Niacin - Better Than Your Statin?

[@charflorida5433]

Yes, high doses of flush Niacin can lower cholesterol. BUT there is a catch. It eventually raises liver enzymes; it is hard on the liver, which is not good. Statins are bad also. I found the best way to lower my hereditary problem cholesterol (dropped 100 points in 8 months so far) as well as healthier triglycerides and HDL, was by INTERMITTENT FASTING, which is very healthy, and severely reducing white sugar and processed carbs. Eating only nature's carbs and quality organic fruits, veges, legumes, and good proteins. One cannot talk to their doctor because most doctors will not voluntarily promote intermittent fasting. We have to learn about it from good videos from doctors who are willing to get the word out. My doctor now talks about intermittent fasting with me because I brought it up and showed her the results. Then I found out some of the staff in my doctor's office was doing fasting as well, go figure. Good luck everyone!

[@tvted6160]

I’m still shocked in 2024 a Dr is taking statins 😬

[@snezanavl8580]

I did all the above that you did couldn't reduce my cholesterol.

[@charflorida5433]

@@snezanavl8580 ☹️

[@paulasnyder8269]

We do intermittent fasting also works AWESOME! Also doing the CARNIVORE DIET! No more Statins or blood pressure meds! Lost 75 pounds in 2 months! FEEL AWESOME!

[@sunnyshealthcoaching]

YES! 🎉 Thanks for the post, I found the same

[@Lennybird91]

We attacked my mom's cholesterol from many directions. Exercise, sublingual b complex, omega-3 DHA/EPA, increased fiber and fermented foods, reduced saturated fat, etc. Have had excellent results in the past year!

[@bmwlane8834]

Sounds like all good things and changes! Great on improving numbers.

[@alexandrawhite7614]

Inspirational! How lucky your mom is to have your super-informed support.

[@sunnyshealthcoaching]

Great approach

[@donaldkasper8346]

My cholesterol collapsed starting with working out at a gym with heavy weights last year and as of spring this year continues to decline.

[@Kjuken69]

Why did you attached your mams colesterol, are you insane?

[@stuarthutt3740]

Cholesterol is critical for the body for cell repair, make hormones in the adrenal cortex, sex hormones. Cholesterol is so important to the brain it makes its own since lipids cant go through the blood brain barrier. The most advantageous study id the 4s study on statins. There was no change in all cause mortality and a 1% absolute reduction in CVD. Doctors sell you on relative efficacy. Stains reduce CoQ10 and K2 and increase risk of T2D, ED, dementia, skin cancer etc. Satins do cross the blood brain barrier and create brain fog. Older people with higher cholesterol live longe. If you want to really damage someone put them on statins and tell them iodine supplement is expensive urine. Do your research and find a doctor of naturopathy or functional medicine

[@bonniebenz8792]

Dr Steven GUNDRY, a cardiologist says cholesterol isn’t the problem it’s Triglycerides. Go on a Keto diet, cut out anything made from flour, potatoes and rice. Eat meat, fish, low glycemic vegetables, nuts and berries.

[@JohnWest4]

Some would consider being brain dead but alive to be a clinical success. Not in my book. Fix the diet, find ways to reduce fasting glucose level.... And use finger sticks as guidance to assess. Before meal, 30 min after, 90 min after.

[@carlyndolphin]

@@bonniebenz8792He also says avoid tomatoes but Italians eat them every day

[@MichaelCzajka]

@@bonniebenz8792 Triglycerides also drop when you take niacin.

[@JoanOfArgghh]

Absolutely true about the 1% vs the 30% doctors like to tout. They pharmas hide the efficacy and most doctors aren't chemists or mathematicians, or researchers, they just sell whatever the pretty little pharma-chick gives them samples of.

[@gyges5495]

I take niacin (500 mg) every couple days, also Berberine and psyllium husk. LDL went from 155 to 94. Total cholesterol is way better too. For me I’m taking it

[@TalkingWithDocs]

That’s awesome

[@shaziajaved2208]

@gyges5495 which Niacin brand yoi take

[@gyges5495]

Carlyle generic 100mg

[@thegruppies]

How many times a day? I wanted to start Niacin 500 with Tudca but not sure if it's too much for my stomach to handle

[@rdance3]

The problem with taking B3 supplements is that every molecule of B3, whether it's utilized in metabolism or excreted in the urine, has to be methylated. This means that very valuable methyl groups (CH3), are excreted in the urine. Natural foods that contain B3 also contain nutrients that support methylation. Many who come to this supplement have unhealthy methylation systems so the liver takes the hit. The safer way to go about supplementing with B3 is to match the molar weight of the B3 with that of Betaine TMG and take the correct forms of Folate and B12. (Methyl-folate and Methylcobalamin). A few grams of Glycine can aid in buffering any excess methyl groups.

[@Rene-uz3eb]

Only excess niacin is methylated. Also, it is filtered directly (without needing to be methylated) into the urine by the kidneys.

[@rdance3]

@@Rene-uz3eb Not true.

[@ieaston915]

My fellow Canadian Dr's are FANTASTIC

[@aelaan12]

Statins have a very nasty side effect. After my open-heart surgery they put me on 80mg of Atorvastatin and I suffered years with "brain fog" and became more and more confused. Until I got a new Cardiologist who looked at my DLs and concluded to try to stop the statin for 6 weeks and report back how things were going. They were going swell to be honest. Three days after stopping the statin I did no longer suffer from the "brain fog". I had some more bloodwork done and we upped it back to 40mg, where I am today, and my head feels clear as before the whole ordeal.

[@kathleenking47]

How about berberine?

[@The-Contractor]

Same statin prescribed by my treating Physician. Three weeks in and my sleep was wrecked, wake up wired for sound every 2 1/2 - three hours, muscle cramps, and my short term memory tanked. I was on a half dose, quit statin and a couple weeks later I was back to normal. Went Carnivore and feel great. Labs soon so we'll see.

[@jayscanlan2775]

Please let us know!

[@teddybear4020]

I threw my statin out

[@bennygreene1421]

​@@teddybear4020 Have you tried niacin or red yeast rice?

[@ConniePretula]

I took Niacin for about two months to help bring down my cholesterol. I also cut out saturated fats as I have a genetic expression that makes it difficult for my body to breakdown saturated fat. I also made sure I was lifting weights 3 times a week. I made sure I was eating fruit instead of other sweets. Brought my cholesterol down from 8.9 to 6.2. RDA’s were created during WWII due to food rations. The amounts were based on healthy individuals and the amount of supplements and foods to maintain health due to not having access to a wide range of foods. They are very outdated and not helpful for people who have health issues.

[@ronaldelliott4373]

Actually, RDA’s were created a dozen yrs earlier than that from a small group of Ivy League students, (white men) simply recording their natural levels of various components in their blood (not tissue) samples and averaging the results. So, as your comment rightly identified, this is a completely inaccurate model for any “normalized” standard. So glad you put this up for discussion. Regards

[@danteburritar2822]

I took Niacin for a while. I built up my tolerance to the flush and learnt to actually like it, and ended up taking 2g per day. Yes it lowered my LDL and Niacin is useful for reducing plaque in arteries too. Good for helping with LP(a) too, something Statins can’t claim. If you don’t get the the flush type don’t expect any benefit.

[@JohnWest4]

Reducing plaque sounds like the objective here. Stabilizing plaque with Calcium sounds like a good idea until you consider if you want it there at all. Cavadex seems like another path to losing plaque. Last i'd heard there were problems with hearing loss?

[@danteburritar2822]

@@JohnWest4 it appears that Cavadex turns stabilized plaque into soft plaque (the dangerous type) which doesn’t sound good for the risk factors at all!

[@JohnWest4]

​@@danteburritar2822especially if your business model relies on people to be scared of eliminating their atherosclerotic accumulada. That's c what we have stations for, for the rest of your life. If it helps 15% of people, is it unnecessary for 85% of people?

[@leebrendalee]

I take 1000 mil of non flush a day and after a year my cholesterol dropped, so both types work

[@JohnWest4]

​@@danteburritar2822 where can I read about that?

[@gigismalley]

I'm glad I stayed till the end. Dr. Z had me thinking pro Niacin until the side effects were talked about. We love y'all in Texas. Thanks for all the great & entertaining information,

[@donaldkasper8346]

Other than gas and getting the shits, what can go wrong with it?

[@The-Contractor]

Z shades the anti-Niacin argument by failing to provide the statistical probability of harm from use. Just another MD talking out his uniformed/misinformed ass. Do your own research and stay with peer review journal papers. Stiff reads but well worth the effort and you actually learn some new things..

[@funghouls5498]

@@donaldkasper8346they state it can lead to diabetes and insulin resistance

[@mickeylandin6896]

Artery De-Clogger recipe works for me. 1 serving: 1 raw clove of garlic. 3 tbs of red onion. 1/2 bunch of Italian parsley, if using a juice extractor. Or 6-7 sprigs if using a blender. 1/2 cup celery with leaves. 1/2 inch of ginger root. 1 pinch of cayenne pepper. 1 cup of tomato juice. Ice cubes or water as needed. Can use a juice extractor or blender. Juice: garlic, ginger. Onion, parsley and celery. Add to tomato juice and add cayenne pepper, lemon juice, ice cubs or water. Can also take supplements like lecithin/sunflower. Kyolic garlic capsules. Milk thistle. Cut down on cold meats and junk food. Take supplements with food. Consult with your health care provider. Hope this recipe helps .

[@melinda4539]

How much lemon juice?

[@Aetherfield]

Similar to “Fire Cider” but you let the concoction ferment and sip off it for days or months.

[@NoObligationToday]

Quack Quack!

[@rajeevshrivastava4488]

Where is the data, source?

[@RaptureReadyforJesus-qv2ql]

I went to the doctor with exhaustion. My heart was not beating correctly as it was high. Also had shortness of breath. She ordered a statin and I refused. Started niacin. In a few days my energy increased and I had no problems with shortness of breath.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Niacin typically does not play a role in cardiac conduction but glad you are feeling better

[@urseldoran2991]

The flush from niacin is due to it dilation of your capillaries, skull arms all over.. The dilation of capillaries in the brain, around the heart and lungs seems to me to be highly desirable.

[@kevinmarshall184]

What needs to happen is the FDA needs to be held accountable for there stance or non-stance on these findings . Many of these guidelines and decisions are 50-60 years old and have not ben addressed. I.E. Diabetes. Vit, D3, artificial sweeteners, HFCS, vegetable oils .......

[@vickiepatterson1748]

Years ago there was a push for niacin and lots of people started taking it but the red face became an issue. A lot of multivitamins have niacin in the ingredients. That and what's consumed in the food we eat is probably enough without taking an additional supplement. It just seems like the risks are too high and could lead to more problems we don't need. We really appreciate your honest opinion! If something is iffy, you will definitely tell us!👍

[@mikeshay4866]

You can buy no flush niacin

[@dondominguez1663]

@@mikeshay4866 But I heard that it needs to be the flushing kind. I don't know, I'm not a Doc I wish they had touched on that.

[@carync131]

Has to be the flush one

[@MichaelCzajka]

@@carync131 Inositol hexanicotinate is no-flush but works like normal niacin. It uses enzymatic action to release one niacin molecule at a time and works better than normal niacin. None of the studies the doctors referenced used this form... but it's the form that doctors and patients prefer. :-)

[@katherinekinnaird4408]

Once again the Docs have nailed it😊

[@JohnWest4]

Please describe your takeaway. If absolute efficacy matters, and we go from 4% to 2%, then 98% of customers were not helped. 2% were beyond help. 2% were helped. 96% contributed to the financial performance of the industry.

[@heatherdepasquale9803]

Over a decade ago my GP ordered niacin for me. I was taking a nap at my sister’s house. I had a dream that I was on a beautiful tropical beach. I started getting warmer and warmer…woke up flushed and feeling almost like a red lobster. I believe after she dc’d it she ordered Lipitor instead (which has successfully kept my cholesterol levels down). Another great video…thanks 🇨🇦🇨🇦😊

[@joyceheslop8052]

“I’m no hero… I’m just an orthopedic surgeon.” 😂 Once again an informative video with humor! Thank you guys for studying various health topics and sharing with us. You step out of the orthopedic box to provide us with valuable health information but always tell us “You are in charge of your own health.” 👏🏻 Thank you! 😊

[@carolewenman4558]

Omg i’m exhausted listening to all of this. Every time u think u have stumbled onto something it upsets something else.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

It’s a tricky balance for sure.

[@anns1921]

I absolutely agree! It's exhausting and overwhelming and it makes you just want to give up.

[@thomasmore4468]

High cholesterol does not cause heart disease or atherosclerosis. Study showed people with higher cholesterol levels live longer in Japan, similar conclusions were made by a study based in the Netherlands and published in BMJ in 2016.

[@billwilliams44]

Give me some references. Not just one but several and I will read up on it.

[@Kjuken69]

​@@billwilliams44think for yourself! How could colesterol be dangerous? Use your brain

[@billwilliams44]

@@Kjuken69 too much cholesterol causes people to misspell words.

[@LluviadeOrugas]

My mom suffered a massive stroke due to high cholesterol twenty years ago. She was put on a daily statin ever since, and thankfully she hasn’t suffered any other illness. My grandmother who also suffered from high cholesterol died recently in her nineties after taking statins for as long as I can remember.

[@billwilliams44]

@@Kjuken69 use my brain. Help me here. I want to understand your logic.

[@alexandrawhite7614]

I love the smart new scrubs. The best yet. I too took niacin for a while in the hope of lowering my cholesterol, but then stopped because I prioritise my blood glucose. I'm glad to have my decision endorsed (sort of).

[@djmaloney9627]

Oh, how I wish you awesome Doctors were in the US or I was in Canada. I had a knee replacement done 4 years ago that needs to be revisited, and I am struggling so hard to connect with a physician that understands and is willing to listen to what I need. Which is no chronic pain, more mobility.When you take away from someone who has been active and is now barely mobile, life is not enjoyable. Sigh. I have learned so much from watching your videos. You guys are the best! A word on niacin, Have taken it as a supplement. Did have some side effects, symptoms where my face would get hot and. A bit of a rapid pulse. Stop taking it and now try to get it through food groups. I think that works for me.

[@EllenDuke-y3d]

I recently signed up with Root Cause Medical in Maryland. It is functional medicine.The program last 16 weeks. Hopefully it may help you.

[@djmaloney9627]

@@EllenDuke-y3d Thank you I will check it out. Bless you!

[@jimdaikh9381]

I started taking 1 tbsp of psyllium husk a day and cholesterol went from 225 to 183. My LDL and Triglycerides lowered and HDL went up. I am not certain the psyllium did it because I also started to exercise more and consume fish. I suspect it's the psyllium because my cholesterol has always been high even when I exercised a lot when I was young. Hope this might be helpful for some. Update Aug 8, 2024: I tested Apo b and it also has dropped from 124 mg/dL to 106. While psyllium helped, it's not low enough. I will go on statins and hope with psyllium, low dosage will be adequate.

[@EllenDuke-y3d]

Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@susieqbrown]

I take about 4 tablespoons a day with no change to my (inherited) cholesterol but still taking the psyllium. Body doesn't tolerate statins.

[@jimdaikh9381]

@@susieqbrown that's unfortunate. I've only done one test after taking psyllium. I was very surprised with the results and couldn't explain it any other way. My diet is very healthy but not sure it will have such a drastic impact. I wish you the best!

[@Kjuken69]

I bet your colesterol is 225 again today, the colesterol is what it should be!

[@jimdaikh9381]

@@Kjuken69 Possiblity. Will find out with the next test.

[@troyhonda71]

According to 2022 JAMA, statins barely help at all, not worth the side effects in my opinion.

[@Cacheola]

I lift weights, play sports, and value my carbs. I'm wiser about converting to resistant starches and eating more complex carbs. Refrigerate oats, rice, potatoes, pasta whenever possible. Key is to keep the blood sugar spikes and insulin resistance under control. Balanced diet and exercise, 18:6 fasting, resistance training, and cardo is my thing. LP(a) is negative. I'm not getting sucked into statins anytime soon, nor worried about cholesterol levels. Niacin sucks, it can flush you and it's just another bandaid. I refuse to give up a normal life of the odd beer/wine and poutine debauchery... I AM CANADIAN

[@shaffinaroberts4087]

Thank you doctors for your very informative videos. You guys are amazing.

[@joebartles3986]

Best way to lower cholesterol and triglycerides is red yeast rice.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

There is some evidence

[@stevest1300]

I had a TIA in 2019. I was put on 80 mg of Avorstation at the hospital and have been on it ever since. I had "elevated" cholesterol at the time. I question my GP every time about reducing it. He sinply responds with "It won't hurt you". But the more I read from Dr. Google, I'm not sure he's right.

[@mlnags2829]

Docs we are listening to what you say asGENERAL INFORMATION. Thank you! People need to follow their Dr's advice or get 2nd opinions. Your info is great in directing people to better health.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thank you. That is the goal of of the channel. Educate people so they can make an informed decision and have a useful conversation with their primary care provider.

[@Swimallsummer]

You guys are great, love your presentations 😊

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@floydfarano3385]

Most recent literature states that several studies indicate that high levels of niacin from supplements may produce a metabolite that increases the risk of MI and stroke. Take a look.

[@henrybrandt1057]

It seems tough to make a case for taking an additional Niacin supplement given that an ordinary daily multivitamin has plenty of it and the average breakfast cereal is fortified with some Niacin. Thanks for your excellent presentation!

[@charflorida5433]

An ordinary multi vitamin does not have plenty of Niacin in the higher dose, nor is it usually even the right kind of niacin. Still, there is no magic pill, and I can say this from experience.

[@normainafuku-pw9zm]

You are talking about niacinamide not niacin. It is in all the multivitamins, but is very different and doesn't work to lower cholesterol like niacin.

[@charflorida5433]

@@normainafuku-pw9zm That is correct. The Niacin that makes you tingle and flush is the right one.

[@MichaelCzajka]

If your cholesterol hasn't dropped then you're not taking enough niacin. The amount of niacin in foods obviously isn't sufficient otherwise you wouldn't have a cholesterol problem?

[@charflorida5433]

@@MichaelCzajka Niacin is not the cure. It only covers up the symptoms.

[@samslade739]

I'm always hearing, "Talk to your healthcare provider..." But every time I do I get that deer in the headlights look. I have not had one single doctor in the past 50 years that knew about anything other than prescription drugs. The smallest amount of statins puts me in the hospital. Yet my cardiologist still insists that I take them.

[@u38d]

Amla (Amalaki) Powder and ground flax seeds one tbsp of each in my protein shake every morning helped and its cheep and no side effects.

[@intuneorange]

Ayurveda

[@fazole]

I take 500mg of Niacin 30min before an intense workout. It gives me energy and reduces muscle fatigue, 3x week. The problem with studies, is WHO is conducting the study and what were the circumstances. Just recently a "study" came out that IF was harmful, but what was the protocol and who funded it? For a prime exsmple, look at the food compass recommendations and who funded it...undisclosed, but curiously the top "healthiest" foods were breakfast cereals, above beef and eggs! See Dr. Berry, MD channel.

[@WriterandPhotographer]

There is a big downside to niacin that can present a big risk for some patients. At one time, I had sky-high triglycerides - 722 and low HDL. My doctor put me on a high dose of niacin, certainly much higher than the RDA, yet what might be considered a clinical dose for efficacy. I am a writer and researcher and do a lot of writing in the healthcare space. My mother had died fairly young from a hemorrhagic stroke. To my shock, I discovered that a very compelling study showed that my high-dose niacin increased my already increased risk of the same type of stroke substantially. I immediately went off the niacin and onto a low-dose statin. My tri's have been much lower in recent years although my HDL has never been as high as it should be. I work out every day and cycle several miles daily as well. (late-60s) People who have any family history with hemorrhagic stroke need to steer clear of any dose of niacin beyond the RDA. Slo-niacin does help with flushing by the way. Yet, it doesn't end there. The statin I take has been found in a more recent study to double the risk of dementia. Both of my parents had dementia.

[@cwally1994]

Keep taking statins... they'll help you forget about everything.

[@kvonzwild8979]

For those of us that react poorly to statins, niacin seems a good answer. With as little as 100 mg plain niacin my HDL went from 40 to 70. It did nothing to my LDL however.

[@jerryjohnson9531]

I was told that I had relatively high cholesterol a little over 6 months ago. My total cholesterol was 220, LDL 138, triglycerides 161, HDL was okay at 42. After being on 1,000 mg of niacin for almost 6 months my total cholesterol dropped to 193, LDL dropped to 122, triglycerides 129 and HDL increased to 48. Those were all good changes but I had to get off of it because, if you have blood sugar problems, this can cause that to increase. My A1c was 5.6 (high normal) to 5.9 (pre-diabetes). So, my results were almost identical to what these doctors found from their research. If blood sugar is not a problem for you then I would try it if I were you. If you are diabetic or pre-diabetic, I would stay away from large doses. I am not a medical specialist so this is just what happened to me.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thank you for sharing your experience

[@teresastewart9760]

My father and my cousin (my father's brother's son) were both put on Niacin supplements by their doctors to reduce their cholesterol levels. Both of them, after just a short time on Niacin, had to be rushed to the hospital. They were both diagnosed with dehydration. My father was in critical condition at the hospital. The ER doctors told them to never take Niacin supplements ever again. The both developed heart conditions later in their life, but heart disease runs in my father’s family, so it appears genetic. Anyway, I will not use Niacin because I am afraid of the problems that my family members developed.

[@peteraldrich1007]

"That's not a bottom line, it was a paragraph" another informative, humorous review. Thanks Docs😅

[@barbarak8158]

Thanks for sharing, Docs! I was waiting for another of your informative videos! Have a good week!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks! You too!

[@TheJust22az]

After much research, I settled on 50 mg a day along with other lifestyle choices. It works for me.

[@ronaldgarrison8478]

About 40 years ago, I took a large dose of niacin, in the middle of the day, based on a suggestion I had read in a book. The warning, along with that suggestion, was that it could cause skin flushing. Oh, did it ever. I thought it might, so I wasn't too freaked out, and the effect was not especially unpleasant, but it was still quite a lot more than I expected. Taking any new substance, always start small!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Agree

[@MichaelCzajka]

Inositol hexanicotinate is slow release niacin that has all the same benefits as normal niacin but doesn't cause flushing... or if it does it's only very mild. It's not the niacin mentioned in the studies. It relies on enzymatic action to release one molecule of niacin at a time. The slow release works much better than the massive dump that normal niacin causes. 🙂

[@ronaldgarrison8478]

​@@MichaelCzajka I thought I read, about 40 years ago, that nicotinic acid has some benefits that niacinamide doesn't have. It's been a long time, and it would not be trivial to look it up, but I have a pretty good idea where I read it, and I probably could look it up, if I were subjected to enough pressure. But I just had another thought. Doesn't tryptophan make niacin available? Isn't that actually the source of most of it? If so, there could be a danger in a diet that is low in protein. I'm not talking about insanely low, like someone with kwashiorkor or some such thing. But there seems to be a notion going around that less dietary protein slows aging. I think that may be really misguided. If you have a low-protein diet, that can cause problems. I've noticed some problems in my own experience. BTW I'm not talking about problems of long-term health. If I'm too short on protein, I just don't function well. And if you eat a diet like that, I wonder if that could lead to a niacin deficiency. Something to that?

[@MichaelCzajka]

@@ronaldgarrison8478 Niacinimde doesn't have all the benefits of niacin. Niacin is more effective. That seems to be well accepted. The main reason people take niacinimide is to avoid the flush from niacin... which can be very uncomfortable. The Inositol form of niacin allows you to get all the benefits with virtually none of the flush. If you get the flush (usually very mild) you can take 5 mg of folic acid and it disappears. That seems to work much faster than taking an aspirin: Sublingual tablet works very quickly i.e. A few minutes

[@MichaelCzajka]

@@ronaldgarrison8478 Look up the Journal of Ortholecular Medicine and niacin. They wrote a good summary of niacin and they reference inositol hexanicotinate. They point out that inositol hexanicotinate was the form favoured by the most famous proponents of niacin. For some reason this fact gets glossed over in most publications :-)

[@poepflater]

Cardiac event... I remember how the tone of the lady changed when I phoned the hospital to say I'm driving there I;m nearly there and I;m having a cardiac event..... they were awesome. they came to fetch me in the car in the parking lot. In my experience, just walking around the block will probably do more for most heart patients than two new tablets every day!

[@tomsamek2936]

The entire discussion takes for granted that cholesterol levels are a CAUSE of cardiovascular events rather than evidence of a underlying condition.

[@lambchop1960]

I have to say these guys are awesome. I started using apple cider vinegar and water for my diabetes. It worked. It helped. Great advice plus I love their personalities. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@demomandan8087]

I did a test 2 months drop my bad cholesterol 1.1 I was just taking 250mg 1/2 a pill now I’m doing 500mg I am sleeping better and feel better … and you guys should do better job on your research…. It’s better for you whole body brain ect …..

[@LK-bz9sk]

Very good discussion. So my take away was the doc final opinion....getting enough from my diet to not tinker w supplement and potential side effects

[@LK-bz9sk]

Thanks for the Cliff Notes here

[@victorswiercz8203]

I use a naturalpathic cardiologist, he told me my cholesterol should be 220 plus my age. Statins cause cancer, diabetes, alzheimers and do not add a day of life. He said to use policosanal instead. Also if you boost your nitric oxide in your blood, cholesterol does not stick to your arteries, the only reason to take a statin. All of my arteries are clean.

[@rickbosak8861]

Yes it appears that Niacin does not help much in terms of absolute risk of cardiac events but according to JAMA neither do Statins. Their study of over 20 studies found that Statins do improve your cholesterol numbers but absolute risk of a cardiac event is only lessened by about 1% to 2%. The drug companies have convinced the doctors by only showing relative risk improvement and ignoring absolute risk.

[@stevemc2626]

Not one mention of how it lowers Lp(a). This seems to be a statin ad to me. Lp(a) is far more atherogenic than LDL and statins RAISE Lp(a). But niacin definitely lowers Lp(a). I know because I’ve lowered mine with it.

[@JohnWest4]

Clinical practice and medical research could be isolated from the profit motivation. New cures and treatments could be found without the profit motivation of the researchers. Does anyone else see a potential conflict of interest here?

[@shaziajaved2208]

@stevemc2626 which niacin yiu took to lower lp a

[@stevemc2626]

@@shaziajaved2208 life extensions B3 Niacin 500mg capsules.

[@southtxblues]

I was prescribed Niaspan (Niacin) and my PCP told me it would come with a side effect of "flushing." Wow, was it! Now I know what women going through menopause experience. I was on fire, especially when stressed. When it's effects of on my cholerstol went down, my PCP took me off of it. I was thrilled!!! Now I'm on a statin.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Oh wow! Thanks for sharing

[@RosellaReimer-u2v]

There is also a no flushing version of niacin

[@southtxblues]

@@RosellaReimer-u2v That's a good thing. However labs showed the Niacin having a diminishing effect from the beginning. I was not informed of any other Niacin options, but it didn't matter because it wasn't working.

[@cwally1994]

Statins = poison

[@passerineblue]

I worked with a man who had high cholesterol and took lots of niacin. Without warning, his face would almost turn purple. He looked like he was having a stroke.

[@Asiansxsymbol]

Sounds like my gf when she asks me to chk her during... 😊😆

[@marygarrett9724]

Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing

[@Whatisthisstupidfinghandle]

There is flushing and non flushing. 500 mg will leave you looking like you are sunburned for 3hrs. If you are going to take larger doses take the non flushing kind. You will turn much less red

[@MichaelCzajka]

It's embarassing but it's not dangerous... but try telling that to third parties. You can get around the flushing problem by using slow release inositol hexanicotinate which relies on enzymatic action... and thus still has the same benefits as normal niacin. It wasn't mentioned in any of the studies the doctors referenced.

[@dondominguez1663]

My doc wanted to put me on statins just because I was approaching 70 and protocol and my lipid panel was in the normal range maybe above medium average. I said BS, I'm not out of shape or obese, I started eating ketogenic. THE CHEAPEST DRUG IN THE HOUSE IS EXERCISE! I exercise 4 days a week, resistance train and cardio for at least 2 1/2 hours. Lost 20 lbs and feel great. Waiting for my doc to order my next lipid panel. We should be worried about calcification in our arteries. How about CAC screening? That should tell us more about what's going on.

[@sjwill1956]

great point on RDA's....look at the RDA for Vit D and reconcile that with the estimates of Vit D insufficiency in our population .. exposed during COVID ...

[@rogerrocco5211]

It is working very well for me, especially my triglycerides. After 6 months of taking supplements, my total cholesterol is 168 and all my other blood factors are within normal range. Yes, it’s very effective!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad to hear it

[@susieqbrown]

How much are you taking?

[@rogerrocco5211]

@@susieqbrown 100mg daily and I added peanuts to my diet which are also a good source. Remarkable results!

[@judykurtz1]

Linus Pauling, 2 Nobel prizes. He wrote the book on Niacin.

[@StanDupp6371]

Zalzal, This is what happens when your cholesterol is too low taken from the bmjopen-2020-036976. "Compared with moderately elevated LDL-C (eg, 117-137 mg/dL), a lower plasma level of LDL-C (eg, ≤84 mg/dL) was associated with an increased risk of 4-year all-cause mortality in middle-aged and elderly Chinese men. The results suggest the potential harmful effect of a quite low level of LDL-C on total mortality." This is why you see no long lived healthy populations or centenarians with low cholesterol levels.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks for sharing your opinion. This study has been invalidated on many levels.

[@StanDupp6371]

@@TalkingWithDocs It is not an opinion as the study was not funded by any food, pharma or religious group, they are selling nothing and it is validated unless you can provide evidence but you have zero credentials in this field. This study is validated as it applies to all cultures around the globe.

[@StanDupp6371]

@@TalkingWithDocs Please explain to Zalzal how these slim and fit, non smoking long term Chinese vegetarians taking no medications with a BMI of 22 hurt their cardiovascular health. 2005 article "Vascular Dysfunction in Chinese Vegetarians: An Apparent Paradox?" The CIMT does not lie. This is validated based on the evidence of the CIMT.

[@stavross3321]

I agree low cholesterol is associated with all cause death. There are more studies now that prove it. And it is not reversed causality they also looked at that in new studies. One reason is that statins cause premature death.

[@stavross3321]

Newer studies confirm the same low ldl is because of chronic inflammation, muscle loss and malnutrition

[@mjeansz]

Not for everybody. When I was on niacin, I got incredibly sick, and my doctor knew immediately that the niacin had caused my liver enzymes to skyrocket; he had me stop the niacin, and within a couple of weeks I was back to normal. Even "natural" remedies can be bad for some people.

[@123456BobJackson]

Have you guys not seen the " Scientific Reports " Total cholesterol and all-cause mortality by sex and age cohort study?? Also the High LDL and Oreo Cookie experiment. I'm confused

[@katiedid1851]

Swear I learn more about nutritional help from commenters. Thank you And Keep the comments coming.❤

[@nassermj7671]

You too? It's bottom line front liners. LOL!

[@humblecourageous3919]

I tried a small dose (50 to 100 mg) per day to help reduce the risk of basal cell and squamous skin cancer. But I started to get muscle pains in my thighs. I looked up the side-effects and one is muscle pain. At 75 I have enjoyed being pain free. So I gonna stop taking niacin and stick with the daily requirement amount.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Sounds like a reasonable approach

[@ndmoreno]

❤ Taking it now at my doctors request so far raising HDL and lowering LDL and…. Lowering LP(a) for me.

[@FundedFuturesTrader]

Awesome! Thanks for the feedback...

[@tonyyork7211]

One of the things I hear about the study you all are talking about… and you mentioned it… it that the study used meds to eliminate the flush. Eliminating the flush made it so that the study is not useful.

[@jamescalifornia2964]

Correct 👍

[@MichaelCzajka]

Try the inositol hexanicotinate version of niacin. It is slow release using enzymatic action... as a result you don't flush (or it's very mild). You can also eliminate the flush by taking folic acid (5mg)... which improves the metabolism of niacin but doesn't change the way it works. This is the form that many of the older doctors use(d)... but not the one being quoted in the negative studies. 🙂

[@jamescalifornia2964]

@@MichaelCzajka ~ Interesting 👍

[@augustmosco]

Fellas, I take Nicotinamide, NMN, Berberine, Red Yeast Rice and Plant Sterols and I got my cholesterol down to an acceptable level without statins. It must depend on the individual.

[@denzaharo9326]

Nicitinamide is the wrong Niacin too. It's the flushing type called nicotinic acid that you should use. It's so confusing.

[@theresetal219]

Heard about some very recent research, a study comparing insulin lowering medication to the other group taking Statins, the insulin lowering medication had better results. The problem is high sugar/high carb diets - humans evolved to eat animal fats = end of story

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks for clearing up a decades old controversy 🤣. Please share a link to the study so we can review it. But we do agree added sugar and refined carbs should be reduced or eliminated if possible

[@orangecrush3120]

Hello , I would love an episode on high hematocrit , please , and how to lower hems to fit levels , thank you , I love your episodes .

[@callicordova4066]

I tried a niacin supplement, but it was just too tricky. You are not supposed to eat/drink hot foods (spicy, temperature hot drinks) within a specific time period when you take it. I slipped up and ate some spicy food and felt like I was on fire all night long.

[@garyperry6124]

All cause mortality is not reduced by statins either.

[@maggiemirenda7146]

I’m taking nattokinase to lower my genetic high cholesterol n help the plaque buildup

[@dougmurrayshow]

Did it work?

[@katiedid1851]

Me too Natto, bromelain and serrapeptase. Oh, and lumbrokinase. I take all 4 on an empty stomach. When I missed a day, arthritis pain jumped back at me. Googled and found that enzymes do have a function in pain. ❤🎉 Bless all of us who are refusing to roll over and play dead.

[@abhaysharma6292]

@@katiedid1851 Did it work?

[@MichaelCzajka]

Inositol hexanicotinate (IH) is the flush free version of niacin. IH is not the same as other forms of Slow Release (SR) niacin... which usually rely on wax to release the niacin slowly. Most SR niacin causes a significant flush. N.B. IH sometimes produces a barely noticeable flush. One way to avoid even this milder niacin flush is to take 5 mg of folic acid. B9 helps metabolise niacin more efficiently. Extra B9 is particularly useful if you have the MTHFR gene as you need extra B9 anyway. The B9 works very quickly i.e. In a couple of minutes. The lower 0.5 mg dose of B9 is probably too low to be effective. B9 works better than aspirin... which doesn't seem to work for a lot of people... and doesn't work very quickly i.e. Has to be taken prior to B9. B9 can be taken after taking niacin e.g. If you feel a flush coming on. Other niacin slow release formulations use wax or something similar to slow the release and niacin is released too quickly i.e. The flush is still significant. Try inositol hexanicotinate if you're stuggling with niacin. 🙂 P.S. Liver enzymes normalise within a week or so as the body becomes used to metabolising carbs more efficiently. Elevated liver enzymes seem to only occur in a small subset of the population... but the sickest people are probably most prone to it. Test more than once to establish that liver enzymes have dropped and wait at least a week between tests. P.P.S. The niacin flush is not an allergic reaction.

[@elainewhite359]

This is interesting information but it’s like anything everything like not getting from good food will probably have a consiquince

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes

[@dilligaf2386]

I eat plenty of foods with b3 have done for years but I still have bad circulation , niacin all b vitamins they help circulation its not a fix it . Good diet and exercise is the key but this has to happen from an early age say in your teens.

[@DD-sd4we]

Superb video, many thanks 👍

[@distrachan2671]

Human made. Not man made. Keep doing a great job.

[@SusanaXpeace2u]

I'll do that study on myself. I'm not taking a statin at 54! only risk is high cholesterol. low triglycerides, low bp, good blood sugar result, non-smoker. Not over weight. I was a bit, hannnnnng onnnnnnnnnn cool your jetts when the gp tried to push a statin on me. I'm not against it if it's necessary but i need more tests to know that it. it's like schroedinger's atherosclerosis.

[@rickhamilton3132]

Is 500 MG of Niacin a day a good dose? Would that be high enough dose to see some cholesterol benefits?

[@briguy4238]

In my teenage years I started taking several vitamin supplements. The next day it felt like my blood was on fire. I started removing the supplements one-by-one until I determined it was niacin that was causing the problem. Take niacin if you want, but I'll pass. Besides, why on earth would I lower my cholesterol?

[@danieljrgensen133]

Dr. Zalzal> Which statin do you use? I'm guessing either Atorvastatin or Rosuvastatin.....as those two seems to have become the most commonly recommended and prescribed. However, I personally lowered my apoB by nearly 30% using nicotinic acid(and lowered lipoprotein(a) 10% as well)....and have none of the issues/side effects- listed for niacin/nicotinic acid. Even though I'm taking it with a low dose statin. I'm surprised nobody working in the lipid/health space, hasn't even mentioned the method/protocol I'm using. I feel the people with authority in this field(lipid doctors and family physician) have failed to properly dig into all the research in this field. Otherwise, I shouldn't be among very few who get these benefits I'm seeing! 🤔😉

[@stephaniescofield9433]

Last August I drastically changed my diet. No, fried foods, fast foods, beef (although I’m rethinking that) no pork lowered my sugar and carbs and I still have high cholesterol. Last summer I was taken off a statin because my liver enzymes were high. It’s very frustrating knowing you’ve worked hard and the cholesterol remains high 🤦🏻‍♀️ and still working through the liver enzymes. The only good news is I’m very close to not being diabetic anymore.

[@alexandrawhite7614]

In my opinion, lower blood glucose trumps lower cholesterol every time. Congratulations on your progress! Have you come across Dr Eric Westman on KZbin? He often says, "Cholesterol is not a disease". Have you had a Coronary Artery Calcium Test? Dr W would say that if the results of that are good, you don't need to worry about cholesterol.

[@stephaniescofield9433]

@@alexandrawhite7614 no I haven’t. They put me back in statin and I’ll have my enzymes rechecked in June. They said I may have to see a cardiologist if my enzymes go back up. I’ll check this doctor out. Thank you! It’s amazing how much better I feel now that I e cut all the garbage out.

[@BillDattilo]

My cholesterol was 284 2 months ago and I started taking 500mgs of Niacin with flush and I went back to the lab for blood work and my cholesterol went down 40 points. I am also intermittent fasting and reduced my processed cheeses. I am looking forward to lowering it a bit more.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Keep it going

[@chazwyman]

WHy is no one mentioning the ELEPHANT in the room. If you block hormone sensitive lipase surely that makes it harder to BURN BODY FAT?? So this would seem to make Niacin a really bad choice if you are wanting to loose weight.

[@ash9x9]

Statins caused dementia to my father after about 2 years of use. medical frat. would not admit this but it really does, so be very careful with these statins.

[@charflorida5433]

I finally got a better lipid panel with radical healthy eating and intermittent fasting.

[@mikeshay4866]

But it doesn't cause dementia that have taken for 20 yrs it didn't for some, now what

[@stavross3321]

Statins caused diabetes to my mother. Statin diabetes caused diamentia. I threw statins in the garbage bin ans diabetes reversed. Also dementia stopped developing. She also got macular degeneration from statin diabetes.

[@stuarthutt3740]

Yes statins go through the blood brain barrier and reduce cholesterol production. The brain makes its own cholesterol.

[@ash9x9]

@@stuarthutt3740 so is it good or bad thing?

[@rtt3166]

No Flush Niacin is the way to go to treat depression. Flushing feels awful. As a vegan, I had success treating my depression w No flush niacin!! I mean GREAT success.

[@pikksburgh420]

It doesn't do the same job. The removed element from niacin to make it flush free is the element of niacin that reduces cholesterol

[@rtt3166]

@@pikksburgh420 thanks, I edited my comment.

[@connyginter-healthcoach]

How much Niacin is safe to take for someone with low blood pressure and high cholesterol?

[@melindawiens275]

What’s the dosage of Niacin that we’re talking about?

[@k-cmccann9594]

Just incidentally, my new dermatologist recommends 500mg Niacinamide (or Nicotinamide) twice a day, to reduce the number of basal cell carcinomas, and actinic keratoses.

[@marygarrett9724]

Do you have that??

[@barbarak8158]

Wow, that's interesting !

[@disqusrubbish5467]

MIne is ok with that protocol too. And for those of you unfamiliar with it, Niacinamide is mostly non-flushing. And IIRC, the study showed prevention against recurrence benefits for both non-melanomas.

[@bobr6555]

Yep, same here and I live in tropical Far North Queensland, Australia, where skin cancer rates in the population are ludicrously high. I haven't had a skin cancer in more than 9 years.

[@k-cmccann9594]

@@marygarrett9724 My 70+ year old Irish skin has has a dozen BCC’s on my face, ears, and scalp alone over the past ten years. Numerous plastic surgeries and skin grafts. Three fluoro-uracil treatments have helped to kill them at the basal layer before they can surface. The B3 appears to be helping prevent the initial development.

[@bojax3434]

FYI statins impact all cause mortality the same way. It’s basically like a day or 2 that you live longer on average. And at what cost?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Well it’s not quite that simple despite what social media would have you believe. Decision to take is still yours though

[@ljessel6612]

Niacin is so much more than this. Research.. Niacin - not niacinamide or other tinkered B3.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yeah we did. Thanks

[@GianniVitucci]

Dr Zalzal, you have lost considerable weight since the last video of yours that I watched. Whats up? You are looking very healthy! Good vid guys.

[@MrFRANKOK]

Affected my red blood count. Lipitor lowered white. Extemibe works with few side effects. If you take niacin can get prescription brand without the adder to reduce face flushing. Just take it st. night.

[@davidl0522]

It works if you can deal with the flushing systems. It’s not fun.

[@vickinappier1009]

Niacin is hard to take. My husband tried it and he was tingling everywhere and on fire so he won’t take it now.

[@mrlafayette1964]

I took the recommended dose of Niacin and it caused heart fluttering, I stopped and 2 days later they went away. I've never had that before or since.

[@lynnpetti3817]

Even it it lowers cholesterol, does it need to be lowered

[@laurafreeman3335]

Actually have been taking niacin for about a year and a half I would say maybe 2 years and I have seen a lot of great benefits from taking niacin I noticed in the beginning of taking niacin that I was quite cold but my body kind of worked through that but I think it's an amazing supplement to help do what other things cannot do because I really don't I prefer to stay away from statins as much as I can

[@susieqbrown]

What brand, amount are you taking? Statins don't agree with me. thanks

[@laurafreeman3335]

​@@susieqbrownI'm not sure what brand I am actually taking my family gets it for me at the pharmacy so but it really did lower my cholesterol there's a lot of research on things you can also look up Dr Guthrie he also is a doctor who recommends niacin as well so I hope this helps

[@lindasanders222]

Statins make me blind. WHY?

[@JamesBond-zd5jx]

Niacin doesn’t decrease cardiac risk because cholesterol is not the problem. Get off the cholesterol bandwagon. Cardiac risk comes from inflammation and endothelial injury. Focusing on your insulin levels and not your cholesterol seems to be the developing paradigm.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

So inflammation is part of the issue for sure but it is simply not true that cholesterol is part of the equation. Regardless what social media is saying. It’s complicated though for sure

[@sbuckle1171]

Insulin levels? Don’t you mean blood glucose levels?

[@JamesBond-zd5jx]

@@sbuckle1171 nope. Insulin resistance is the issue. There is a relationship between insulin resistance and blood glucose of course but if you do further research on the topic you’ll find that more and more evidence seems to indicate that LDL is a problem only when combined with insulin resistance. There are so many genetic phenotypes out there that no one rule can satisfy every situation but people who are metabolically healthy do not seem to have much issue with LDL. The problem is that only about 15 percent of the population in the US is metabolically healthy.

[@richt6353]

Thank You for this Information!

[@billryan8707]

The fact that your doctors and are so uneducated about the LDL myth and the misuse of statins is mind boggling

[@FayeSabin]

Should one take turmeric as a blood thinner in place of Eliquis?