Heart Health

Cholarest (R)

In January, 2002, there was an exciting development in the area of controlling cholesterol levels. I have shared with you on numerous occasions the dangers of cholesterol blocking drugs: everything from heart failure to liver cancer. The decision to take these drugs was truly a choice between the Devil and the deep blue sea.

Now, a new product has come to market (Cholarest(R)) with research demonstrating it is extremely effective in modifying cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol due to stress, as well as people who have the type of high cholesterol associated with Type II diabetes (non-insulin dependent). The studies consistently report significant reductions in bad cholesterol (LDL) and total cholesterol, together with significant increases in good cholesterol (HDL).

Even more impressively, Cholarest(R) not only significantly lowers cholesterol levels, but seems to have beneficial effects on other parameters of cardiovascular function, including inhibiting platelet aggregation and inhibiting the development of atherosclerosis.

In a long-term study (two years), the product was shown to be effective against peripheral arterial disease (atherosclerosis) in people who had severe arterial blockage in their legs. In the study, the ability to walk and decrease in pain was significant, compared to no change in the placebo group. This suggests that the product actually removes plaque from the arterial walls.

Animal studies have suggested that Cholarest(R) prevents the development of plaque in the arteries, even in the presence of a high cholesterol diet. Also, the animal studies suggest a possible therapeutic effect in cerebral vascular disorders, as well.

Other secondary benefits of the product include: a beneficial effect on blood vessel integrity and function and promotion of healthy blood pressure levels. Overall, an impressive array of positive results.

The active ingredient in Cholarest(R) is policosanol, which is purified from several sources including sugarcane wax and the wax of the common honeybee. It is a mixture of naturally occurring alcohols. The mechanism of action is similar to the statin drugs; however, rather than inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase (resulting in the serious side effects mentioned above), policosanol normalizes the activity of this enzyme.

If you’re interested in the research monographs, please give the office a call, and we’ll send you the reprints, complete with scientific references so that you can look them up for yourself.

All of this is exciting enough; however, there’s even more good news. Cholarest(R) is very cost effective. A one-month supply (1 capsule per day) costs approximately $25, without adverse side effects. The statin drugs are quite costly, and I have been informed that the co-payment can be as much as $35 - $100 per month for the prescription.

People who can benefit from this product include: anyone currently taking cholesterol-lowering drugs; people with blood sugar problems (whether or not the problems have advanced to frank Type II diabetes); people with a family history of hardening of the arteries or those who currently suffer from it; people with lower extremity pain due to cardiovascular problems; people who have ever experienced problems with clots; and post-menopausal women who tend to experience high cholesterol levels as their hormones change.

Does this apply to you? If so, see our information on Consultations.

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