Reduce Inflammation Naturally, Crestor Alternatives

One of the top stories in the news this week has been a large study that suggests millions of people could benefit from taking cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins, even if they have low cholesterol, because the drugs can significantly lower their risk of heart attacks, strokes and death.

Statins work to reduce both inflammation and low-density or LDL cholesterol, also associated with coronary heart disease.

AstraZeneca, maker of Crestor, generic name rosuvastatin, funded The Jupiter Trial. A long-term trial that involved nearly 18,000 people worldwide tested rosuvastatin 20 mg in men and women who did not have a history of high cholesterol or heart disease.

What they did have was high levels of a protein called high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), or CRP, which indicates arterial inflammation in the body.

Researchers found the risk of heart attack was cut by more than half for people who took statins. Those people were also nearly 50 percent less likely to suffer a stroke or need bypass surgery, and 20 percent decrease in death from all causes compared to those who were given a placebo.

As a result of the study, experts predict that millions of seemingly healthy individuals will start getting screened for inflammation using a blood test called high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and millions of them will be put on statins to combat inflammation as a result.

However, patients who have high CRP, but are otherwise healthy, should start out slow and carefully consider the benefits and risks associated with statins before deciding to take them.

A few simple lifestyle changes can help you naturally lower excess inflammation, as well as your heart disease risk:

Fish, Olive Oil & Nuts. Studies have shown that a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids such as olive oil, fruits and vegetables, nuts, beans and whole grains, helps reduce inflammation.

Quit Smoking. Smoking hardens arteries and can send CRP levels spiraling. But research shows you can reverse the damaging effects within ten years if you quit today.

Shake It Up. Finding the motivation to exercise can be a challenge, but it helps to lower inflammation without the side effects accompanied by most medications. And the good news is you don’t need to do much. A bike ride, brisk walk or swimming for 30 minutes, 5 days a week is all you need. Not too bad.

Shrink the Middle. Losing a few inches off the waist by practicing portion control and daily activity can go a long way to helping. Women with a waistline bigger than 35 inches and men 40 inches, most likely have high inflammation.

Let it Go. Take a deep breath and move on. High levels of hormones can lead to the release of inflammatory chemicals. Finding just a few minutes to relax is important for your health. Meditation, deep breathing or a good ole hot bubble bath with your favorite candles can help you forget your worries and R-E-L-A-X.

Get your ZZZ’s. Studies have shown lack of sleep (six or less hours) or too much (more than eight hours) results in inflammation. Most adults require between seven and eight hours of sleep every night, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Doctors meeting this week at the American Heart Association’s annual gathering in New Orleans are talking about a new, simple, low-cost blood test that might be added to regular medical exams to assess heart disease.

Even when there are no outward symptoms of heart problems, the test detects a risk of heart disease and stroke risk and might indicate a patient should begin statin drugs. #