deficiencies or excesses of specific dietary components

The connection between nutrition and immunity has become a major focus of modern research. Recent studies show a strong relationship between overall nutritional status and immune function.

Example: Mineral Deficiencies

Deficiencies in minerals such as iron and zinc are known to impair immune function in both animals and humans. One explanation is that these minerals are essential for metalloenzymes involved in nucleic acid synthesis and cell replication—processes critical for immune cell function.

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How Diet Influences Autoimmunity

Two major nutritional factors influence autoimmune activity:

1. Carbohydrates and cell identification
2. Essential fatty acids and immune response intensity

Let’s break these down.

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1. Target Recognition: Carbohydrates as Cellular “Barcodes”

Every cell displays identification molecules on its surface—like biological barcodes—made from various carbohydrates. These molecules help the immune system recognize which cells belong in the body.

When the diet lacks a variety of carbohydrates, cells may produce faulty identification markers. This can confuse the immune system, leading to mistaken attacks on healthy tissues.

Key carbohydrates used in these “barcodes” include:
glucose, galactose, mannose, xylose, fucose, and several derivatives.

The problem:

• Glucose is abundant in modern diets.
• Other essential carbohydrates are scarce, especially in highly refined foods.
• These missing carbohydrates are naturally found in fruits and vegetables.

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2. Intensity Modulation: Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)

The strength of the immune response is regulated by hormone‑like compounds called prostaglandins. The body produces two main types:

• Type 1 prostaglandins – increase immune activity
• Type 2 prostaglandins – reduce immune activity

A healthy immune system depends on a balance between the two.

Where EFAs Come In

Prostaglandins are made exclusively from Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs):

• Omega‑6 EFAs → used to make pro‑inflammatory prostaglandins
• Omega‑3 EFAs → used to make anti‑inflammatory prostaglandins

Modern diets contain far too many omega‑6 fats and far too few omega‑3s.

Typical omega‑6 : omega‑3 ratios:

• United States: ~12:1
• Australia: ~18:1
• Ideal ratio: ~2:1

When the ratio exceeds 2:1, the immune system becomes overactive. At 10:1 or higher, it essentially operates without brakes—contributing to the rise in autoimmune conditions.

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Correcting the Omega Imbalance

To restore balance:

• Reduce intake of omega‑6‑rich oils and fats
• Increase omega‑3 intake through foods or supplements

Omega‑3 sources include:

• Flax seeds (rich in ALA)
• Cold‑water fish: sardines, salmon, mackerel, herring
• Fish oil supplements containing EPA and DHA

ALA vs. EPA/DHA

• ALA (alpha‑linolenic acid) is the plant‑based omega‑3 found in flax and some supplements.
• EPA and DHA are the more active omega‑3s found in fish and fish oil.
• The body can convert ALA into EPA and DHA—but many people have a reduced ability to do so.

Without adequate EPA and DHA, the body cannot produce enough anti‑inflammatory prostaglandins to calm an overactive immune system.

Think of EPA and DHA as “seed money” for restoring immune balance.

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How Long Does Improvement Take?

Correcting autoimmune activity is not immediate.

• It takes about 6 weeks to replenish EPA and DHA stores.
• Lymphocytes (immune cells) already produced can live 6 months to 2 years.
• Noticeable improvement may take 6 months, with potential remission taking up to 2 years.

During this time, it’s important to avoid foods that:

• Trigger immune responses
• Spike blood sugar (high‑glycemic foods), since high glucose increases pro‑inflammatory prostaglandins

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Additional Resources

The following materials are available on the Longevity Institute website (under “Downloads”):

• List of immune‑offending foods
• Information on hyperglycemia and glycemic index
• Essential fatty acid content of various foods
• This full article

(Gerald T. Keusch, 2003)

Natural Flu Protection

By Edmond Devroey, MD

Understanding the Facts

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, influenza is far from a minor seasonal nuisance. In a typical year, 30,000 to 50,000 Americans die from influenza-related complications, with some estimates citing around 20,000 deaths annually. About 5–10% of adults hospitalized with influenza experience fatal outcomes.

Seasonal flu typically affects 5–15% of the population each year, while pandemic strains can reach 25–50%, making them significantly more dangerous.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends three primary steps for flu protection:

1. Annual vaccination
2. Antiviral prescription medications
3. Everyday precautions such as handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals

The CDC maintains that vaccination is generally safe, though discussions continue in the scientific community about potential side effects. Searches of scientific databases reveal numerous publications exploring both the benefits and risks of flu vaccination.

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Comments from the Longevity Institute

The brief emergence of the “swine flu” in Mexico served as a reminder of how quickly new viral strains can appear. Influenza viruses mutate rapidly, which raises an important question:

Is vaccination always the most effective protection?

The concern is not solely about potential side effects. Because flu viruses mutate so quickly, the strain circulating during flu season may differ from the strain used to create the vaccine. This means a person may develop immunity to the vaccine strain but not necessarily to the strain they encounter.

This leads to a second question:

How can we strengthen immunity against the virus that actually reaches us?

The Longevity Institute highlights two natural, inexpensive nutrients that may support immune function:

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Vitamin D and Flu Resistance

Why do flu outbreaks peak in winter? One compelling theory is reduced sun exposure, which leads to lower vitamin D levels.

Research suggests:

• Vitamin D deficiency is associated with higher rates of respiratory infections.
• Immune cells have receptors for the active form of vitamin D, indicating its role in immune regulation.
• Vitamin D stimulates the production of antimicrobial peptides, natural compounds that help the body fight infections.

A notable clinical observation comes from Dr. J.J. Cannell, who reported that during a flu outbreak in his hospital, none of the patients on his ward—who had been taking 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily—became ill, despite exposure to infected individuals.

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Selenium and Viral Replication

In 1978, Professor Gerhard N. Schrauzer published research showing that selenium supplementation reduced viral replication in animal studies. His “viral selenoprotein theory” suggests:

• Some viruses interact with selenium within host cells.
• Adequate selenium levels may help regulate viral replication.
• Selenium deficiency can allow viruses to replicate more aggressively, overwhelming the immune system.

Additional observations support this idea:

• Regions in China with low selenium levels experienced more severe avian flu outbreaks.
• Animal studies show that selenium-deficient mice suffer greater damage when infected with influenza viruses.

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Longevity Institute Recommendations

To support overall immune resilience, the Longevity Institute suggests:

• A balanced daily intake of vitamins and minerals
• 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily
• 100 micrograms of selenium per 60 lbs of body weight, up to a maximum of 300 micrograms per day
• Beginning supplementation three months before flu season

The idea is that vitamin D may help strengthen the immune response, while selenium may help slow viral replication long enough for the immune system to respond effectively.

Digestive Enzymes: Why They Matter More Than You Think

Enzymes are one of the most powerful—and overlooked—foundations of good health. Every function in the human body relies on enzymes, and even the latest “breakthrough” supplements (like MSM, HGH, 5‑HTP, and DHEA) depend on enzymes to work effectively.

What Exactly Are Enzymes?

Enzymes are specialized proteins that:

• Carry an electrical charge
• Act as catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions without being used up
• Target specific bonds in food or tissues
• Work with incredible efficiency—one enzyme can break down millions of bonds

Three major factors influence how well enzymes work: temperature, pH, and inhibitors.

• They function best at slightly elevated temperatures, which is why the body creates a fever during infection.
• Most enzymes are destroyed at temperatures above 118°F—meaning cooking and processing food eliminates natural food enzymes.
• Each enzyme has its own ideal pH range. Outside that range, it becomes inactive.
• Certain substances, like venom or even aspirin, can inhibit enzyme activity.

Where Do Enzymes Come From?

Enzymes are sourced from plants, animals, or microbes:

• Plant enzymes (like bromelain and papain) work across a wide pH range but digest only certain proteins.
• Animal enzymes (like pepsin and pancreatin) work in a narrow pH range and digest limited food groups.
• Microbial enzymes are the most versatile—they function across a broad pH range and break down all food groups.

Understanding pH in Digestion

The digestive tract has varying pH levels:

• Saliva: pH 6.5–7.5
• Upper stomach (fundus): pH 4.0–6.5 — where predigestion begins
• Lower stomach: pH 1.5–4.0 — where hydrochloric acid and pepsin take over
• Small intestine: pH 7.0–8.5 — where 90% of nutrient absorption occurs
• Colon: pH 4.0–7.0

This shifting pH landscape determines which enzymes can function at each stage.

The Enzyme Pyramid and a Lifetime of Digestion

The human body was designed to thrive on raw, enzyme‑rich foods. When we eat raw foods, their natural enzymes help “predigest” the meal before the body’s own enzymes step in.

But when we rely heavily on cooked, processed, or pasteurized foods—foods stripped of natural enzymes—the body must supply all the enzymes needed for digestion. Over time, this drains the lower levels of the Enzyme Pyramid:

1. Food enzymes (from raw foods)
2. Digestive enzymes (produced by the body)
3. Metabolic enzymes (responsible for all internal functions)

According to the Law of Adaptive Secretion (1943), the body produces only the enzymes it absolutely needs. After years of enzyme‑deficient eating, the body can exhaust its digestive enzyme reserves. This often leads to symptoms like:

• Acid reflux
• Bloating
• Gas
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Nausea

These issues aren’t caused by too much stomach acid—they’re often signs of too few enzymes.

When digestive enzymes run low, the body begins pulling from its metabolic enzyme supply. This is where deeper health issues may emerge, especially if there are genetic predispositions such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. Metabolic enzymes are essential for repair, immunity, and overall vitality—so depleting them accelerates aging and deterioration.

Why Supplementing Digestive Enzymes Helps

Taking digestive enzymes with meals can support the body by easing the digestive workload and helping restore balance. Benefits often include improved digestion, reduced discomfort, and better nutrient absorption.

Dark Chocolate, Health, and Weight Loss

Dark chocolate has long been a favorite indulgence, but recent research suggests it may offer more than just great flavor. Several studies now point to potential health benefits when it’s enjoyed in moderation.

A Harvard University study found that people who regularly consumed dark chocolate lived, on average, about a year longer than those who didn’t. Meanwhile, researchers at Dundee University reported that volunteers who ate dark chocolate reduced their risk of developing blood clots by nearly 75 percent.

So what makes dark chocolate so special? The answer lies in flavonoids—natural compounds found in cocoa. These plant‑based antioxidants are believed to support a variety of health functions, from improving circulation to reducing inflammation.

Of course, balance is key. Most dark chocolate comes packaged as high‑calorie candy, and eating too much can easily lead to weight gain, overshadowing any potential benefits. A small portion is all you need to enjoy the perks without the pitfalls.

It’s also important to note that milk chocolate and white chocolate don’t offer the same nutritional advantages. If you’re looking for a treat that aligns with your health goals, choosing dark chocolate is a simple way to make your indulgence work a little harder for you.

Hungry? Eat Chocolate!

Dark Chocolate Fights Hunger

This is taken from Health magazine

Chocolate isn’t great for your waistline—two bites pack about 50 calories—but the dark kind may help you feel fuller, University of Copenhagen researchers say. They found that people who ate dark chocolate had fewer cravings afterward than those who ate milk chocolate.

The reason: Dark chocolate helps the body regulate appetite, its higher amount of cocoa butter (it has stearic acid, which can slow digestion) may make the stomach stay full longer.

Crohn’s Disease 

Crohn’s Disease is a condition in which the small intestine is attacked by white blood cells and scavenger cells—cells that normally play a role in the body’s natural defenses. In many cases, Crohn’s Disease is believed to be caused by a food allergy, most commonly to wheat, dairy, or soy.

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Testing for Food Sensitivities

A first step is determining whether you may be sensitive to wheat. One method sometimes used is a simple at‑home “pulse test.”

How to Do the Pulse Test

1. When you first wake up—before eating or drinking anything—take your pulse.
2. Eat something high in whole wheat.
3. Take your pulse again at:
   • 15 minutes
   • 30 minutes
   • 1 hour
4. During this hour, drink only water and avoid all other food or beverages.
5. Stay relaxed during the test; it’s best to remain in bed until the hour is complete.

If your pulse increases, this may indicate sensitivity to wheat. In that case, a different approach to treating Crohn’s Disease may be needed.

The next day, repeat the same test using milk to check for a possible dairy allergy.

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Treatment Approach for Crohn’s Disease

The following supplements are listed as part of the treatment plan:

• Vitamin A: 300,000 IU per day as beta carotene
• Folic Acid: 5–10 mg, three times daily
• Vitamin B‑12: 1,000 mcg per day
• Vitamin C: to bowel tolerance (increase the dose until it causes diarrhea, then reduce slightly)
• Calcium: 2,000 mg per day
• Magnesium: 1,000 mg per day
• Selenium: 300 mcg, three times daily
• Chromium: 75 mcg, three times daily
• Zinc: 50 mg, three times daily
• Plus: a good multivitamin

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Cholesterol Facts: What You May Not Know

Cholesterol often gets a bad reputation, but it plays a far more important role in the body than most people realize. In fact, many of your essential hormones and protective structures depend on it.

Cholesterol: The Master Building Block

Cholesterol is the foundation for several major hormone groups:

• 95% of male sex hormones
• 95% of female sex hormones
• 95% of adrenal hormones

All of these are made from a single master steroid—cholesterol.
Your body produces only about 10% of the cholesterol it needs. The remaining 90% must come from dietary sources.

When the adrenal glands become fatigued or overworked, the body may struggle to maintain adequate cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol and the Brain

The brain relies heavily on cholesterol. About 75% of the brain’s myelin—the protective sheath around nerves—is made entirely from cholesterol. This makes cholesterol essential for healthy nerve function and communication.

What Can Cause Elevated Cholesterol?

Cholesterol levels can rise for many reasons. Some contributing factors include:

• Low levels of Vitamin B3 (niacin)
• Omega‑3 fatty acid deficiency
• Chromium deficiency
• Vanadium deficiency
• Low thyroid function
• Diabetes
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)

Lifestyle factors also play a major role. In many developed countries, the most common contributors to dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol levels) include:

• A sedentary lifestyle
• Diets high in saturated fats and trans fats
• Overuse of alcohol
• Chronic kidney disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Certain liver conditions
• Specific medications such as thiazides, beta‑blockers, retinoids, antiretroviral drugs, estrogen/progestins, and glucocorticoids

Trans fats—often found in processed foods—are particularly concerning because they behave similarly to saturated fats in the body.

Diabetes and Cholesterol: A Significant Connection

Diabetes is one of the most impactful secondary causes of abnormal cholesterol levels. Many individuals with diabetes experience a pattern known as diabetic dyslipidemia, which often includes:

• High triglycerides
• Small, dense LDL particles
• Low HDL (“good”) cholesterol

This combination can increase cardiovascular risk. Factors such as obesity, poor blood sugar control, and increased free fatty acids can contribute to this pattern. Lifestyle habits—like high caloric intake and low physical activity—can make it worse.

Women with diabetes may face an even higher risk of heart‑related complications from these lipid changes.

Testing and Evaluation

Certain tests may be recommended in specific situations, such as:

• Lp(a) levels for individuals with early cardiovascular disease or unusually high LDL
• C‑reactive protein or homocysteine levels for additional risk assessment

To check for secondary causes of dyslipidemia, healthcare providers may evaluate:

• Fasting glucose
• Liver enzymes
• Creatinine
• Thyroid‑stimulating hormone (TSH)
• Urinary protein

These tests help identify underlying conditions that may be influencing cholesterol levels.

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 Chocolate Again Linked to Better Heart Health

Increased intakes of chocolate may decrease the risk of a heart attack victim from dying from heart related problems, this according to a joint US – Swedish study.

Eating chocolate two or more times per week was associated with a 66 per cent reduction in cardiac mortality, while less frequent consumption was also associated with smaller decreases in risk, this information has been published in the Journal of Internal Medicine.

The health benefits of antioxidant rich chocolate have received much recognition in recent years, with positive findings from a number of studies impacting on consumer awareness. In the European Union, milk chocolate has to contain a minimum of 25 per cent of cocoa solids, and dark chocolate 35 per cent.

Calcium May Promote Healthy Body Weight

Low dietary intakes of calcium may increase the prevalence of being overweight or obesity by 24 percent, according to a new study from Brazil.

The study results showed that people with the lowest average intakes (less than 265 mg) were 24 percent more likely to be overweight, compared to people who consumed at least 593 mg of calcium per day.

“In the present study, higher mean calcium intakes were also observed among women with normal weight who were non-smokers, practiced physical activity, and had higher educational levels,” Milena Baptista Bueno, the lead researcher.

The Silent Battle Inside Your Body: Antioxidants vs. Free Radicals

Antioxidants and Free Radicals: What You Need to Know

We hear a lot about antioxidants these days, but the conversation doesn’t make much sense until we understand what they’re up against: free radicals.

What Are Free Radicals?

Free radicals are molecules missing an electron—an imbalance that makes them highly unstable. In their quest to regain stability, they steal electrons from nearby molecules, damaging whatever they touch. This can include enzymes, proteins, DNA strands, and even entire cells. Once this process starts, it can trigger a chain reaction of cellular damage.

Researchers have linked free radicals to a wide range of health concerns, including premature aging, stroke, heart disease, arthritis, and certain cancers. They come from both outside and inside the body.

External Sources of Free Radicals

Many environmental factors contribute to free radical formation, such as:

• Air pollution and smog
• Cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes
• Industrial chemicals, herbicides, and pesticides
• Radiation and electronic equipment
• Hydrogenated oils (like margarine and shortening)
• Certain polyunsaturated oils

Internal Sources

Our bodies also produce free radicals naturally through:

• Oxygen metabolism
• Stress
• Aging
• Illness
• Vigorous exercise
• Trauma or injury

In other words, free radicals are unavoidable—but that’s where antioxidants come in.

What Are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants act as the body’s defense system. They neutralize free radicals by donating the missing electron, stopping the chain reaction before more damage occurs. Because of this, antioxidants are often described as “scavengers.”

The body produces some of its own antioxidant enzymes, but these require minerals and nutrients—many of which come from food and plants—to function effectively.

Common Antioxidant Sources

You’re probably familiar with the classic antioxidant nutrients:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Beta-carotene
• Selenium
• Zinc

In recent years, scientists have also identified powerful plant-based antioxidants called oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). Found in grape seed extract and pine bark, OPCs are considered 20 to 50 times more potent than traditional antioxidants and are non-toxic.

Health Benefits of OPCs

Research suggests OPCs may offer a wide range of benefits, including:

• Lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and supporting heart health
• Reducing platelet aggregation, which may help prevent arteriosclerosis
• Strengthening and improving the elasticity of blood vessels
• Supporting collagen repair for healthier, more resilient skin
• Easing symptoms of varicose veins and PMS
• Reducing inflammation and swelling
• Supporting brain function, including memory
• Helping reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy

Why Antioxidants Matter More Than Ever

Today’s world exposes us to more stressors and toxins than ever before—polluted air, nutrient-depleted foods, fast-paced lifestyles, and constant environmental chemicals. All of these factors increase free radical production.

That’s why supporting your body with a steady supply of antioxidants is essential. They help protect your cells, slow the aging process, and support overall health in a world where oxidative stress is hard to avoid.

Why Are So Many Athletes Collapsing? The Answer Is Hard to Ignore.

Did You Know?

An estimated 100,000 athletes between the ages of 13 and 30 drop dead during or shortly after exercise every year.

When you break down the numbers, the pattern becomes even more alarming:

• 30–35% of these deaths are caused by ruptured aneurysms
• 60% are linked to cardiomyopathies

These aren’t random tragedies — they point to a deeper, systemic issue.

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Real‑World Cases That Raised Red Flags

Reggie Lewis – Age 27

The Boston Celtics star collapsed during the playoffs and was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. Despite medical care, he died three months later.

Evander Holyfield

Holyfield was temporarily banned from boxing due to cardiomyopathy. After his physician consulted with Dr. Joel Wallach and added selenium and his 90 For Life supplement program to his regimen, Holyfield’s heart function improved. Seven months later, he was cleared to fight again — and ultimately reclaimed the world heavyweight title.

Buster Douglas

The former heavyweight champion developed brittle diabetes, which Dr. Wallach attributed to chromium and vanadium deficiencies.

Female College Gymnasts

Dr. Wallach reported that 62% of the female college gymnasts he tested were anorexic. Hair analysis revealed a consistent zinc deficiency.

• Those who supplemented with the full spectrum of 90 essential nutrients recovered and returned to competition within weeks.
• Those who relied solely on psychiatric counseling tragically did not survive.

Theo Ratliff – NBA All‑Star

Theo Ratliff’s career was nearly ended by severe injuries — including a broken wrist, ankle issues, and knee problems. After being told his career was essentially over, he was introduced to Dr. Wallach’s nutritional approach.

Ratliff credits targeted mineral and nutrient supplementation for restoring his strength, rebuilding bone density, and allowing him to return to the NBA. He went on to sign a $35 million contract and continued playing for years. His story became one of the most frequently cited examples of athletic recovery linked to Dr. Wallach’s protocols.

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The Common Thread

Athletes sweat — a lot.

And sweat isn’t just water. It’s electrolytes and minerals, many of which are essential for heart function, nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and vascular integrity.

Without proper replacement, deficiencies accumulate.
And when the body is pushed to its limits, those deficiencies can become catastrophic.

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Dr. Joel Wallach’s Warning

“The ever increasing rate and severity of disease, injury and death in exercise buffs and athletes — from preschoolers to professionals — may look like bad luck when viewed individually. In reality, it’s a red flag. Exercise without proper mineral supplementation is, in fact, self‑destructive.”

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