Cholesterol Drugs - Questran

QUESTION: I am a 66 year old female. Total cholestoral is 271. HDL 69. LDL 161. ratio 4.0. I play fairly vigorous singles tennis for appr. two hours at a time, three times a week. I watch my diet fairly well. I smoke and take app. 2 glasses of red wine a day. Have tried Zieta with awful side effects. Questran has now been prescribed but I am worried about filling this prescription. Any other recommendation I could discuss with my doctor where side-effects are minimal if any? Than you. Marlene
PS I challange you to a game of tennis!

ANSWER:  Dear Marlene,
I'd love to take you up on your challenge of a game of tennis. Come to Scottsdale this winter and lets play. My challenge to you is to stop smoking. Of course you know how bad tobacco is for you I'm sure. Giving up smoking will do you more good than lowering your cholesterol or even exercising, but don't stop exercising.

I definitely think you should also work on lowering your cholesterol, however, In place of the drugs, I recommend natural plant extracts and nutritional supplements that have been shown in clinical studies to be as effective as the drugs without the side effects. For a detailed look at these natural alternatives, click here.

Best in health,
Dr. Clark Hansen