It seems the world of conventional medicine is in a predicament: The very same anti-inflammatory drugs, known as COX-2 inhibitors (proven to increase cardiovascular risks) have been found to lower lethal C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.
CRP has been discovered to be as powerful an indicator of heart disease as high cholesterol. Linked to inflammation, it is noted that the higher the level of this protein, the greater the risk of heart attacks. In fact, some researchers have suggested CRP itself might be the culprit behind heart disease.
The Dilemma
Vioxx, the COX-2 inhibitor pulled from the market due to its cardiovascular-related side effects, was found (only a month prior to its removal) to cut CRP levels in half. The drug was shown to reverse CRP levels from that of a danger zone to an exceptional level. Similarly, Celebrex, also linked to heart attacks yet still on the market, has been found to lower high levels of CRP.
Such contradictory properties of these drugs are merely one of the medical and ethical quandaries discovered. Studies also indicated that cholesterol-lowering drugs, known as statins, as well as aspirin, might drive CRP levels down in patients suffering from severe heart disease.
The Answer
Although the drugs mentioned above are said to lower dangerous CRP levels, one doctor explains, "We cannot assume that just because something lowers CRP it's a good thing." Thus, the standard advice for the public to achieve normal, healthy CRP levels is to:
Wilmington Star-News January 7, 2005
With all the bad publicity drugs such as COX-2 inhibitors have been getting lately, it's no wonder drug companies are scrambling to advertise their products as a way to lower CRP levels. But let me remind you that almost no one needs to take dangerous COX-2 inhibitors, or other drugs for that matter such as statins, to treat cholesterol or lower CRP levels.
You see, regardless of whether or not drugs lower cholesterol and/or CRP levels, they still remain dangerous, offering a significant list of harmful side effects.
Additionally, COX-2 inhibitors have been linked to significant increases in heart attacks and stroke. Thus, in order to avoid the use of health-harming drugs while still alleviating high cholesterol and CRP levels, all you need to do is retool your diet.
The first step is to understand your body's personal metabolic type so that you can learn the best foods for you to help you fight and prevent disease. Remember, the foods that are healthy for you may not necessarily be healthy for others, and vise-versa.
You can take your free online test and adjust your diet based on the results. It is important to remember that the nutritional typing test is just a jump-start towards choosing your right foods. Ultimately, no matter what your nutritional type, you will adjust and fine-tune your food choices based upon the way you feel after you eat. The fine-tuning chart can really help you modify and adjust your diet even if the free test gave you the incorrect nutritional type
Along with eating the right foods for your body, I also suggest limiting or eliminating your intake of grains and sugars. High levels of insulin, caused by eating too many carbohydrates and sugary foods, can cause major damage to your body such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and of course, high levels of cholesterol.
The second step to lowering high cholesterol and CRP levels is to take a high-quality fish oil that is chock full of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. It is important to find a fish oil that is independently tested by a lab and found to conform to the highest purity guidelines. This will ensure that the oil is free of mercury and other toxins. One brand, which I have found to be of superior quality, is Carlson's fish and cod liver oil. You can find Carlson's at your local health food store. For your convenience we also carry this in our store.
Finally, you can start an exercise program that is tailored to your body's specific needs. Ideally, you should perform some type of aerobic exercise like an elliptical machine for about 90 minutes every day if you are overweight. Once you are at a normal weight, your exercise can be reduced to 45 minutes three or four times a week.
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