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Cholesterol
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I typically get my blood work done twice per year. My cholesterol and triglycerides are typically up in the winter and down in the summer. In looking at my lifestyle and habits, I typically put on 8-10 Lbs in the winter and am far less active. I lose weight in the Spring and going into summer and I'm far more active coming out of winter.
My cholesterol and triglyceride levels seem to be more closely tied with my weight and activity than they do carbs or whatever...
My cholesterol levels typically go up when I eat more saturated fats as well...they always go up when I start getting my cheese frenzy on.4 -
janejellyroll wrote: »GaleHawkins wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »GaleHawkins wrote: »My triglycerides dropped from over 300 down to 45 eating pork, whole eggs, sausage, steak, lamb, real mayonnaise, blue cheese dressing, and substantially lower carbs.
A1C went back down to the normal range too.
Good job. That indicates to me that eating carbs is the main source of triglycerides not protein and fat.
If we're basing this simply off of personal anecdotes, my triglycerides (and overall cholesterol levels) are great and I get about 60% of my calories from carbohydrates.
So what does that indicate to you, Gale?
That indicates to me you have found a WOE that works for you. Best of continued success!
I don't see how you can reconcile that with your previous conclusion that eating carbohydrates is the main source of triglycerides.
Eating carbohydrates is the main source of triglycerides unless someone finds a WOE that works for them that has the majority of calories coming from carbohydrates?
Seriously, what are you arguing here?
I just simply answered your question in the most medically correct way that I knew to do so to date.10 -
This new study showed ldl did not change on a lchf diet, but triglycerides and help tend to improve.
Effects of carbohydrate-restricted diets on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Results
Carbohydrate-restricted diets showed no significant difference in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol after 6, 12, and 24 months. Although an overall pooled analysis statistically favored low-fat diets (0.07 mmol/L; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02–0.13; P = 0.009], this was clinically insignificant. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and plasma triglycerides at 6 and 12 months favored carbohydrate-restricted diets (0.08 mmol/L; 95%CI, 0.06–0.11; P < 1 × 10−5 and −0.13 mmol/L; 95%CI, −0.19 to −0.08; P < 1 × 10−5, respectively). These favorable changes were more marked in the subgroup with very-low carbohydrate content (< 50 g/d; 0.12 mmol/L; 95%CI, 0.10–0.14; P < 1 × 10−5and −0.19 mmol/L; 95%CI, −0.26 to −0.12; P = 0.02, respectively).
https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article-abstract/77/3/161/5241079?redirectedFrom3 -
GaleHawkins wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »GaleHawkins wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »GaleHawkins wrote: »My triglycerides dropped from over 300 down to 45 eating pork, whole eggs, sausage, steak, lamb, real mayonnaise, blue cheese dressing, and substantially lower carbs.
A1C went back down to the normal range too.
Good job. That indicates to me that eating carbs is the main source of triglycerides not protein and fat.
If we're basing this simply off of personal anecdotes, my triglycerides (and overall cholesterol levels) are great and I get about 60% of my calories from carbohydrates.
So what does that indicate to you, Gale?
That indicates to me you have found a WOE that works for you. Best of continued success!
I don't see how you can reconcile that with your previous conclusion that eating carbohydrates is the main source of triglycerides.
Eating carbohydrates is the main source of triglycerides unless someone finds a WOE that works for them that has the majority of calories coming from carbohydrates?
Seriously, what are you arguing here?
I just simply answered your question in the most medically correct way that I knew to do so to date.
If people eating a diet high in carbohydrates can have healthy triglyceride levels (which demonstrably the case in studies, even beyond the anecdotal experience of myself and others) then it can't be true that eating carbohydrates is the main source of triglycerides.
It means there is some other factor that you've failed to identify.
What you're arguing isn't "medically correct," it's an impossibility.
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GaleHawkins wrote: »My triglycerides dropped from over 300 down to 45 eating pork, whole eggs, sausage, steak, lamb, real mayonnaise, blue cheese dressing, and substantially lower carbs.
A1C went back down to the normal range too.
Good job. That indicates to me that eating carbs is the main source of triglycerides not protein and fat.
Fixed...
9 -
GaleHawkins wrote: »My triglycerides dropped from over 300 down to 45 eating pork, whole eggs, sausage, steak, lamb, real mayonnaise, blue cheese dressing, and substantially lower carbs.
A1C went back down to the normal range too.
Good job. That indicates to me that eating carbs is the main source of triglycerides not protein and fat.
I would caution against basing things off of an n=1 sort of situation in this case.7 -
GaleHawkins wrote: »My triglycerides dropped from over 300 down to 45 eating pork, whole eggs, sausage, steak, lamb, real mayonnaise, blue cheese dressing, and substantially lower carbs.
A1C went back down to the normal range too.
Good job. That indicates to me that eating carbs is the main source of triglycerides not protein and fat.
Or he could have and probably has lost weight which typically provides for improved health markers across the board. My guess would be that he's also performing some kind of exercise or physical activity...also known to improve health markers across the board.4 -
I've been in your shoes. Do you know your family history? High cholesterol and heart disease run in my family, so I have been watching my numbers since I turned 30, and they are always high. At one point, I was exercising regularly, at a healthy weight, and my husband and I tried a vegetarian diet (eliminating all sources of dietary cholesterol) in order to see what effect that had on my numbers. His numbers dropped to a low level, and mine dropped a whopping 9 points, and the total was still over 200. I guess I bring this up to say that the hereditary factor is strong. Sometimes it is diet related, sometimes there's not a lot you can do. My doctor recommended that I concentrate on keeping my ratios in a healthy range (which I can control) through diet and exercise. In my case, my triglycerides do drop when I keep my carbs/sugar intake in a healthy range. For me, that means balancing what I eat with protein, vegetables, and healthy carbs (fruits, starchy vegetables, high fiber breads, etc.) and keeping sweet treats to a "couple times a week" (vs. a couple times a day!). Good luck in finding what works for you!0
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cwolfman13 wrote: »I typically get my blood work done twice per year. My cholesterol and triglycerides are typically up in the winter and down in the summer. In looking at my lifestyle and habits, I typically put on 8-10 Lbs in the winter and am far less active. I lose weight in the Spring and going into summer and I'm far more active coming out of winter.
My cholesterol and triglyceride levels seem to be more closely tied with my weight and activity than they do carbs or whatever...
My cholesterol levels typically go up when I eat more saturated fats as well...they always go up when I start getting my cheese frenzy on.
Changes in vitamin D levels might also be a factor, but probably less so than activity changes.1 -
Haven't read the previous replies.
I had high LDL cholesterol since I was 22. The rest were fine, but I had one dr suggest I go on statins when I was in my late 20s. I declined. From the age of 17 till about 33 I did almost every diet you can think of. Never changed my LDL. I never lost more than 10kg either (I'm 5'3" and was 90 kg at my heaviest). I didn't eat a lot of the foods you are "supposed" to avoid. I also have a strong family history of high cholesterol.
2 years ago I did a new approach. I guess you would call it mindful eating. I called it eating less. I still have chocolate every day. I eat meat and eggs. I just eat less than I used to. I also started exercising regularly. First fitnessblender.com, then running and strength training. I lost 20kg and kept it off for a year. My cholesterol went to a normal range within the first year, and has stayed there. So I don't really have answers but for me, I think its the weightloss, and exercise, that's dropped it and kept it down.10 -
No matter my weight, my LDL is largely unchanged. At 220lbs , it was 120. At 173 lbs, it was 99. Both of my parents have high LDLs. But heart disease doesn't run in my family. But what did happen when I lost weight and start exercising (while eating 250 -300g of carbs a day) was my tryglicerides went from 220 to 40, my HDL's double, and my non LDL cholesterol ratio was in good range. Additionally, my A1C is 4.3 and no inflammation.
Sometimes genetics > everything else. In generally, exercising and weight loss will provide the biggest impact.
Although, I am experimenting this year with increasing seafood consumption to see if that has any impact.6 -
Roadie2000 wrote: »My most recent blood work revealed my LDL was high, my Triglycerides were high, and my LDL/HDL ratio was 5.1. My doctor told me I should cut down on high cholesterol foods like red meat. I did that for a while and wanted to lose some weight, so I thought I'd try the keto diet for a while. Shortly into that I realized that most of the foods I was eating had a lot of cholesterol, so maybe the keto diet wasn't for me.
After doing a little research I realized there is an overwhelming amount of information on cholesterol, and some of it contradicts what I've always been lead to believe.
Some say the keto diet is actually good for your cholesterol. Some studies say there's actually no connection to heart disease. Some say it's mainly genetic and has little to do with what you eat.
Can anyone "explain it like I'm 5" how to be healthy with my cholesterol? I already exercise plenty, don't smoke, rarely drink, try to avoid red meat, fried foods, and trans fats, and I'm losing weight but my levels are still bad. I don't plan on doing keto ever again, it wasn't for me, but are eggs okay? I get a lot of mixed messages. And what should I try to eat more of to lower it? Does it matter?
Moderation and variety is the answer. If your cholesterol is really that high, for sure your Dr prescribed you some statin drugs. How long were you in keto diet? Probably your fats has build up and you need time to get rid of it.
Eat variety of food and don't shy away from carbs. Do a day without meat like meatless Monday. If you eay meat, choose lean meat, chicken breast, pork loin and fish. Eat beef only maybe once a month. If you can help it, don't fry, use oven on your meat.
I'm not a big believer of keto. I think it's a fad diet. First of all our body needs carbs, protein, and a lil bit of fat. Actually, brain like to function using energy from carbs and starches. Keto diet makes body do extra work to convert fat into something so the brain can absorb it. Although, for some reason Keto diet is benificial to people with epilepsy. Keto would only work if you get your fats from good fat sources like avocado and fish.8 -
In addition, maybe you should ask your Dr to refer you to a legit dietician. They will for sure help you with some meal plans.0
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Daisy_Girl2019 wrote: »Roadie2000 wrote: »My most recent blood work revealed my LDL was high, my Triglycerides were high, and my LDL/HDL ratio was 5.1. My doctor told me I should cut down on high cholesterol foods like red meat. I did that for a while and wanted to lose some weight, so I thought I'd try the keto diet for a while. Shortly into that I realized that most of the foods I was eating had a lot of cholesterol, so maybe the keto diet wasn't for me.
After doing a little research I realized there is an overwhelming amount of information on cholesterol, and some of it contradicts what I've always been lead to believe.
Some say the keto diet is actually good for your cholesterol. Some studies say there's actually no connection to heart disease. Some say it's mainly genetic and has little to do with what you eat.
Can anyone "explain it like I'm 5" how to be healthy with my cholesterol? I already exercise plenty, don't smoke, rarely drink, try to avoid red meat, fried foods, and trans fats, and I'm losing weight but my levels are still bad. I don't plan on doing keto ever again, it wasn't for me, but are eggs okay? I get a lot of mixed messages. And what should I try to eat more of to lower it? Does it matter?
Moderation and variety is the answer. If your cholesterol is really that high, for sure your Dr prescribed you some statin drugs. How long were you in keto diet? Probably your fats has build up and you need time to get rid of it.
Eat variety of food and don't shy away from carbs. Do a day without meat like meatless Monday. If you eay meat, choose lean meat, chicken breast, pork loin and fish. Eat beef only maybe once a month. If you can help it, don't fry, use oven on your meat.
I'm not a big believer of keto. I think it's a fad diet. First of all our body needs carbs, protein, and a lil bit of fat. Actually, brain like to function using energy from carbs and starches. Keto diet makes body do extra work to convert fat into something so the brain can absorb it. Although, for some reason Keto diet is benificial to people with epilepsy. Keto would only work if you get your fats from good fat sources like avocado and fish.
Statin drugs have some pretty significant side effects for some people, and many doctors now try to give their patients time to try to lower cholesterol with diet and exercise before going the statin route. High cholesterol isn't necessarily an emergency situation, so rushing someone onto a prescription drug before attempting lifestyle change isn't necessary.
Current research suggests that fat and cholesterol in your diet does not directly affect your blood cholesterol level, unless you are in the minority with a specific health condition. A lot of the research now is changing, which is fascinating but unfortunately means there's some disagreement on what course is best for each individual.3 -
This new study showed ldl did not change on a lchf diet, but triglycerides and help tend to improve.
Effects of carbohydrate-restricted diets on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Results
Carbohydrate-restricted diets showed no significant difference in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol after 6, 12, and 24 months. Although an overall pooled analysis statistically favored low-fat diets (0.07 mmol/L; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02–0.13; P = 0.009], this was clinically insignificant. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and plasma triglycerides at 6 and 12 months favored carbohydrate-restricted diets (0.08 mmol/L; 95%CI, 0.06–0.11; P < 1 × 10−5 and −0.13 mmol/L; 95%CI, −0.19 to −0.08; P < 1 × 10−5, respectively). These favorable changes were more marked in the subgroup with very-low carbohydrate content (< 50 g/d; 0.12 mmol/L; 95%CI, 0.10–0.14; P < 1 × 10−5and −0.19 mmol/L; 95%CI, −0.26 to −0.12; P = 0.02, respectively).
https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article-abstract/77/3/161/5241079?redirectedFrom
Wouldn't these results also be due to the subjects losing weight which would inevitably improve their cholesterol panel?5 -
This new study showed ldl did not change on a lchf diet, but triglycerides and help tend to improve.
Effects of carbohydrate-restricted diets on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Results
Carbohydrate-restricted diets showed no significant difference in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol after 6, 12, and 24 months. Although an overall pooled analysis statistically favored low-fat diets (0.07 mmol/L; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02–0.13; P = 0.009], this was clinically insignificant. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and plasma triglycerides at 6 and 12 months favored carbohydrate-restricted diets (0.08 mmol/L; 95%CI, 0.06–0.11; P < 1 × 10−5 and −0.13 mmol/L; 95%CI, −0.19 to −0.08; P < 1 × 10−5, respectively). These favorable changes were more marked in the subgroup with very-low carbohydrate content (< 50 g/d; 0.12 mmol/L; 95%CI, 0.10–0.14; P < 1 × 10−5and −0.19 mmol/L; 95%CI, −0.26 to −0.12; P = 0.02, respectively).
https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article-abstract/77/3/161/5241079?redirectedFrom
Wouldn't these results also be due to the subjects losing weight which would inevitably improve their cholesterol panel?
That is the problem with low carb diets: people tend to lose weight on them.
Weight loss does tend to raise ldl and triglycerides while it is happening though. That did not happen here.4 -
This new study showed ldl did not change on a lchf diet, but triglycerides and help tend to improve.
Effects of carbohydrate-restricted diets on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Results
Carbohydrate-restricted diets showed no significant difference in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol after 6, 12, and 24 months. Although an overall pooled analysis statistically favored low-fat diets (0.07 mmol/L; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02–0.13; P = 0.009], this was clinically insignificant. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and plasma triglycerides at 6 and 12 months favored carbohydrate-restricted diets (0.08 mmol/L; 95%CI, 0.06–0.11; P < 1 × 10−5 and −0.13 mmol/L; 95%CI, −0.19 to −0.08; P < 1 × 10−5, respectively). These favorable changes were more marked in the subgroup with very-low carbohydrate content (< 50 g/d; 0.12 mmol/L; 95%CI, 0.10–0.14; P < 1 × 10−5and −0.19 mmol/L; 95%CI, −0.26 to −0.12; P = 0.02, respectively).
https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article-abstract/77/3/161/5241079?redirectedFrom
Wouldn't these results also be due to the subjects losing weight which would inevitably improve their cholesterol panel?
That is the problem with low carb diets: people tend to lose weight on them.
Weight loss does tend to raise ldl and triglycerides while it is happening though. That did not happen here.
*when eating at a caloric deficit. Thats a necessary part of the equation that you always seem to leave out.9 -
This new study showed ldl did not change on a lchf diet, but triglycerides and help tend to improve.
Effects of carbohydrate-restricted diets on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Results
Carbohydrate-restricted diets showed no significant difference in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol after 6, 12, and 24 months. Although an overall pooled analysis statistically favored low-fat diets (0.07 mmol/L; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02–0.13; P = 0.009], this was clinically insignificant. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and plasma triglycerides at 6 and 12 months favored carbohydrate-restricted diets (0.08 mmol/L; 95%CI, 0.06–0.11; P < 1 × 10−5 and −0.13 mmol/L; 95%CI, −0.19 to −0.08; P < 1 × 10−5, respectively). These favorable changes were more marked in the subgroup with very-low carbohydrate content (< 50 g/d; 0.12 mmol/L; 95%CI, 0.10–0.14; P < 1 × 10−5and −0.19 mmol/L; 95%CI, −0.26 to −0.12; P = 0.02, respectively).
https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article-abstract/77/3/161/5241079?redirectedFrom
Wouldn't these results also be due to the subjects losing weight which would inevitably improve their cholesterol panel?
That is the problem with low carb diets: people tend to lose weight on them.
Weight loss does tend to raise ldl and triglycerides while it is happening though. That did not happen here.
Please explain this theory.
0 -
This new study showed ldl did not change on a lchf diet, but triglycerides and help tend to improve.
Effects of carbohydrate-restricted diets on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Results
Carbohydrate-restricted diets showed no significant difference in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol after 6, 12, and 24 months. Although an overall pooled analysis statistically favored low-fat diets (0.07 mmol/L; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02–0.13; P = 0.009], this was clinically insignificant. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and plasma triglycerides at 6 and 12 months favored carbohydrate-restricted diets (0.08 mmol/L; 95%CI, 0.06–0.11; P < 1 × 10−5 and −0.13 mmol/L; 95%CI, −0.19 to −0.08; P < 1 × 10−5, respectively). These favorable changes were more marked in the subgroup with very-low carbohydrate content (< 50 g/d; 0.12 mmol/L; 95%CI, 0.10–0.14; P < 1 × 10−5and −0.19 mmol/L; 95%CI, −0.26 to −0.12; P = 0.02, respectively).
https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article-abstract/77/3/161/5241079?redirectedFrom
Wouldn't these results also be due to the subjects losing weight which would inevitably improve their cholesterol panel?
That is the problem with low carb diets: people tend to lose weight on them.
Weight loss does tend to raise ldl and triglycerides while it is happening though. That did not happen here.
*when eating at a caloric deficit. Thats a necessary part of the equation that you always seem to leave out.
I must include a calorie deficit when I discuss any weight loss? Why? It would be like discussing gravity every time someone does a weigh in.
Of course a calorie deficit is needed for weight loss. I have never claimed otherwise. I've said it many many times.
4 -
This new study showed ldl did not change on a lchf diet, but triglycerides and help tend to improve.
Effects of carbohydrate-restricted diets on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Results
Carbohydrate-restricted diets showed no significant difference in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol after 6, 12, and 24 months. Although an overall pooled analysis statistically favored low-fat diets (0.07 mmol/L; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02–0.13; P = 0.009], this was clinically insignificant. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and plasma triglycerides at 6 and 12 months favored carbohydrate-restricted diets (0.08 mmol/L; 95%CI, 0.06–0.11; P < 1 × 10−5 and −0.13 mmol/L; 95%CI, −0.19 to −0.08; P < 1 × 10−5, respectively). These favorable changes were more marked in the subgroup with very-low carbohydrate content (< 50 g/d; 0.12 mmol/L; 95%CI, 0.10–0.14; P < 1 × 10−5and −0.19 mmol/L; 95%CI, −0.26 to −0.12; P = 0.02, respectively).
https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article-abstract/77/3/161/5241079?redirectedFrom
Wouldn't these results also be due to the subjects losing weight which would inevitably improve their cholesterol panel?
That is the problem with low carb diets: people tend to lose weight on them.
Weight loss does tend to raise ldl and triglycerides while it is happening though. That did not happen here.
Please explain this theory.
Really simplified: more cholesterol and fat in the blood whenfat is mobilized for energy.
It doesn't always happen, but it is not uncommon.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/2035468/1
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