Training and Statins? Anything besides CoQ10 that helps?

Former Member
Former Member
I train on the fairly intense side (I think) and am averaging 3,600 6 times a week. Eat fairly healthy...no eggs or cheese, lots of nut mixes for snacks, salads 2 nights a week, sushi 2 nights a week. Impossible burgers now and then. You get the idea. And still my cholesterol is through the roof. I had quit taking it when I began to train hard upon retirement because of the cramping issue, mostly thighs and upper back. So I’m dismayed at having to start again. 4 days in and my back is stiff and borderline “sore.” Warmup is a drag because I’m so cautious about seizing up (in past, I had my back go on both sides simply jumping in to cold pool; soreness and caution kept me out of pool for at least 3 days). 30 minutes or so of googling seems to suggest that CoQ10 is only thing that *might* help (evidence seems mixed). I already take that along with preventives like garlic and psyllium. So, any of you folks have any dietary or supplement hacks that help abate the large muscle issues that come along with statins? Stretching routines that help? Heat? Cold? Both? How about really ramping up hydration? (I already do a good job here, but maybe still more?) Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.
Parents
  • Do you know your actual cholesterol numbers? I assume you're seeing a doctor regularly, doing lab work, and they are going through different options with you? I'm not sure that I would just blindly take an OTC supplement that might help (or might cause larger issues). As for me, I do take Pravastatin, but it is prescribed. I probably do labs 3x a year, and see a cardiologist/PCP 3x a year too. When you next meet with your physician you could ask if that might be an option. I train for long open water swims; currently training for 10 miles and 10k a few days later. So I do very long swims, but not too intense (other than some occasional sprints). So what works for me might not work for you.
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  • Do you know your actual cholesterol numbers? I assume you're seeing a doctor regularly, doing lab work, and they are going through different options with you? I'm not sure that I would just blindly take an OTC supplement that might help (or might cause larger issues). As for me, I do take Pravastatin, but it is prescribed. I probably do labs 3x a year, and see a cardiologist/PCP 3x a year too. When you next meet with your physician you could ask if that might be an option. I train for long open water swims; currently training for 10 miles and 10k a few days later. So I do very long swims, but not too intense (other than some occasional sprints). So what works for me might not work for you.
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