Judge dismisses Armstrong's case against USADA

FILE - This April 1, 2012 file photo shows seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong grimacing during a news conference after the Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas triathlon in Galveston, Texas. A federal judge in Austin, Texas, has thrown out Lance Armstrong's lawsuit against the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, an attempt to stop the drug case against the seven-time Tour de France winner. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Michael Paulsen, File ) MANDATORY CREDIT

FILE - This April 1, 2012 file photo shows seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong grimacing during a news conference after the Memorial Hermann Ironman 70.3 Texas triathlon in Galveston, Texas. A federal judge in Austin, Texas, has thrown out Lance Armstrong's lawsuit against the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, an attempt to stop the drug case against the seven-time Tour de France winner. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Michael Paulsen, File ) MANDATORY CREDIT

FILE - In this July 24, 2022, file photo, cyclist Lance Armstrong walks out of the Tour de France's anti-doping control bus after the 16th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Les Deux Alpes and La Plagne, French Alps. A federal judge in Austin, Texas, has thrown out Lance Armstrong's lawsuit against the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, an attempt to stop the drug case against the seven-time Tour de France winner. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, File)

(AP) ? A federal judge in Austin, Texas, threw out Lance Armstrong's lawsuit against the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency on Monday, a decision that allows the agency's drug case against the seven-time Tour de France winner to move ahead.

Armstrong, who repeatedly has denied doping, claimed in his lawsuit that USADA lacked jurisdiction and its arbitration process violates his constitutional rights.

U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks dismissed the lawsuit as speculative.

"With respect to Armstrong's due process challenges, the court agrees they are without merit," Sparks wrote in a 30-page order. "Alternatively, even if the court has jurisdiction over Armstrong's remaining claims, the court finds they are best resolved through the well-established system of international arbitration, by those with expertise in the field, rather than by the unilateral edict of a single nation's courts."

Armstrong can try to overturn Sparks' decision by going to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. He also can agree to proceed with USADA's arbitration or accept its sanctions.

In a governing body turf war, the International Cycling Union (UCI) says it has jurisdiction in the Armstrong matter, not USADA. USADA could be challenged before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.

Armstrong was still considering his options.

"On balance, the court finds the USADA arbitration rules, which largely follow those of the American Arbitration Association, are sufficiently robust to satisfy the requirements of due process," Sparks wrote. "This court declines to assume either the pool of potential arbitrators, or the ultimate arbitral panel itself, will be unwilling or unable to render a conscientious decision based on the evidence before it. Further, Armstrong has ample appellate avenues open to him."

He cited a 2001 decision by the 7th Circuit in Slaney vs. the International Amateur Athletic Association, an attempt by runner Mary Decker Slaney to overturn an arbitration panel's decision that she committed a doping offense.

"Federal courts should not interfere with an amateur sports organization's disciplinary procedures unless the organization shows wanton disregard for its rules," Sparks said. "To hold otherwise would be to turn federal judges into referees for a game in which they have no place, and about which they know little."

Sparks also cautioned that "the deficiency of USADA's charging document is of serious constitutional concern."

"Indeed, but for two facts, the court might be inclined to find USADA's charging letter was a violation of due process and to enjoin USADA from proceeding thereunder," he said. "First, it would likely be of no practical effect: USADA could easily issue a more detailed charging letter, at which point Armstrong would presumably once again file suit, and the parties would be back in this exact position some time later, only poorer for their legal fees. Second, and more important, USADA's counsel represented to the court that Armstrong will, in fact, receive detailed disclosures regarding USADA's claims against him at a time reasonably before arbitration."

Almost predicting there will be more legal battles in different venues, Sparks found "there are troubling aspects of this case, not least of which is USADA' s apparent single-minded determination to force Armstrong to arbitrate the charges against him, in direct conflict with UCI's equally evident desire not to proceed against him."

"Unfortunately, the appearance of conflict on the part of both organizations creates doubt the charges against Armstrong would receive fair consideration in either forum," Sparks said. "The issue is further complicated by USA Cycling's late-breaking show of support for UCI, and apparent opposition to USADA's proceeding ? a wrinkle which does not change the court's legal analysis, but only confirms that these matters should be resolved internally, by the parties most affected, rather than by edict of this court."

Sparks had no desire to intervene in the fight between cycling and drug-testing authorities in a case that cites offenses going back 14 years.

"As mystifying as USADA's election to proceed at this date and in this manner may be, it is equally perplexing that these three national and international bodies are apparently unable to work together to accomplish their shared goal ? the regulation and promotion of cycling," Sparks said. "However, if these bodies wish to damage the image of their sport through bitter infighting, they will have to do so without the involvement of the United States courts."

USADA says Armstrong took steroids and blood boosters to win the Tour de France every year from 1999 to 2005. Penalties could include a lifetime ban from cycling and loss of his titles. USADA has said former teammates of Armstrong will testify that his teams had a long-running doping program.

"The rules in place have protected the rights of athletes for over a decade in every case USADA has adjudicated," USADA CEO Travis Tygart said in a statement, "and we look forward to a timely, public arbitration hearing in this case, should Mr. Armstrong choose, where the evidence can be presented, witness testimony will be given under oath and subject to cross examination, and an independent panel of arbitrators will determine the outcome of the case."

Tim Herman, a lawyer for Armstrong, was pleased Sparks was concerned about USADA's motives.

"UCI has asserted that it has exclusive authority to decide whether charges should be brought in this case and has directed USADA not to proceed further," Herman said in a statement. "We are reviewing the court's lengthy opinion and considering Mr. Armstrong's options at this point."

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2012-08-20-Armstrong-Doping/id-571c155d3c744005812029efbeab99a3

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Viruses with integrated gene switch

[ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 21-Aug-2012
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: Dr. Sibylle Kohlstdt
s.kohlstaedt@dkfz.de
Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres

Numerous viruses are used in the service of science today. They serve as gene taxis to transfer therapeutic genes into body cells or as therapeutic viruses targeted to infect and destroy cancer cells. For such applications, the viruses are often equipped with additional genes, such as for immune mediators or for proteins inducing programmed cell death. However, these gene products can harm the body if they are released at the wrong moment or at excessive levels. "Ideally, we want to be able to turn on and off the transferred genes at a specific time," says Dr. Dirk Nettelbeck, a virologist from DKFZ.

To this end, Patrick Ketzer of Nettelbeck's group experimented, jointly with colleagues from Konstanz University, with what are called RNA switches. In order to construct such a switch, the researchers inserted synthetic segments of DNA into the viral genetic material in the direct vicinity of the transferred gene. In the infected cell, this construct is transcribed together with the transferred gene into a single messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule. The switch is operated using an agent which is added to cells infected with the virus. The substance is precisely fitted to bind to the RNA molecule and induces it to cut itself up. Thus, the potentially dangerous protein cannot be produced. The researchers copied this regulation mechanism from bacteria which use RNA switches to regulate production of numerous proteins.

The DKFZ virologists first constructed an RNA switch that is kept in permanent "off" position by the substance. The production of the foreign protein does not start as long as substance is added. "This was a first proof that RNA switches work in viruses at all. But it is just as well possible to construct switches that do not allow production of the protein until the substance is added," Dirk Nettelbeck explains.

In cells, it has been possible for many years now to specifically turn on and off genes. To do so, scientists modified specific natural regulatory regions called promoters in the cellular genetic material. As a result, addition of the antibiotic tetracycline causes mRNA production to be turned on or off.

"However, this type of switch is too big and complex to be used in viruses or doesn't work there," says Dirk Nettelbeck. "The RNA switches, in contrast, are only 100 base pairs long." Using the RNA switches, the researchers managed to increase the production of the therapeutic gene by ten times. "But there is still room for a lot more," Nettelbeck explains. "The construction of RNA switches is extremely variable. Once the technology is fully developed, we will be able to better equip and regulate viruses for many therapeutic applications." Nettelbeck and his team are convinced that the useful RNA switches will become established for many other uses in research and medicine.

###

Patrick Ketzer, Simon F. Haas, Sarah Engelhardt, Jrg S. Hartig and Dirk M. Nettelbeck: Synthetic Riboswitches for External Regulation of Genes Transferred by Replication-Deficient and Oncolytic Adenoviruses. Nucleic Acids Research 2012; doi:10.1093/nar/gks734.

The German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) with its more than 2,500 employees is the largest biomedical research institute in Germany. At DKFZ, more than 1,000 scientists investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and endeavor to find new strategies to prevent people from getting cancer. They develop novel approaches to make tumor diagnosis more precise and treatment of cancer patients more successful. Jointly with Heidelberg University Hospital, DKFZ has established the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg where promising approaches from cancer research are translated into the clinic. The staff of the Cancer Information Service (KID) offers information about the widespread disease of cancer for patients, their families, and the general public. The center is a member of the Helmholtz Association of National Research Centers. Ninety percent of its funding comes from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the remaining ten percent from the State of Baden-Wrttemberg.



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?


AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


[ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 21-Aug-2012
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: Dr. Sibylle Kohlstdt
s.kohlstaedt@dkfz.de
Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres

Numerous viruses are used in the service of science today. They serve as gene taxis to transfer therapeutic genes into body cells or as therapeutic viruses targeted to infect and destroy cancer cells. For such applications, the viruses are often equipped with additional genes, such as for immune mediators or for proteins inducing programmed cell death. However, these gene products can harm the body if they are released at the wrong moment or at excessive levels. "Ideally, we want to be able to turn on and off the transferred genes at a specific time," says Dr. Dirk Nettelbeck, a virologist from DKFZ.

To this end, Patrick Ketzer of Nettelbeck's group experimented, jointly with colleagues from Konstanz University, with what are called RNA switches. In order to construct such a switch, the researchers inserted synthetic segments of DNA into the viral genetic material in the direct vicinity of the transferred gene. In the infected cell, this construct is transcribed together with the transferred gene into a single messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule. The switch is operated using an agent which is added to cells infected with the virus. The substance is precisely fitted to bind to the RNA molecule and induces it to cut itself up. Thus, the potentially dangerous protein cannot be produced. The researchers copied this regulation mechanism from bacteria which use RNA switches to regulate production of numerous proteins.

The DKFZ virologists first constructed an RNA switch that is kept in permanent "off" position by the substance. The production of the foreign protein does not start as long as substance is added. "This was a first proof that RNA switches work in viruses at all. But it is just as well possible to construct switches that do not allow production of the protein until the substance is added," Dirk Nettelbeck explains.

In cells, it has been possible for many years now to specifically turn on and off genes. To do so, scientists modified specific natural regulatory regions called promoters in the cellular genetic material. As a result, addition of the antibiotic tetracycline causes mRNA production to be turned on or off.

"However, this type of switch is too big and complex to be used in viruses or doesn't work there," says Dirk Nettelbeck. "The RNA switches, in contrast, are only 100 base pairs long." Using the RNA switches, the researchers managed to increase the production of the therapeutic gene by ten times. "But there is still room for a lot more," Nettelbeck explains. "The construction of RNA switches is extremely variable. Once the technology is fully developed, we will be able to better equip and regulate viruses for many therapeutic applications." Nettelbeck and his team are convinced that the useful RNA switches will become established for many other uses in research and medicine.

###

Patrick Ketzer, Simon F. Haas, Sarah Engelhardt, Jrg S. Hartig and Dirk M. Nettelbeck: Synthetic Riboswitches for External Regulation of Genes Transferred by Replication-Deficient and Oncolytic Adenoviruses. Nucleic Acids Research 2012; doi:10.1093/nar/gks734.

The German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) with its more than 2,500 employees is the largest biomedical research institute in Germany. At DKFZ, more than 1,000 scientists investigate how cancer develops, identify cancer risk factors and endeavor to find new strategies to prevent people from getting cancer. They develop novel approaches to make tumor diagnosis more precise and treatment of cancer patients more successful. Jointly with Heidelberg University Hospital, DKFZ has established the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg where promising approaches from cancer research are translated into the clinic. The staff of the Cancer Information Service (KID) offers information about the widespread disease of cancer for patients, their families, and the general public. The center is a member of the Helmholtz Association of National Research Centers. Ninety percent of its funding comes from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the remaining ten percent from the State of Baden-Wrttemberg.



[ Back to EurekAlert! ] [ | E-mail | Share Share ]

?


AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-08/haog-vwi082112.php

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Head of Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Abune Paulos, Dies Suddenly

The leader of Ethiopia?s largest Orthodox church died Thursday after receiving treatment for an illness in recent weeks.

The pope of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Abune Paulos, was 76 years old and had served as the Fifth Patriarch of the Ethiopian Tewahdo Orthodox Church since 1992. Paulos previously led Ethiopia?s 40 million Orthodox Christians, who constitute half of the country?s population.

Ethiopian official Mulugeta Aserate Kassa told BBC that Paulos had been ?very healthy? when he led a service in Addis Ababa on Wednesday. However, he was later rushed to the hospital. The cause of death has not been confirmed, although one opposition website reported that Paulos suffered a heart attack.

According to the MFA, the Office of the Patriarch has indicated that the Holy Synod will hold an emergency session to decide on the date and place of the funeral ceremony. However, as of this morning the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church had not released a statement on its website.

CT has previously covered the Orthodox Church expansion in Ethiopia, as well as church growth through government support.

Source: http://feeds.christianitytoday.com/~r/christianitytoday/ctliveblog/~3/dr5HaIh0_1k/ethiopian_ortho.html

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Look toward the center of the Milky Way galaxy

Today?s chart (top of post) is aimed toward the galaxy?s center, which is located some 30,000 light-years away. Many people find it by locating the prominent asterism known as the Teapot in the constellation Sagittarius. Notice the Teapot on our chart and in the photo below.

Remember, when you are looking at this starlit band across the sky ? visible from country locations ? you are peering edgewise into our own galaxy. More details below.

The next Blue Moon is August 31, 2012

See the Teapot of Sagittarius in this photo? The center of the galaxy is located in this direction. This photo comes from EarthSky Facebook friend Lewistown StormWatcher, who posted it on August 17. Thank you, LS! Click here to expand image.

The most important thing about seeing the Milky Way is to find a dark location. In the month of August, if you go someplace really dark, and simply look up in the evening, it will be there: a hazy band stretching all the way across the sky. The haze is really countless stars.

The chart at the top of this post shows that the starlit trail of the Milky Way seems to bulge just before it reaches the southern horizon. You can see this bulge in the night sky, and it marks the approximate location of the Milky Way?s center. This part of the Milky Way is vastly more spectacular in a dark night sky than it appears here on our chart! The constellations Sagittarius and Scorpius lie in this direction as well.

With the moon gone from the evening sky, this is an excellent time to trek out to the country for an edgewise view into our own galaxy, the Milky Way.

So take advantage of the thin waxing crescent moon setting soon after sunset for the next several days, and go stargazing. And if you have them, bring along a pair of binoculars. If you scan with binoculars along the Milky Way, you?ll find many lovely clusters of stars. No need to know their names to enjoy them!

Bottom line: How can you find the center of our Milky Way galaxy? First, go to a dark, country location ? far from city lights. If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, look southward in the evening to locate the Teapot of the constellation Sagittarius. If you are in the Southern Hemisphere, look overhead. The center of the Milky Way lies in the direction of the Teapot in Sagittarius.

Can you show me a detailed view of the Milky Way center?

M6 and M7: Deep-sky gems in the Tail of Scorpius

Source: http://earthsky.org/tonight/milky-way-broadens-and-brightens-in-southern-sky

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CGI Holistic Fitness & Spa

What Is Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medicine is the main modality or treatment method within Traditional Chinese medicine or TCM. TCM is the world?s oldest, continually practiced, professional medicine and known more then 2000 years. Acupuncture was the first Chinese modality to gain wide acceptance in the West, Chinese herbal medicine is quickly establishing itself as one of the most popular and effective alternative therapies in the West.

What?s the difference between Western folk herbalism and Chinese herbal medicine?

The Western folk herbalism primarily treats diseases or symptoms, such as headaches, runny nose, pain, etc. Chinese herbal medicine, when practice as part of TCM, is based on individualized pattern diagnosis as well as disease diagnosis. TCM patient receives a custom-written herbal prescription designed to treat both the symptom or disease and also their individual pattern. A TCM pattern identifies a person?s emotional temperament and bodily constitution as well as their signs and symptoms. Also Western folk herbalism primarily uses single herbs or groups of herbs that treat the same symptom. TCM formulas include 5-10 herbs and include herbs addressing a person?s main symptoms as well as their particular pattern.

How are Chinese herbs taken?

The most common method of taking Chinese herbs is as a decoction. This means that the herbs are boiled for 30-40 minutes and then strained and drunk 2-3 times per day. However, there are also herbal pills, tinctures, and powdered extracts.

What is Chinese herbal medicine good for?

Chinese herbal medicine treats the full range of human diseases. It treats acute diseases, like intestinal flu and the common cold, as well as chronic diseases, such as allergies, GYN disorders, autoimmune diseases. Chinese herbal medicine is especially good for promoting the body?s ability to heal and recuperate. In acute conditions results can be expected in a matter of minutes. In chronic conditions, some results should be seen within two weeks. But some chronic conditions may require taking Chinese herbal medicine for a long time.

Does Chinese herbal medicine have side effects?

No, not if the formula has been correctly chosen and written. Most of the medicinals in the Chinese material medica have a very low toxicity compared to common, over-the-counter Western drugs. When TCM formula prescribed according to a correct pattern diagnosis, it should have no side effects, only beneficial healing results.

by Olga Ivashkov

Health Consultant

CGI Holistic Fitness & Spa

201-784-5575 x 124


Source: http://cgifitness.blogspot.com/2012/08/what-is-chinese-herbal-medicine-herbal.html

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Learned today that girlfriend to the wedding photographer...

Learned today that girlfriend to the wedding photographer doesn’t actually get to like, sit or eat at the wedding reception. I’ve also been told to “not use my cellphone in this establishment” so this is now, officially, the fucking worst.

Learned today that girlfriend to the wedding photographer doesn?t actually get to like, sit or eat at the wedding reception. I?ve also been told to ?not use my cellphone in this establishment? so this is now, officially, the fucking worst.

7 hours ago

Notes

Source: http://www.kellyegan.com/post/29728597415

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Easy Kids' Labor Day Crafts to Try this Holiday

?Entry #1481, August 20, 2012

Labor Day is fast approaching. Everyone?s excited talking about the parties and gatherings that take place. Of course, no one should forget the reason for the celebration ? to give honor to our laborers. They may be community helpers, industrial manufacturers, and other forms of labor, or you! Have you ever thought about explaining the concept of Labor Day to your children? Here are 3 easy kids? labor day crafts that are sure to be fun and educational.

labor day decor

Ready for labor day? Do your kids know why we celebrate it?

Image via

Occupations Collage

You may print out images of workers from the internet or your camera and cut it out. Have cardboard that you paste all the images to make a collage. It will be very nice if you will choose colorful images that will stand out and spark creativity. Also, ensure that you have images of the types of occupations that your kids know or are curious about. From service people, military, school teachers, athletes, science occupations, and architects, your kids will love this craft!

labor day decor crafts kids

What fun occupational crafts can your kids make this Labor Day holiday?

Image via

Box Town

This craft is very easy and fun to make. All you need is to gather empty boxes of shoes, gadgets, etc. You also need markers, glue and color paper. To do this, cover the boxes with art papers using glue. Draw designs to your boxes so that it will look like buildings or offices representing our laborers. Make this craft as your table centerpiece decor. For more fun visit an area in your neighborhood and take pictures with your kids and visit the stores to see what people work in them. Then use the pictures to recreate the box ?city? when you get home!

labor day decor crafts

Use creativity in choosing people, boxes, etc.. to show occupations

Image via

Stand-alone Star

Labor Day crafts are sometimes similar to what we have during Independence Day. The stand-alone star craft is like a 3-dimensional star that you can place on top of the table. To do this, prepare a cardboard and cut it to form a star. After decorating the two stars, make a slit on both stars. One slit should be on top of one star and at the bottom of the other star. Connect the two stars together through the slit. You now have a decorative 3-dimensional star that can stand by itself on top of the table.

Having these crafts will surely provide the boost in setting the mood of the event. With a few hours of working these crafts, your efforts will definitely pay off with smiles and appreciation and your kids will have a blast doing them!

For more craft ideas for your kids, click here.

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Source: http://stagetecture.com/2012/08/easy-kids-labor-day-crafts-to-try-this-holiday/

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'Qaeda' attack kills 19 soldiers in south Yemen

Suspected Al-Qaeda militants killed 19 soldiers in a rocket attack and suicide bombing on Saturday that targeted intelligence headquarters in the main southern city of Aden, a security official said.

"The death toll has increased to 19 soldiers while nine soldiers and three civilians were wounded," the official told AFP.

A medical source confirmed the toll.

The security official had said earlier that three soldiers were killed by a "car bomb driven by (a) suicide bomber into the courtyard of the intelligence building," while the others were killed in a rocket and gun attack.

"The attack is the work of Al-Qaeda elements," he said, requesting anonymity.

The same official had said that masked gunmen "used machineguns and rocket-propelled grenades" in the attack in the Tawahi coastal neighbourhood of Aden.

The militants attacked in two groups, with one targeting the south side of the complex and the other attacking the west side, next to the state television building.

The official said that many of the soldiers were asleep when the militants hurled hand grenades into their room.

Nine soldiers were wounded, and three television employees, among them two women, were also hurt, he said.

The militants managed to escape.

Witnesses said they saw two armoured vehicles on fire at the gate of the television offices.

Al-Qaeda militants remain active in southern Yemen, where separatist militants also attack security forces, pressing their demands for renewed independence for the south.

South Yemen was a separate state before unification with the north in 1990.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/gunmen-kill-four-yemeni-soldiers-south-104913284.html

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Statin User? You Must Take CoQ10! | Health On A Budget

by?Dorothy Evanovich

Are you currently on statin drug therapy? Here?s a fair warning. Without taking coenzyme Q10, you may be putting your health in serious jeopardy, just like the majority of people taking these cholesterol drugs in the United States.

Millions of Americans are taking statins, making this cholesterol-lowering medication one of the most prescribed in the country. At present, experts believe that even children and teenagers, who are potentially at risk of elevated levels of cholesterol, should take them.

What people generally don?t know is that statins function by blocking the enzyme found in your liver tasked with producing cholesterol. With this restriction, your CoQ10 production is also hindered, as this is also produced in the same pathway where cholesterol is created.

There are no official warnings in America regarding the depletion of your CoQ10 levels due to statins. Many doctors fail to inform their patients about this pressing health issue as well. This is a far cry from labeling in Canada, where there is clear warning of CoQ10 depletion and even a note that this nutrient deficiency ?could lead to impaired cardiac function in patients with borderline congestive heart failure.?

What Is It with Statins and CoQ10 Depletion?

CoQ10 is an antioxidant compound that is integral to the process of energy production within your mitochondria. It is also crucial in the quenching of free radicals. Research notes that statins impair mitochondrial function, leading to increased free radical production.

Statins lower your CoQ10 levels at the same time. These medications do this by blocking the pathway involved in producing cholesterol, which is the very same pathway by which Q10 is created. Additionally, statins reduce the blood cholesterol that moves CoQ10 and other fat-soluble antioxidants around.

CoQ10 loss leads to cell energy loss and heightened free radical production, which can further damage your mitochondrial DNA in turn. This efficiently sets into motion a vicious cycle of increasing free radicals and mitochondrial damage. All these very well explain why statins are a glaring risk if you have existing mitochondrial defect, because your system depends on enough CoQ10 to bypass the damage.

If, after looking at the evidence, you determine that CoQ10 supplementation makes good sense to you, it is vital to take ubiquinol or the reduced version if you are over age 40. Ubiquinol is far more effective and has many other benefits.

If you are not worried, know that high blood pressure and diabetes are associated with higher rates of mitochondrial problems. Your risk of statin complications rises if you have either of these conditions, according to a recent study. And since statins can cause progressive mitochondrial damage as time goes by (and since your mitochondria weakens with age), expect new side effects to develop while you are on statin drugs.

How to Naturally Optimize Your Cholesterol Levels

Here is the cold hard truth: there is really no reason for you to take statins and suffer through the adverse effects, unless you have a genetic defect called familiar hypercholesterolemia (which makes you resistant to traditional measures of normalizing cholesterol).

Follow the simple and statin-free guidelines below to help optimize your health and your cholesterol levels ? naturally, of course!

? Reduce and eventually eliminate sugar and grains, because this will normalize your insulin levels. For those who don?t know, statins trigger the onset of diabetes by raising your insulin levels. Remember: if this were to progress to chronic inflammation, you are at risk for numerous disorders, including heart disease ? the primary problem that statins are assumed to prevent.

? Take plenty of high-quality animal-based omega-3 fats, mainly from high-quality krill oil.

? Exercise regularly or nearly every day. Pay special attention to the type that nearly all people fail to have, which is anaerobic sprint cardio training. Bear in mind that ample rest periods, allowing your muscles to recover, should accompany your exercise program.

? Eat foods according to your Nutritional Type.

? Consume a good portion of your food raw.

? Add more heart-healthy foods to your diet, including coconuts and coconut oil, olives and olive oil, raw nuts and seeds, avocados, grass-fed meats, and organic foods.

? If you are a man ? or a woman who is in menopause ? check your iron levels, which can cause major oxidative damage in your blood vessels, heart, and other body organs when elevated. Excess iron is among the major contributing factors of cancer risk, too.

? Address your emotional stresses through effective tools like the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). Your emotional health is closely linked to your physical health.

? Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol excessively.

Statins lower your cholesterol at your health?s expense, while these natural lifestyle techniques support your overall health, wellness, and cholesterol levels. Which route would you rather take?

(Dorothy Evanovich is a wellness blogger who is mother to three kids and is based in Ontario, Canada. She is currently running a blog series on adverse drug effects, including the consequences of taking statin drugs. She says there is plenty of material on statins side effects, which have been exposed in over 900 studies.)

Source: http://healthonabudget.com/statin-user-you-must-take-coq10/

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