Low carb - low sodium and low cholesterol?

dutchk

I'm a complete newbie here so please be gentle! I suffered a TIA in 2004 and was placed on a subsequent low sodium and low cholesterol diet, supplemented by BP and cholesterol reducing drugs and a blood thinner. Well, I finally got my s*** together and dropped about 100 lbs of stroke inducing weight. The result is that I am (temporarily) off those meds. I just had blood work done and everything looks good so far. Stress test is next but Doc says stay with it. Problem is, I also have a family history of Alzheimer’s. I'm particularly afraid of Alzheimer’s and because Alzheimer’s is now being linked by some experts to high carb diets, I’m investing a way to develop a low carb regimen while still staying within my low sodium and cholesterol limits. I would very much appreciate some advice, particularly pointers to further reading. I seems when I look at recipes for low carb diets they contain high cholesterol or high sodium…or both. Thanks!

kiramaniac

So, a big reason you tend to see high sodium recipes, is that on low carb we need more sodium.

From "The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living"

Low carb diets are natriuretic - they make the kidneys dump sodium. Sodium deficiency can cause headache, dizziness and fatigue. With continued low carb intake and sodium restriction, at some point your kidneys start to excrete potassium in order to conserve sodium. Potassium deficiency can then lead to muscle cramps, cardiac dysrythmia. it can also cause the body to lose muscle, even when there's plenty of protein in the diet.

On keto (low carb, high fat, moderate protein), we should consume 3-5 g sodium per day. Broth is the easiest solution.

Is the low cholesterol diet actually restricting dietary cholesterol? This is confusing to me, as there isn't a relationship between dietary cholesterol and cholesterol in your blood (?)

I came across this article that summarizes a lot of research that looked at low carb vs low fat. Have a look and feel better about your choice!
http://authoritynutrition.com/23-studies-on-low-carb-and-low-fat-diets/

Rei1988

I was put on a low-sodium diet by doctors too, for my pulmonary hypertension. I've been taking diuretics my whole life due to heart/lung conditions. Before keto I would get really bloated & could barely breath when I ate too much salt (carbs weren't helping either). Now that I started keto & see how my body handles I am able to consume more sodium. So I kind of solved that problem on my own I still take my meds & I have been stable since.

Is the reason they want you on a low sodium diet because the excess fluid is hard on your body process? ( as mines was)

And you don't lower your cholesterol by eating less cholesterol. You actually eat more of it & it lowers it itself. I'm no expert but I know that LCHF is very nourishing for the brain & that should be a good place to start if you're worried about your mental health.