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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.