q1
Comment: From (We have withheld the name). (Subject: Gastric bypass surgery...)Editors Note: This is an email that was directed to Nicolien which we thought many of our readers would be interested in reviewing...
Thank you for your frank answers to my questions, re: gastric bypass surgery. No, you did not sound too negative. After considering your responses and what I learned from additional research regarding surgical complications that can result in death, I have decided not to have gastric bypass surgery.
My doctor is pleased with the 10 lbs. that I have lost over the past 3 months due to changes in my eating behaviors and I have decided to continue on this path to loose the next 200 pounds. It will just take longer to achieve my goal.
Now, hold on to your hat. In spring 2004, my doctor prescribed Zocor for me because my cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and Triglycerides were all out of the normal ranges. After I had taken the first 30-day prescription, I did not renew the Zocor because I had read about the negative side effects of the statin drugs and was experiencing muscle soreness. I started searching for alternatives to reduce my risk of heart attack and stroke without the use of statin drugs. I started using olive oil for cooking and for salad dressing.
In October 2004, I began taking your Cholesterol Formula and Total Balance Men's Plus. I took double doses of your Cholesterol Formula during November 2004 and December 2004. At my annual check-up, in December 2004, my cholesterol was 161, HDL was 36, LDL was 109, and Triglycerides was 78.
Due to what I learned on your web site about heart attack and stroke prevention, I had my doctor check two other indicators: My Homocysteine was 11 and my C-Reactive Protein was 1.51. My doctor was amazed that I had achieved these results without taking Zocor.
Thank you for your excellent products and your frank advice.
back to top
Question: From Tod. (Subject: Molecular distillation vs Filtration of fish oil...)q2
What is molecular distillation and how is it done? Is this different from carbon filtering of fish oil products and if so, what is the difference, i.e. pros and cons as it relates to molecular distillation?
Answer: From Warren.
Molecular distillation is a series of plates. Different temperatures and pressure are used to "distil" off different molecular weights. In our system the shorter chain fatty acids are distilled off first followed by the longer chain unsaturated fatty acids ie Omega 3's.
It is a controlled process to enhance the concentration of omega 3's. Any contaminants present are distilled off in the last fraction. This is the best system to generate concentrated pure omega 3s.
As for carbon filtration, this is a system used primarily to 'clean up' the oil. Different sized filters may be used to separate the different molecular weights. In that regard the methods can be compared with water. Distilled water is the purest water that is possible to get, whereas filtered water can vary widely in its purity and level of contaminant depending upon the quality and type of filters used.
back to top
Question: From Wayne. (Subject: Red rice extract and muscle pain...)q3
I was taking statin drugs such as Zocor and Crestor for high cholesterol. I stopped taking these drugs because of muscle pain. As expected my cholesterol became very high over 300. Since using your Natural Cholesterol Formula my cholesterol is in the normal range once again.
However, I still have muscle pain that I believe is the lingering effect of the statin drugs. However, my doctor says that the red rice bran is made from red rice yeast and that this is causing my muscle pain. Is he right? If not, do you know of anything to ease my muscle pain.
Answer: From Nicolien.
The rice bran oil in our formula is not made of red rice yeast, but of rice bran. It is an easy mistake to make. The Rice bran oil which we use, contains beta-sitosterol and other phytosterols that are used to reduce cholesterol absorption. It also contains alpha-linolenic acid, as well as gamma oryzanol and Tocotrienols, which have been found in human studies to reduce total cholesterol and triglycerides.
Oryzanol acts in three ways:
By increasing fecal bile acid excretion
Conversion of cholesterol to bile acids
Inhibition of cholesterol absorption.
It also inhibits platelet aggregation and may decrease early atherosclerosis. The Rice Bran oil used in our Cholesterol formula is exceptionally pure oil from a US manufacturer with high levels of gamma oryzanol and Tocotrienols. It has no side effects.
Red Rice Yeast is a different product that we would not sell, as this works in a similar way to statin drugs. It contains naturally occurring statin molecules (lovastatin), which also occur in oyster mushrooms. 2400mg of Red Yeast Rice provides about 10mg of active statin molecules.
Because the active ingredient is the same molecule as with statin drugs, it has the same potential for side effects. It may also cause elevated liver enzymes and muscle wasting (rhabdomyolysis).
I am not sure what you can do to ease you muscle pain, but it would be best to work this out with your doctor. You may need to have a blood test to establish your liver enzyme levels. You may be still having after effects from the statins.
back to top
Important notice: All material provided is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not to be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken solely on the contents of this publication. Consult your physician or a qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health and wellbeing or on any opinions expressed within this newsletter. The information provided in this newsletter is believed to be accurate based on the best judgment of the editor but the reader is responsible for consulting with their own health professional on any matters raised within.
