It never ceases to amaze me when people find it surprising that bad things happen when you rely on dangerous chemicals (aka prescription drugs) to create “false health.”

Statins are a perfect example. 

Statins aim to reduce the amount of cholesterol floating around in your bloodstream.  Elevated cholesterol levels are one of the several factors that can come together to create a “perfect storm” in your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease.

Notice I said elevated cholesterol is merely ONE factor—inflammation is the primary culprit—but statin manufacturers would like you to believe cholesterol is the only one so you become a customer for life. 

Statins “work” by reducing your liver’s production of cholesterol. They block an enzyme called HMG-CoA Reductase that your liver uses to manufacture the waxy substance.

And if you don’t think monkeying with your liver is going to have any serious consequences, there’s a bridge in Brooklyn I’d like to sell you.

The latest statin consequence—aggression and rage

The better-known side effects of statins include death (the ultimate side effect), muscle pain and weakness, incapacitation, kidney failure, type 2 diabetes, memory loss, pancreatic inflammation, sexual dysfunction, gallstones, poor digestion, low energy and abnormal heart rhythm.

Well, now thousands of statin users (or their loved ones) are reporting statin-associated behavioral changes including:

• Aggression
• Irritability
• Hostility
• Paranoia
• Homicidal ideation
• Road rage-like behavior
• Depression
• Suicidal ideation

Why in the world?

You may be wondering why statins could be causing behavioral changes such as these.

Well, the answer is quite simple. 

First of all, cholesterol is not an optional, or worse yet, “bad” substance in your body—it is a crucial part of your overall health from head to toe and you can’t just flick it off like a light switch! 

In your body, cholesterol functions as an antioxidant protects you against cancer, repairs wounds, and tears in your arteries, it’s vital for your brain and nervous system, and it’s needed for your body to make hormones, vitamin D and serotonin, to name a few.

In this case, it plays a role in the signaling between your cells.  All of your cells have what is called the Golgi apparatus, which controls vital cell interactions. Scientists have found that cholesterol helps provide a sort of "scaffolding" protein which is crucial to the control of signaling pathways within the Golgi apparatus.

Researchers have observed that when cholesterol was lowered by any means, degradation of the Golgi signaling pathways resulted…which can ultimately affect your state of mind and behavior!

A smarter, FAR safer approach

The good news is you can safely and naturally help promote a healthy cholesterol level in your body—a level which is not dangerously excessive, but at the same time will help support strong physical and mental health!

And remember that the real culprit behind increased heart disease risk is inflammation in your arteries, so that’s something you should concentrate on if that’s your concern.

Here are some measures that can help you achieve these important goals:

Start with your diet.  Eat wholesome REAL foods and ditch the refined carbs and sodas.  And don’t buy into the “all saturated fat is bad” BS either—that was created by vegetable oil companies who make a lot of money selling you their rancid creations and toxic kinds of margarine.  Your body needs saturated fats, so go ahead and have a 3-4 oz. serving of meat (preferably organic) or butter on your vegetables.

Make sure you have adequate levels of anti-inflammatory omega-3 essential fatty acids by supplementing with a top-quality fish oil formula.  (Be sure to talk to your doctor first if you’re on a blood thinner like Warfarin.)

Get regular exercise.  Nothing is more effective to help control your blood pressure and your weight (other common heart disease risks) than working up a sweat at least 3-4 times a week.  Just be sure to get your doctor’s OK—trust me, he or she will be thrilled.

Supplement with probiotics.  Your liver naturally controls your cholesterol level by eliminating old, worn-out cholesterol through the intestinal tract, but in order for it to effectively do so, a healthy intestinal environment and regular bowel movements are crucial.  Supplementing with probiotics can help support your body’s efforts by encouraging healthy BMs and repopulating your supply of helpful intestinal bacteria.