Why hasn’t doctor told me about Pantethine? Well, answer is, he may just not know about it. Unlike drugs companies that spend millions of dollars on advertising and have sales reps whose only job is to push their statin drug, Pantethine and Niacin are naturally occurring compounds. Because they are natural and common compounds, nobody can patent them. Because a drug companies cannot patent and therefore have exclusive right to sell compounds, no significant investment in marketing or education for Pantethine and Niacin has been made. Subsequently, your doctor may just not know.

The final compound that has been demonstrated to have a dramatic effect on cholesterol levels is Policosanol. This compound is a waxy substance taken from sugar cane or beeswax. It has been demonstrated to significantly reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol and to raise good (HDL) cholesterol levels in blood stream. The specific mechanism that Policosanol uses to improve cholesterol levels is not as understood as that of Niacin and Pantethine. However, it is believed to both increase elimination of LDL cholesterol in blood stream and aid liver in creating good (HDL) cholesterol in a manner similar to Pantethine.

What does all of this mean? Well, if you have high cholesterol, it means you have choices. Statin drugs are highly effective. However, side effects for statins range from muscle atrophy to loss of short term memory to significant heart damage. Because statin drugs block your body from producing an enzyme that makes an essential heart health vitamin as well as cholesterol, potential for negative side effects can be significant. Alternatively, supplementation with Pantethine, Niacin, Policosanol, or all three simultaneously has been shown to have no damaging side effects and can be just as effective as statin drugs.

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Of course you may not have any serious sleep disorder, you may just be

suffering ordinary things like a new baby, a sick child, worry over

some stressor in your life, like lossing your job, or other worries. These kinds of sleep deprivation usually go away in time.

If you think you might be sleep deprived there are some things you can do. Ask yourself how much sleep makes you feel really well. Then set a goal to get that much sleep. Some things you might do is get some exercise it promotes sleep. Don't eat, drink coffee, tea or

alcohol within two hours of going to bed. Stop smoking. Don't use your

bedroom for anything except sleep. Establish that when you go into your

bedroom that you are going there to sleep. Establish a bedtime ritual. Don't think about troubles when you are going to sleep. Put them on

hold until next day they will still be there.

Recognising you are sleep deprived is first step. Knowing that

being sleep deprived is dangerous if you are operating machinery, or driving your car is important. You also may be putting your job on

line with lack of attention and memory loss.

So see what is keeping you up. If you suspect you have a sleep disorder

see your doctor. If not maybe giving up an extra hour of whatever is

keeping you up will do it. Try to de-stress your life as much as possible, tension is a major

factor in having sleeping problems. Try to close your eyes, breathe

deeply and think about something pleasant or relaxing. You might try

some daily meditation it cuts stress better than anything I know of. Try yoga and deep breathing. They both promote good sleep. If you have

other health problems and pain is a factor in you not sleeping be sure

and see your doctor. Take good care of yourself and Be well.

about the author: Judi Singleton publishes Jassmine's Journal Be Well editon weekly you can subscribe by sending an email with subscribe in