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| Fish Oil Capsules – Can They Replace Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs? |
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Let's face it. When it comes to heart health, some sources say that fish oil capsules can never replace cholesterol-lowering drugs. This article is not intended to be medical advice. But, anyone that is considering cholesterol-lowering statin drugs should be aware of a few facts.
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Fish Oil Capsules – Can They Replace Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs?
Author: Laurel Cohen
Let's face it. When it comes to heart health, some sources say that fish oil capsules can never replace cholesterol-lowering drugs. This article is not intended to be medical advice. But, anyone that is considering cholesterol-lowering statin drugs should be aware of a few facts.
First of all, statins can decrease cholesterol production to the point that uncomfortable or even dangerous side effects are noted. People have experienced depression and sexual dysfunction, aphasia and muscle pain while on the drugs. Once the drugs were stopped, the symptoms stopped.
The muscle pain is a common side effect that can be deadly. It is caused by a lack of coenzyme Q10 in the muscles.
Statins work by interfering with a biochemical pathway that ends with the production of cholesterol. This is the same biochemical pathway through which coenzyme Q10 is produced.
Coenzyme Q10 has never been classified as an "essential" nutrient. The essential nutrients are those that must be present in the diet; vitamin A, C, D and E are examples.
Non-essential nutrients are those that can be produced within the body. Coenzyme Q10 is naturally produced within the body. But, statins can decrease COQ10 levels by 40% or more.
Fish oil capsules do not interfere with the body's production of COQ10. Supplementation has been shown to increase good HDL cholesterol levels and decrease bad LDL cholesterol levels.
At larger doses, the supplements have been shown to lower fats or triglycerides in the bloodstream. The prescription drug LOVAZA is simply purified fish oil. It is approved by the US FDA for the treatment of very high triglycerides.
There is actually a great deal of controversy surrounding the use of statin drugs. There is even some controversy concerning the relationship between high cholesterol and heart disease.
The plaque that causes hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis is composed of fat. There is no doubt about that. But, the fat has become oxidized. When oxidation is involved, a lack of beneficial antioxidants is usually involved.
Research indicates that some fish oil capsules have antioxidant activity. There are other benefits to the heart, as well.
The supplement has natural anti-coagulant activity, meaning that it thins the blood and reduces the risk of blood clots. They help to stabilize irregular heartbeats, as well.
In addition to all of the benefits to the heart, there are dozens of benefits to other parts of the body. To say that fish oil capsules cannot replace statin-drugs may or may not be true. Recent research seems to indicate that statins are not that beneficial. But, the mainstream medical community is still sold on them.
Personally, I am sold on the benefits of omega-3s. As long as you choose a good brand, there are benefits to every part of the body, particularly the brain.
Make no mistake about it. An omega-3 called DHA is essential for normal brain health and function. It is only found in fatty fish, some kinds of seafood and marine algae. If you don't eat those foods or take fish oil capsules, you're not getting any DHA.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/fish-oil-capsules-can-they-replace-cholesterollowering-drugs-2081197.html
About the AuthorLaurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.
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Posted on Apr 04, 2010 22:16pm by admin
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