Wellness

[on the bay]

Re berberine-

though it seems to have many beneficial effects, it has been reported in some to elevate liver enzymes.But NIH reports that it does not? For those taking it, what do you think? Hard to know what to think.

[granddi]

@on the bay There are going to be posts that say "it is illegal for doctors to take payments for Rxing. I know this happens. 

I have one specialist that always says "standard of care" This is not a medical term. This is a legal term. This refers to "keeping my rear out of legal trouble" 

I would like for a physician to give me some literature that reviews supplements that apply to my medical concern. All they have say is this is what we know and don't know about these supplements that may or may not address elevated cholesterol (or bone density or HRT, or hypertension, etc) They don't have to chart the recommendation as an Rx. Charting is not what they want to do. 

[SilleeMee]

---

@on the bay wrote:

Re berberine-

though it seems to have many beneficial effects, it has been reported in some to elevate liver enzymes.But NIH reports that it does not? For those taking it, what do you think? Hard to know what to think.

---

@on the bay 

I have had nothing but good results since taking berberine. All of my blood tests have been normal. But before berberine my LDL was high, I went on statins and then my A1c went up to pre-diabetic level and my doc said I might need another Rx for that. I said no and went on my way to look for alternatives.

Been taking berberine for three to four years.

[Shelbelle]

Since 2004 I take Lessmans CholestaCare, 2 caps before lunch and 2 before dinner, I dont eat breakfast.  Made from plant sterols. 

[on the bay]

@SilleeMee, and @HisElk1,

What brands of berberine do you like?

I might try it and see. Then if it works for several things, I'll be able to tell my kids about it. Now I wish I had kept all my great books about supplements and herbs.

[SilleeMee]

---

@on the bay wrote:

@SilleeMee, and @HisElk1,

What brands of berberine do you like?

I might try it and see. Then if it works for several things, I'll be able to tell my kids about it. Now I wish I had kept all my great books about supplements and herbs.

---

@on the bay 

I started with AL and then went to Piping Rock. There are so many brands that you can try most any of them. I look for 500mg caps of berberine with no other active. Take one before a meal or sometimes with a meal. Three caps per day total. 

[Shelbelle]

I did some research on Berberine, and it seemed to me that it is most beneficial in lowering blood sugar rather than cholesterol. 

[kittycatmeow]

---

@AngelPuppy1 wrote:

My lab work shows that my cholesterol is elevated again, and my dr. is after me to take statins.  I went on one for a short time a few years ago and had very bad side affects.  I had really bad pain in my arms and legs and could hardly walk or even lift a coffee cup!  I said --- Nope --- this is not for me!  

Since I have ongoing issues with tendonitis in both ankles, continuing back issues, arthritis and fibro, osteoporosis, etc., I do not feel statins are safe for me to use.

I have also read that statins can cause your achilles tendon to spontaneously rupture.  And I do have already an achilles tendon issue.

I don't want to get a stroke or any serious heart issues either, so I am worried about that, and being made to feel that I HAVE to go on statins!

Are there are any supplements, particular brands of herbal things, minerals, vitamins, etc., that you take instead, and have had good results?

I know that my diet in the last few months has not been very good and that I need to make some serious adjustments, which I am really going to try and make.  I do walk most days which is about all I can do considering the health issues I have.

When you do list your products, etc., please be specific as to what it is, the brand name, etc.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thank you!

---

Try Red Yeast supplements, they were recommended by my GP. 

[AngelPuppy1]

@on the bay 

Thank you!  I had looked up the Garlique supplement but hadn't made up my mind about it.  I also did not like the sound of the red yeast rice. 

[AngelPuppy1]

@SeaMaiden 

I don't expect you to tell me your health issues and your medications, because I know that is personal, but could I just ask you --- do you take prescribed medication?  I'm asking because I know a lot of supplements could cause reactions or interact with medications.  I have always been interested and am always preferring to take supplements instead of medications but every time I do I am fearful of an interaction.  I try to do research but still....  I take quite a few medications.  Regular doctors that I have are really no help regarding supplements.  Thank you for sharing what works for you.