DRUGS WITH INTERACTION

 

CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING DRUGS WITH INTERACTION

GOOD CHOLESTEROL

Cholesterol is needed in many important places in the human body. In addition to its function as a stabilizer of the cell membrane, the body's production of essential hormones is worth mentioning. These hormones, made up of cholesterol, are the sex hormones such as progesterone, testosterone, and estradiol. They have diverse effects on muscle building, the menstrual cycle, reproduction, and, in general, sexual function.

Cholesterol is formed in the adrenal glands, which are vital for our functioning. The body's cortisol for regulating blood sugar and the dampening function of the immune system and aldosterone, with the help of which blood pressure and salt excretion are adjusted, are produced primarily in the adrenal cortex. Furthermore, the bile acids for fat absorption in the small intestine consist of cholesterol structures. Finally, the starting substance for vitamin D3 formation should be mentioned: 7-dehydro-cholesterol.

Without cholesterol, human and animal life is impossible.

KEY POINT

Many successive stations are involved in the process of building up cholesterol. A long chain of metabolic steps is lined up like inflow work. The central point is called HMG-CoA reductase, a biocatalyst. At this point, adjustments are made as required: it is adjusted when more cholesterol is needed, and it is reduced when enough is already available.

STRESS

For example, to cope with strenuous physical or mental work, the blood pressure and blood sugar are raised so that our muscles and brains are adequately supplied with blood and sugar. Since the stress hormone cortisol makes for a more extended adaptation, the starting substance cholesterol must also be replenished. So if the stress continues, blood cholesterol will rise. Therefore, the biologically thinking doctor will recommend that his patient with an elevated cholesterol level reflect on his stressors.

INHIBIT BIOSYNTHESIS: STATINS

The critical point in cholesterol synthesis also serves as a starting point for cholesterol-lowering statins. This intervenes directly in the body's regulation and inhibits production.

ADJACENT CONSTRUCTION SITE COENZYME Q10

Unfortunately, the critical point of cholesterol also represents a key point for the build-up of coenzyme Q10. Its biosynthesis in the human body uses the same route for a long time and is also reserved by statins. Coenzyme Q10 is significantly involved in producing the body's energy. Organs with the highest energy necessities also have the highest coenzyme Q10 concentration: muscles (heart!), Liver, and brain.

I cannot judge why pharmaceutical manufacturers do not automatically add coenzyme Q10, but I think it is due to the additional costs.

MUSCLE WEAKNESS

The most common undesirable side effect of statins is muscle weakness - possibly due to a coenzyme Q10 deficiency. The large muscles' flaw is particularly noticeable: climbing is more complicated, and sore muscles exist without exertion. The muscle loss is medically objectified by measuring the CPK (creatine phosphokinase, also CK for short) at the attending physician for three months.

INCREASE IN LIVER FUNCTION

A blood test of the liver values ​​should also be carried out when taking statins every three months. From the above, it should be clear why

RED RICE

There is an alternative to statins from naturopathic cuisine: rice is fermented red using special mushrooms called Monascus purpurea. It creates monacolin K or lovastatin—a natural cholesterol-lowering option. Due to the natural occurrence, the pharmaceutical manufacturer cannot apply for a patent. Red rice is currently classified as a dietary supplement and can be freely sold. Therefore, nutritional supplement manufacturers can refine the red rice recipes with additional substances.

BIOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS

The moral news is that apart from the conventional pharmaceutical industry, there are already sensible combinations of cholesterol-lowering red rice, to which sufficient coenzyme Q10 is already added. I estimate that 30mg of coenzyme Q10 per day is mostly enough. Most patients achieve good values ​​with this. It also seems to me to be sensible to take antioxidant protection, such as liver-protecting milk thistle.