My guess is that (if you are being sincere) you went to the doctor and (As most doctor, they defer to a treatment protocol) and you had blood work done. When it came back, one of 3 things happened

1) he put you on that statin and now you are feeling the side effects and wanna get the heck off of it.

2) He put you on the statin, and soon there after you read about the side effects of it (on the internet) and wanna get the heck off of it.

3) you are just confused and seeking guidance in general.


I kinda like Nancy LC's answer:
You're just going to have to figure it out for yourself. If you're the sort who wants the assurance of a doctor, then ask a doctor, not strangers on the Internet.

If you want to read research and hear what people here think about the typical doctor advice, then ask for opinions here.

I don't know what the heck you think we can do for you. A solid reply based on what? Many of us have researched this topic a lot more than your doctor has and with far less input from vested interests, like drug company salespeople.

That said, I will share my story for what it is worth.. Disclaimer, I am not a doctor although I play one on the internet from time to time. Also I am not advocating ANYTHING. I am only providing my story.

So here goes, having been fit for most of life, over the last 5 or so years I began to spend more time eating pastas and desserts and less time exercising and enjoying life. I went to the doctor 3 and a half months ago and took a physical with blood work. My Cholesterol was 262. My doctor (Following the standard treatment protocol) recommended a 5mg statin. Being the rational skeptic that I am, I started research. I found this forum, read like hell and then embarked on a modified low carb plan. My Goals were 2 fold, primarily to lose weight to feel good again and have more energy and to also lower my cholesterol.. (And, well I'd say a 3rd reason was to look good for my wife). Aside from cholesterol I am low risk for heart issues as my blood pressure is very good, and have limited family history of heart issues. I embarked on a modified low carb diet. I eliminated virtually all refined sugar products (drinks, desserts et al). I limited my complex carbs to about 100 grams a day and it consisted of high fiber beans, flax seed, and oatmeal. With the reduction in calories, I had to make up for them elsewhere by increasing my fats, which I did through increased consumption of Good Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Avocados, and Almonds. I also changed my meat eating habits to leaner cuts and also more fatty fish (but I continued eating virtually every meat available to include red meat, homemade sopressata, pork etc) . Did I CHEAT!.. Heck yes, once a weak I would eat a thin crust pizza (using 4 oz doughball) and I would have a couple drinks on occasion.

My results where a drop in my cholesterol number to 200 (down from 262). I would assume, that if I maintain these eating habits I will gradually fall a bit further (the Guidelines I was given was Total Cholesterol of >199, so I am a tick away, which is good enough for government work if you ask me).

So, I would have never thought it possible.. I am doing 3-4 shots of olive oil a day to maintain a calorie level, am eating boat loads of avocados and almonds and my cholesterol went down 23%..

That's my story and I am sticking 2 it!