Following a routine trip to the doctor, I was informed that my cholesterol was higher than it should be. To address it quickly, I was prescribed statins. While I was eager to lower my cholesterol, my experience with statins turned out to be less than ideal.
The Challenge with Statins
Within just four days of starting the medication, I began experiencing widespread muscle aches, extreme lethargy, and a lack of motivation to complete even the simplest tasks. The fatigue weighed heavily on me, both physically and emotionally, leaving me feeling low and unmotivated. As someone who enjoys working out and staying active, these side effects were a dealbreaker. I decided to stop taking them and explore alternative ways to manage my cholesterol.
Knowing that statins are often considered a lifelong medication, I felt determined to try a different approach. Muscle fatigue was a listed side effect, and I wanted to avoid the added stress it placed on my body. So, I started researching natural methods to lower cholesterol.
The Good Old-Fashioned Way
My first step was to identify and cut back on the foods contributing to high LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol). This meant saying goodbye—or at least “see you later”—to some of my favorite treats, like cheese and crisps. While it wasn’t easy, I knew it was necessary for my long-term health. I do however allow myself the occasional treat, but make a conscious effort not to include them in my weekly shop.
During my research, I came across plant-based sterols, which are compounds found in plants that can help reduce cholesterol levels by blocking its absorption in the intestines. Intrigued, I decided to explore this route further.
Talking to My Doctor
Before diving into plant-based sterols, I spoke with my doctor, who confirmed that this was a viable option. However, they explained that while sterols can help lower cholesterol and are something chosen by many people as a way of avoiding traditional statins, there isn’t enough conclusive research to determine if they provide the same level of heart protection as statins. This means that not enough money had been invested into this type of research, because quite frankly pharma wouldn’t make serious money out of it! Despite this, I felt confident in giving this approach a try.
Choosing the Right Supplement
The next step was finding a supplement that worked for me. After reading hundreds of reviews, I discovered that many products required taking up to five large capsules a day—not ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to consume a large amount of tablets. Finally, I came across a trusted UK brand called British Supplements, which offers a Plant-Based Sterol supplement requiring just two tablets daily. You can check it out here. This was exactly what I needed.
The Results So Far
Alongside making dietary tweaks and introducing the plant-based sterols, I recently went for another blood test. The results showed that my cholesterol had dropped from 6.5 to 5 in just two months. While I still have more progress to make, this improvement has been incredibly encouraging. It’s safe to say I’ll be sticking with this approach for the foreseeable future.
Final Thoughts
Managing cholesterol naturally isn’t always the easiest path, but it’s been incredibly rewarding for me. Its probably the first time I have said no to medical advice from my GP. By making mindful changes to my diet and incorporating plant-based sterols, I’ve been able to take control of my health in a way that feels sustainable and empowering.
If you’re considering alternatives to statins, I encourage you to do your research, consult with your doctor, and find a plan that works for your lifestyle. Small, consistent changes can make a big lifetime difference.
