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Tag: inflammation

  • Cancer Survival and Medicinal Mushrooms | NutritionFacts.org

    Did the five randomized controlled trials of reishi mushrooms in cancer patients show benefits in terms of tumor response rate, survival time, or quality of life?

    Can mushrooms be medicinal? Mushroom-based products make up a sizable chunk of the $50 billion supplement market. “This profitable trade provides a powerful incentive for companies to test the credulity of their customers and unsupported assertions have come to define the medical mushroom business.” For example, companies marketing herbal medicines “exploit references to studies on mice in their promotion of mushroom capsules and throat sprays for treating all kinds of ailments”—but we aren’t mice.

    It wouldn’t be surprising if mushrooms had some potent properties. After all, fungi are where we’ve gotten a number of drugs, not the least of which is penicillin, as well as the cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin and the powerful immunosuppressant drug cyclosporin. Still don’t think a little mushroom can have pharmacological effects? Don’t forget they can produce some of our most powerful poisons, too, like the toxic Carolina false morel that looks rather toadstooly, while others, as you can see here and at 1:15 in my video Medicinal Mushrooms for Cancer Survival, have a more angelic look like the destroying angel—that is its actual name—and as little as a single teaspoon can cause a lingering, painful death.

    We should have respect for the pharmacological potential of mushrooms, but what can they do that’s good for us? Well, consuming shiitake mushrooms each day improves human immunity. Giving people just one or two dried shiitake mushrooms a day (about the weight-equivalent of five to ten fresh ones) for four weeks resulted in an increase in proliferation of gamma-delta T lymphocytes and doubled the proliferation of natural killer cells. Gamma-delta T cells act as a first line of immunological defense, and, even better, natural killer cells kill cancer. Shiitake mushrooms did all this while lowering markers of systemic inflammation.

    Oyster mushroom extracts don’t seem to work as well, but what we care about is whether mushrooms can actually affect cancer outcomes. Shiitakes have yet to show a cancer survival benefit, but what about reishi mushrooms, which have been used as a cancer treatment throughout Asia for centuries?

    What does the science say about reishi mushrooms for cancer treatment? A meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials showed that patients who had been given reishi mushroom supplements along with chemotherapy and radiation were more likely to respond favorably,  compared to chemotherapy/radiotherapy on its own. Although adding a reishi mushroom extract improved tumor response rates, “the data failed to demonstrate a significant effect on tumour shrinkage when it was used alone,” without chemo and radiation. So, they aren’t recommended as a single treatment, but rather an adjunct treatment for patients with advanced cancer.

    “Response rate” just means the tumor shrinks. Do reishi mushrooms actually improve survival or quality of life? We don’t have convincing data suggesting reishi mushroom products improve survival, but those randomized to reishi were found to have “a relatively better quality of life after treatment than those in the control group.” That’s a win as far as I’m concerned.

    What about other mushrooms? Although whole shiitake mushrooms haven’t been put to the test for cancer yet, researchers have said that lentinan, a compound extracted from shiitakes, “completely inhibits” the growth of a certain kind of sarcoma in mice. But, in actuality, it only worked in one strain of mice and failed in nine others. So, are we more like the 90% of mouse strains in which it didn’t work? We need human trials—and we finally got them. There are data on nearly 10,000 cancer patients who have been treated with the shiitake mushroom extract injected right into their veins. What did the researchers find? We’ll find out next.

    Doctor’s Note

    Stay tuned for White Button Mushrooms for Prostate Cancer.

    Also check out Friday Favorites: Mushrooms for Prostate Cancer and Cancer Survival.

    For more on mushrooms, see Breast Cancer vs. Mushrooms and Is It Safe to Eat Raw Mushrooms?.

    Michael Greger M.D. FACLM

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  • The Hidden Effects Of Long COVID On Your Gut, Brain & Energy

    A few months ago, I got my routine lab work back, and one number stopped me in my tracks. My neuroinflammation marker was off the charts. Which made no sense. I felt great. I was training regularly, sleeping well, and eating clean. But my doctor, Frank Lipman, M.D., told me it could be a lingering sign of Long COVID, even though I hadn’t had symptoms in months.

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  • PSA: This Anti-Inflammatory Spice Could Soothe Arthritis Symptoms, Study Finds

    Here’s the scoop.

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  • Getting More Omega-3s May Help Calm Red & Irritated Skin

    Whenever we have red, itchy, dry, or inflamed skin, we often reach for various cleansers, lotions, serums, and other concoctions to help calm things down. While these topicals can be very effective (here’s what we recommend to get rid of redness on the face at home), certain nutrients you consume also protect the skin. 

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  • Make This Swap At Breakfast To Fight Inflammation, Study Says

    Avocado toast, anyone?

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  • Want To Build Muscle After 60? Make Sure You Get Enough Of This (Not Protein)

    Oh, it also protects your heart health.

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  • 3 Spices That Can Prevent Cognitive Decline, From Research

    There’s a reason spices and herbs have been prized in herbal medicine for thousands of years: These key players contain powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that help with myriad health concerns—from immunity to skin health to cognition.

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  • What Is Animal Chiropractic—and How Does It Work? | Animal Wellness Magazine

    For many dog owners, the idea of chiropractic care for animals sounds either surprising or downright strange. Isn’t chiropractic something for people with bad backs? What does it have to do with dogs? As it turns out, a lot.

    Animal chiropractic is a growing field that focuses on one critical principle: the connection between the spine and the nervous system. When that connection is free and functional, your dog’s body works better. When it’s restricted, the result can be pain, stiffness, behavioral changes, and even organ dysfunction.

    The beauty of chiropractic lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t treat specific diseases or prescribe medication. Instead, it works with your dog’s own innate intelligence, the body’s built-in ability to heal and regulate itself. When the spine is properly aligned, that natural healing potential is unleashed.

    Understanding the Nervous System-Spine Relationship

    To understand how animal chiropractic works, you first need to understand how the nervous system functions. The nervous system is the master control system of the body. It sends messages between the brain and every organ, gland, muscle, and tissue. Whether your dog is wagging their tail, digesting breakfast, fighting off an infection, or reacting to a sound, it all happens through the nervous system.

    The spine houses and protects the spinal cord, which is like the main communication highway connecting the brain to the rest of the body. But the spine is more than a shield—it’s a moving, dynamic structure. Each vertebra is connected by joints, supported by muscles, and wrapped in connective tissue. When one of those vertebrae becomes restricted in movement or misaligned (a condition called a vertebral subluxation), it can irritate nearby nerves or interfere with signal transmission.

    This nerve interference can lead to a wide variety of symptoms—some obvious, like limping or stiffness, and some subtle, like lethargy, frequent infections, behavioral changes, or poor digestion. Chiropractic care addresses these problems not by treating symptoms directly, but by correcting the structural imbalances that cause them.

    What Happens During an Animal Chiropractic Session?

    Certified animal chiropractors begin with a detailed health history and a hands-on examination of your dog’s posture, gait, spinal alignment, and muscle tone. They may ask about behavioral changes, appetite, or even how your dog prefers to sit or sleep—because all of these can offer clues about what’s happening in the spine.

    Next comes the palpation exam. The chiropractor will gently feel along the spine and joints, assessing restricted movement, muscle spasms, heat, swelling, or misalignment. This step is precise and highly refined—animal chiropractors are trained to detect subtle shifts that aren’t visible to the untrained eye.

    If a subluxation is detected, the chiropractor delivers a gentle, specific adjustment. This is a rapid but controlled movement applied by hand to a joint that is not moving correctly. The goal is to restore normal motion, reduce tension, and remove interference from the nervous system.

    Contrary to popular belief, adjustments are not forceful, and they’re nothing like the dramatic “cracking” you may have seen in human chiropractic videos. In fact, most dogs tolerate the adjustment well and often respond with a stretch, shake, or visible relaxation afterward. Some dogs even fall asleep.

    Is It Safe?

    Yes, when performed by a certified professional, animal chiropractic is very safe. Chiropractors and veterinarians who pursue post-graduate certification in animal chiropractic undergo hundreds of hours of specialized education, including anatomy, neurology, biomechanics, and hands-on clinical skills. Programs like those recognized by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) require rigorous training and testing.

    That said, chiropractic should never be performed by someone without proper credentials. Dog anatomy is not the same as human anatomy, and improper techniques can cause harm. Always ask to see proof of certification, and make sure your animal chiropractor is legally permitted to practice in your state or province.

    What Can Chiropractic Help With?

    Because the nervous system is involved in virtually every function of the body, chiropractic can have wide-reaching benefits. These may include:

    • Improved mobility and flexibility
    • Relief from stiffness, limping, or lameness
    • Enhanced performance in working and sport dogs
    • Faster recovery from injuries or surgeries
    • Reduced inflammation and joint stress
    • Better digestion and elimination
    • Increased energy and engagement
    • Support for aging dogs dealing with arthritis or weakness
    • Reduction in anxiety and mood-related behaviors

    But chiropractic doesn’t “treat” these conditions in the way traditional medicine does. It simply removes interference so that the body can correct its own dysfunctions. For example, if a misaligned vertebra is affecting the nerve that supplies the hind leg, restoring that alignment can allow the nerve to resume normal function, and the dog may stop limping.

    Chiropractic is particularly valuable for:

    • Performance Dogs: Agility, herding, flyball, and dock-diving dogs place significant demands on their bodies. Routine chiropractic care can improve coordination, prevent injuries, and support recovery.
    • Senior Dogs: Older dogs often experience stiffness, muscle loss, and balance issues. Adjustments can improve comfort and slow the physical decline associated with aging.
    • Puppies: Rapid growth, awkward play, and birth trauma can all contribute to early misalignments. Starting chiropractic care early can help set a foundation for balanced development.
    • Post-Surgical Dogs: Dogs recovering from orthopedic surgery often develop compensatory patterns. Chiropractic care can help them regain symmetry and prevent overuse of the opposite limb.

    How Often Should My Dog Get Adjusted?

    There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Frequency depends on your dog’s age, activity level, health status, and goals. An agility dog might benefit from weekly or biweekly adjustments during competition season. A senior pet may do well with monthly care to manage arthritis. For many family pets, a schedule of every 4–6 weeks works well as maintenance.

    After an initial exam and adjustment, your chiropractor will recommend a care plan based on your dog’s specific needs. Just like with dental cleanings or grooming, consistency is key to getting the full benefit.

    What’s the Difference Between Chiropractic and Other Modalities?

    Chiropractic care is sometimes confused with massage, physical therapy, or acupuncture. While all of these are valuable, they each serve different functions:

    • Massage targets soft tissues to relieve tension and improve circulation.
    • Physical therapy focuses on rehabilitating injured muscles and joints through exercises and modalities.
    • Acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body to influence energy flow and nerve function.
    • Chiropractic corrects joint restrictions to restore normal spinal function and nerve flow.

    Often, the best outcomes occur when these modalities are used together in an integrative care plan. Chiropractic is not meant to replace your veterinarian, but to complement their care by addressing structural imbalances that can affect recovery and performance.

    What Results Can I Expect?

    Results can be immediate, cumulative, or subtle. Some dogs show improvement right after their first adjustment—moving more freely, jumping up with ease, or playing with renewed enthusiasm. Others need several sessions before significant change is noticeable, especially if the problem has been long-standing.

    Just as importantly, chiropractic helps prevent problems before they start. Many owners report fewer injuries, fewer vet visits, and better overall wellness when their dog receives regular adjustments.

    And then there’s the intangible: the lightness in your dog’s step, the extra tail wags, the way they stretch and breathe more easily. When the body is in balance, your dog simply feels better—and it shows.

    The Takeaway:
    Animal chiropractic is not a trend—it’s a science-based, hands-on way to help your dog live a more comfortable, agile, and balanced life. Whether your dog is a working athlete or a beloved couch companion, chiropractic care supports the nervous system that runs it all. When that system is clear, your dog has the best chance to heal, move, and thrive—naturally.


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    Dr. Bill Ormston graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. After attending Options For Animals in 1998 he received certification from the AVCA and began using chiropractic to treat his animal patients. Jubilee Animal Health is a mobile mixed animal practice in the Dallas Metroplex area where he cares for pets and horses using mostly alternative methods. He is one of the founding instructors of the post graduate course in Animal Chiropractic at Parker Chiropractic College in Dallas. Dr.O has lectured both nationally and internationally on Animal Chiropractic and biomechanics and gait analysis in the quadruped. He has written booklets on chiropractic care in the dog and horse and a book about blending traditional and alternative care in pets.

    Bill Ormston, DVM

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  • Should We Fast for IBS? | NutritionFacts.org

    More than half of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) sufferers appear to have a form of atypical food allergy.

    A chronic gastrointestinal disorder, irritable bowel syndrome affects about one in ten people. You may have heard about low-FODMAP diets, but they don’t appear to work any better than the standard advice to avoid things like coffee or spicy and fatty foods. In fact, you can hardly tell which is which, as shown below and at 0:27 in my video Friday Favorites: Fasting for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

    Most IBS patients, however, do seem to react to specific foods, such as eggs, wheat, dairy, or soy sauce, but when they’re tested with skin prick tests for typical food allergies, they may come up negative. We want to know what happens inside their gut when they eat those things, though, not what happens on their skin. Enter confocal laser endomicroscopy.

    You can snake a microscope down the throat, into the gut, and watch in real-time as the gut wall becomes inflamed and leaky after foods are dripped in. Isn’t that fascinating? You can actually see cracks forming within minutes, as shown below and at 1:03 in my video. This had never been tested on a large group of IBS patients, though, until now.

    Using this new technology, researchers found that more than half of IBS sufferers have this kind of reaction to various foods—“an atypical food allergy” that flies under the radar of traditional allergy tests. As you can see below and at 1:28 in my video, when you exclude those foods from the diet, there is a significant alleviation of symptoms.

    However, outside a research setting, there’s no way to know which foods are the culprit without trying an exclusion diet, and there’s no greater exclusion diet than excluding everything. A 25-year-old woman had complained of abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea for a year, and drugs didn’t seem to help. But, after fasting for ten days, her symptoms improved considerably and appeared to stay that way at least 18 months later. It wasn’t just subjective improvement either. Biopsies were taken that showed the inflammation had gone down, her bowel irritability was measured directly, and expanding balloons and electrodes were inserted in her rectum to measure changes in her sensitivity to pressure and electrical stimulation. Fasting seemed to reboot her gut in a way, but just because it worked for her doesn’t mean it works for others. Case reports are most useful when they inspire researchers to put them to the test.

    “Despite research efforts to develop a cure for IBS, medical treatment for this condition is still unsatisfactory.” We can try to suppress the symptoms with drugs, but what do we do when even that doesn’t work? In a study of 84 IBS patients, 58 of whom failed basic treatment (consisting of pharmacotherapy and brief psychotherapy), 36 of the 58 who were still suffering underwent ten days of fasting, whereas the other 22 stuck with the basic treatment. The findings? Those in the fasting group experienced significant improvements in abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, anxiety, and interference with life in general, which were significantly better than those of the control group. The researchers concluded that fasting therapy “could be useful for treating moderate to severe patients with IBS.”

    Unfortunately, patient allocation was neither blinded nor randomized in the study, so the comparison to the control group doesn’t mean much. They were also given vitamins B1 and C via IV, which seems typical of Japanese fasting trials, even though one would not expect vitamin-deficiency syndromes—beriberi or scurvy—to present within just ten days of fasting. The study participants were also isolated; might that make the psychotherapy work better? It’s hard to tease out just the fasting effects.

    Psychotherapy alone can provide lasting benefits. Researchers randomized 101 outpatients with irritable bowel syndrome to medical treatment or medical treatment with three months of psychotherapy. After three months, the psychotherapy group did better, and the difference was even more pronounced a year later, a year after the psychotherapy ended. Better at three months, and even better at 15 months, as you can see here and at 3:58 in my video.

    Psychological approaches appear to work about as well as antidepressant drugs for IBS, but the placebo response for IBS is on the order of 40%, whether psychological interventions, drugs, or alternative medicine approaches. So, doing essentially nothing—taking a sugar pill—improves symptoms 40% of the time. In that case, I figure one might as well choose a therapy that’s cheap, safe, simple, and free of side effects, which extended fasting is most certainly not. But, if all else fails, it may be worth exploring fasting under close physician supervision.

    All my fasting videos are available in a digital download here.

    Check the videos on the topic that are already on the site here. 

    For more on IBS, see related posts below. 

    Michael Greger M.D. FACLM

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  • This Weightlifting Mistake Can Get In The Way Of Your Progress (& A Quick Fix)

    Trainers weigh in on how to prevent burnout and anxiety in the gym.

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  • 4 Ways To Build A Brain Bank & Prevent Cognitive Decline

    Cognitive decline and even just normal brain changes associated with aging threaten to impact our memories and way of thinking—two things we very much want to hold on to as long as possible. But some people are more resilient to signs of memory loss than others, even when there’s physiological evidence of memory loss. 

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  • Is Your Skin Keeping You Up At Night? The Eczema–Sleep Connection

    If you’ve ever dealt with eczema, you know it’s more than just dry, itchy skin—it’s a full-body experience that can affect everything from your mood to your energy levels. But here’s something you might not realize: that persistent itch could be quietly sabotaging your sleep.

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  • Oolong Tea Benefits & How It Compares To Black Tea

    Though oolong tea is low in nutrients, it’s packed with plant compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the body. It’s a concentrated source of polyphenols, including theaflavins3, theasinensins, thearubigins4, epigallocatechin (EGC), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), all of which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

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  • 8 Easy Ways To Protect Eye Health & Prevent Vision Loss, From An Optometrist

    How to eat, exercise, and sleep your way to better eye health.

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  • 3 Smoothie Add-Ins For A Healthier Gut & Inflammatory Response

    A smoothie a day is arguably one of the easiest ways to pack in loads of nutrients—many of which you can customize tailored to your health goals. Want more protein? Toss some powder in your smoothie. Looking for immune support? Load up your blend with citrus. 

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  • Percussive Therapy: What It Is, Benefits & More

    Massage guns are popular, and if you’ve tried one, you know why. These handheld devices are designed to ease discomfort, soothe tension and tightness, and promote faster muscle recovery. And they do all of that through percussive massage therapy. (Picture a sleek mini jackhammer that you can use on tight, tense muscles, and you get a general idea.)

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  • 4 Powerful Ways Adaptogens Benefit Dogs and Cats (and the #1 Herb for Them!) | Animal Wellness Magazine

    Adaptogens benefit dogs and cats in many ways. Here’s a look at four of the most important advantages and why it’s smart to include KSM-66 Ashwagandha in their diet!

    Adaptogens are natural substances like herbs that help the body resist stress. They’re becoming increasingly popular among dog and cat parents, especially as science begins to learn about additional ways they naturally support pet health. One of the most powerful adaptogens is an ancient herb called ashwagandha. The most clinically studied ashwagandha—KSM-66 Ashwagandha—is the only one clinically proven for pets. Let’s look at four key ways adaptogens benefit dogs and cats and why food, treats, and supplements should feature KSM-66 Ashwagandha!

    1. Adaptogens Regulate Cortisol and Reduce Stress

    One of the key benefits of adaptogens is their ability to regulate the stress hormone cortisol. High cortisol levels can contribute to anxiety, digestive issues, and immune dysfunction. By balancing cortisol and other hormones, adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha help calm the nervous system and improve resilience to stress.

    2. Adaptogenic Herbs Promote Healing and Restoration

    Adaptogenic herbs help the body heal and repair itself. For example, ashwagandha supports tissue regeneration, promotes wound healing, and modulates inflammation, thereby speeding recovery from illness or injury.

    3. They Help the Body Resist Oxidative Stress

    Oxidative stress from free radicals contributes to aging, inflammation, and chronic disease. Adaptogens like ashwagandha are rich in antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and protect cells from damage, supporting long-term health and possibly helping to slow the progression of degenerative conditions.

    4. Adaptogens Normalize Cellular Function

    Adaptogens help the body on a cellular level, promoting cellular energy production and helping maintain homeostasis. That’s the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment with respect to temperature, pH levels, and fluid balance. Homeostasis is necessary for all vital functions, and imbalances can cause severe illness or worse. The balancing effect of adaptogens like ashwagandha helps all animals, especially ones with complex or chronic conditions.

    Adaptogens Benefit Dogs and Cats, and KSM-66 Ashwagandha Is a Proven Choice!

    Ashwagandha is a potent adaptogenic herb that promotes overall health and wellness in companion animals. It helps reduce stress, promote healing and restoration, combat oxidative stress, and normalize cellular function. KSM-66 Ashwagandha has 46 certifications for safety and efficacy and is clinically proven for pets to help manage inflammation and stress, support gut health, and promote healthy aging. It has a neutral taste that dogs and cats don’t mind, so it can be included in a variety of food, treats, and supplements.

    Learn more about how adaptogens benefit dogs and cats, find out more about sustainable KSM-66 Ashwagandha, and discover pet products that feature it!


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    Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.

    Animal Wellness

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  • Coffee Can Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk, According To Research

    Type 2 diabetes, which affects around 1 in 10 people in America, is a chronic disease marked by insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar, so people with Type 2 diabetes may have high blood sugar levels, which can lead to heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease. Diabetes is also linked to high inflammation levels. 

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  • Should You Take Statins?  | NutritionFacts.org

    How can you calculate your own personal heart disease risk to help you determine if you should start on a cholesterol-lowering statin drug?

    The muscle-related side effects from cholesterol-lowering statins “are often severe enough for patients to stop taking the drug. Of course, these side effects could be coincidental or psychosomatic and have nothing to do with the drug,” given that many clinical trials show such side effects are rare. “It is also possible that previous clinical trials”—funded by the drug companies themselves—“under-recorded the side effects of statins.” The bottom line is that there’s an urgent need to establish the true incidence of statin side effects.

    “What proportion of symptomatic side effects in patients taking statins are genuinely caused by the drug?” That’s the title of a journal article that reports that, even in trials funded by Big Pharma, “only a small minority of symptoms reported on statins are genuinely due to the statins,” and those taking statins are significantly more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those randomized to placebo sugar pills. Why? We’re still not exactly sure, but statins may have the double-whammy effect of impairing insulin secretion from the pancreas while also diminishing insulin’s effectiveness by increasing insulin resistance.

    Even short-term use of statins may “approximately double the odds of developing diabetes and diabetic complications.” As shown below and at 1:49 in my video Who Should Take Statins?, fewer people develop diabetes and diabetic complications off statins over a period of about five years than those who do develop diabetes while on statins. “Of more concern, this increased risk persisted for at least 5 years after statin use stopped.”

    “In view of the overwhelming benefit of statins in the reduction of cardiovascular events,” the number one killer of men and women, any increase in risk of diabetes, our seventh leading cause of death, would be outweighed by any cardiovascular benefits, right? That’s a false dichotomy. We don’t have to choose between heart disease and diabetes. We can treat the cause of both with the same diet and lifestyle changes. The diet that can not only stop heart disease, but also reverse it, is the same one that can reverse type 2 diabetes. But what if, for whatever reason, you refuse to change your diet and lifestyle? In that case, what are the risks and benefits of starting statins? Don’t expect to get the full scoop from your doctor, as most seemed clueless about statins’ causal link with diabetes, so only a small fraction even bring it up with their patients.

    “Overall, in patients for whom statin treatment is recommended by current guidelines, the benefits greatly outweigh the risks.” But that’s for you to decide. Before we quantify exactly what the risks and benefits are, what exactly are the recommendations of current guidelines?

    How should you decide if a statin is right for you? “If you have a history of heart disease or stroke, taking a statin medication is recommended, without considering your cholesterol levels.” Period. Full stop. No discussion needed. “If you do not yet have any known cardiovascular disease,” then the decision should be based on calculating your own personal risk. If you know your cholesterol and blood pressure numbers, it’s easy to do that online with the American College of Cardiology risk estimator or the Framingham risk profiler.

    My favorite is the American College of Cardiology’s estimator because it gives you your current ten-year risk and also your lifetime risk. So, for a person with a 5.8 percent risk of having a heart attack or stroke within the next decade, if they don’t clean up their act, that lifetime risk jumps to 46 percent, nearly a flip of the coin. If they improved their cholesterol and blood pressure, though, they could reduce that risk by more than tenfold, down to 3.9 percent, as shown below and at 4:11 in my video.

    Since the statin decision is based on your ten-year risk, what do you do with that number? As you can see here and at 4:48 in my video, under the current guidelines, if your ten-year risk is under 5 percent, then, unless there are extenuating circumstances, you should just stick to diet, exercise, and smoking cessation to bring down your numbers. In contrast, if your ten-year risk hits 20 percent, then the recommendation is to add a statin drug on top of making lifestyle modifications. Unless there are risk-enhancing factors, the tendency is to stick with lifestyle changes if risk is less than 7.5 percent and to move towards adding drugs if above 7.5 percent.

    Risk-enhancing factors that your doctor should take into account when helping you make the decision include a bad family history, really high LDL cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney or inflammatory conditions, or persistently high triglycerides, C-reactive protein, or LP(a). You can see the whole list here and at 4:54 in my video.

    If you’re still uncertain, guidelines suggest you consider getting a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, but even though the radiation exposure from that test is relatively low these days, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has explicitly concluded that the current evidence is insufficient to conclude that the benefits outweigh the harms.

    Michael Greger M.D. FACLM

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  • This Lowers Signs Of Inflammation After Menopause, Study Finds

    And about 41% of all people have insufficient levels of it.

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