Is policosanol, does it work?

[hersheycat]

I have been taking policosanol for about 5 months, 1 tab with dinner. Latest bloodwork shows an increase. Not sure by how much. Will find out next week during Dr. visit. My numbers have been borderline for a year. I had gone completely off my LC regimen and suspect that had a lot to do with it.
I just went back on Atikins induction beginning of June. Should I continue with policosanol? How long until the cholesterol numbers drop. I am dead set against statins after my husbands experience with Lipitor. :help:
Any input would be helpful.

[kebaldwin]

http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/pol_0207.shtml

http://www.vitacost.com/articleResults.aspx?Ntk=articles&.y=5&ss=1&.x=10&Ntt=Policosanol

http://www.lef.org/prod_hp/abstracts/php-ab554.html

My cholesterol dropped about in half in about 2 months. But I am extremely low carb and high supllements.

I agree you should do everything you can to avoid the cholesterol lowering prescription drugs.

What other supplements are you taking?

You should take a high quality "mega" multi-vitamin. Something better than a "one-a-day" or "synergy".

Then take plenty of fish oil. If you are a lady (can't check right now) you might try GLA (borage oil) also.

garlic is good for cholesterol

cholesterol references include:

http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcl-032.shtml

http://www.vitacost.com/articleResults.aspx?Ntk=articles&.y=4&.x=16&previousText=cholesterol&ss=1&Ntt=cholesterol

[hersheycat]

Okay, thanks for that. I take multi vitamins..have since going on Atkins. I'll look into upping the quality. Tried the fish oil. Had a bad reaction to it. Also take about 1500 extra calcium to control cramps in my feet. That started with the lo carbing. Right now I'm going through a severe bout of sciatica...degenerative spine (whatever that means) Getting a bunch of tests this week. I'll have lots of answers by next week. But with all the fasting for the tests, I have dumped another couple of pounds. Will keep you posted. I still think that I had my cholesterol checked to soon after starting back on LC ...I know it will lower with the weight loss. It's borderline anyway but with all my other "borderline" numbers..compounded with my age and high blood pressure it gives me a percentage that isn't acceptable by the new standards. Ciao

[kebaldwin]

Take magnesium and potassium for cramping. For magnesium you can try supplements, natural deodarant, Epsom salts (for your bath or foot bath), etc.

For potassium, forget supplements since tablets are 99 mg each and you need like 3,500 mg per day. Go to your grocery store and get "salt substitute" whose main ingredient should day potassium.

Regarding the fish oil -- it may have been rancid. That happened to me once and I'm still trying to get over it. You could try a blend of omega 3s. Or fish oil capsules are usually not rancid if you keep them in a cool place.

Usually about two months on low carb diet and supplements will get your blood readings in the good range.

[hersheycat]

Thanks again for the good advice. I will try the potassium in the salt substitute. I no longer eat bananas because of the LC, so I have cut out one source. The calcium does help and I understand the quinine in tonic water works as well. (Personally I like mine with a little gin and a twist :0)
The fish oil came from GNC. It acted like a purgative..the type they might give you for a colonoscopy prep. Total cleanout.
Both times I tried it, that happened...then I tried it again a couple of weeks later...same thing...So I canned that idea...if you'll pardon the pun.
I remember that cod liver oil was the big thing when we were kids...got it all winter long...liquid form...tasted like fish spearmint...ghastly stuff...I don't remember having any problem with that...other than trying to swallow it.
I will drop a note on this forum when I talk to the doc next week. think I'll have her book me for more blood work in a month. Lets see if 3 months on atkins and, so far, 12 pounds weight loss will make the difference...
Cheers