Bad News - High Cholesterol
Replies
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Which value in particular was high? I have been a vegetarian for 26 years. About 10 years ago, I had a high overall cholesterol reading, but the main contributor was my triglycerides. The doctor I was seeing at the time recommended stopping refined carbohydrates so I switched to whole grains for everything and my cholesterol turned around completely, and I have maintained good values in the decade since with my last three total cholesterol readings being 150, 150, and 149. (I also started taking algae-based omega-3 DHA/EPA supplements but fish oil would work if you are not vegetarian.)
That advice may not help if triglycerides aren't your problem.3 -
Going low carb will certainly help along with regular exercise. Recently I heard a few doctors and scientists speaking about how going low carb helps with our overall health. All of them kept saying cholesterol never kills, but diabetes does, and that carbohydrates is the culprit. Try to avoid eating anything you are allergic to. After one year or so you could gradually add one food item that you are allergic back in your diet and see how it goes.
Eggs are good, and doesn't affect our cholesterol levels according to what I've researched.26 -
What was your HDL in relation to your LDL?
There are certain foods than can help lower LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) including foods huigh in soluble fibre such as oatmeal (my go to breakfast most days) and psyllium (Metamucil) and fish like salmon (omega-3 fatty acids) you'd mentioned some food allergies which may limit your choices.
https://mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/cholesterol/art-20045192
You may be one of the unfortunate people who still end up on medications despite lifestyle modifications due to genetics.5 -
Going low carb will certainly help along with regular exercise. Recently I heard a few doctors and scientists speaking about how going low carb helps with our overall health. All of them kept saying cholesterol never kills, but diabetes does, and that carbohydrates is the culprit. Try to avoid eating anything you are allergic to. After one year or so you could gradually add one food item that you are allergic back in your diet and see how it goes.
Eggs are good, and doesn't affect our cholesterol levels according to what I've researched.
Carbs don't cause diabetes. Diabetes is multi-faceted, but its largely believed that obesity, genetics, inactivity, drinking/smoking, and race play the biggest role.14 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »So, I just got my lab results back that my thyroid is great but my cholesterol is high. I've been eating fairly healthy and very very low junk/processed food (once every 8 to 10 days) But for some reason I can't seem to lower my cholesterol. I work out 3 days a week for an hour + I do and extensive amount of cardio outside of the gym (I rack up about 700 active minutes a week alone, according to my fitness app)
My allergies are the following: all nuts, avocado, seafood except fish and oysters, some fruits and vegetables, chick peas, green beans, etc. but I've been eating them anyways and taking a zyrtec for the allergic reaction that may happen.
What should I eat on a low cholesterol diet? I guess no more eggs for me.
I think the bigger question here is why are you eating foods you're allergic to and depending on an OTC allergy medicine to avert what could turn into anaphylaxis?
What choice do I have? Healthy foods equals weight loss and unhealthy foods equals weight gain
There are a whole variety of healthful foods out there you can eat without resorting to eating foods you are allergic to.Eat Cheerios and whole grains, they are supposed to help.
No but seriously, if it's genetics then it's genetics and you don't have to feel at fault. Definitely limiting fats/red meat in your diet and eating fiber will help, but there may not be a ton you can do. Your doctor should be better able to advise you.
Eat eggs. They're good for you, delicious and do not influence your cholesterol whatsoever.
I hardly eat meat now. Mostly just fish and I'm kinda sick of it
Why aren't you eating meat? Chicken, beef, pork, etc are perfectly healthy...there's no need to eat nothing but fish. Eating leaner cuts (and there are plenty of lean cuts of chicken, beef, and pork) will help keep calories down...it may also help with the cholesterol issue by reducing saturated fat...but there's absolutely nothing wrong with other cuts of meat.
I got my cholesterol down for a bit...the biggest thing was losing weight and getting in regular exercise. I also started eating more fibrous foods like oats, lentils, beans, etc and increased my veg and fruit (though I don't eat things I'm allergic to like bananas).
Unfortunately, I have an uphill battle with this given both sides of my family have a history of high cholesterol so it is more likely than not that I'll be on meds at some point despite good livin'.
I was told eating meat is high in protein and can cause weight gain - which I don't want
Weight gain is caused by eating too many calories. Protein is no worse for weight gain than fat or carbs. In fact many people find that eating more protein helps them feel full longer with less food, making it easier for them to stay within a calorie goal.
Overeating on protein, if anything, is better since protein is the least likely to convert to fat. I will have to find the last study by Eric Helms (i believe), but it was something like 1% could be broken down and stored in adipose.5 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »So, I just got my lab results back that my thyroid is great but my cholesterol is high. I've been eating fairly healthy and very very low junk/processed food (once every 8 to 10 days) But for some reason I can't seem to lower my cholesterol. I work out 3 days a week for an hour + I do and extensive amount of cardio outside of the gym (I rack up about 700 active minutes a week alone, according to my fitness app)
My allergies are the following: all nuts, avocado, seafood except fish and oysters, some fruits and vegetables, chick peas, green beans, etc. but I've been eating them anyways and taking a zyrtec for the allergic reaction that may happen.
What should I eat on a low cholesterol diet? I guess no more eggs for me.
I think the bigger question here is why are you eating foods you're allergic to and depending on an OTC allergy medicine to avert what could turn into anaphylaxis?
What choice do I have? Healthy foods equals weight loss and unhealthy foods equals weight gain
There are a whole variety of healthful foods out there you can eat without resorting to eating foods you are allergic to.Eat Cheerios and whole grains, they are supposed to help.
No but seriously, if it's genetics then it's genetics and you don't have to feel at fault. Definitely limiting fats/red meat in your diet and eating fiber will help, but there may not be a ton you can do. Your doctor should be better able to advise you.
Eat eggs. They're good for you, delicious and do not influence your cholesterol whatsoever.
I hardly eat meat now. Mostly just fish and I'm kinda sick of it
Why aren't you eating meat? Chicken, beef, pork, etc are perfectly healthy...there's no need to eat nothing but fish. Eating leaner cuts (and there are plenty of lean cuts of chicken, beef, and pork) will help keep calories down...it may also help with the cholesterol issue by reducing saturated fat...but there's absolutely nothing wrong with other cuts of meat.
I got my cholesterol down for a bit...the biggest thing was losing weight and getting in regular exercise. I also started eating more fibrous foods like oats, lentils, beans, etc and increased my veg and fruit (though I don't eat things I'm allergic to like bananas).
Unfortunately, I have an uphill battle with this given both sides of my family have a history of high cholesterol so it is more likely than not that I'll be on meds at some point despite good livin'.
I was told eating meat is high in protein and can cause weight gain - which I don't want
Protein doesn't cause weight gain...calories in excess of what you need to maintain the status quo results in weight gains. Weight management is about calories (energy).
A diet higher in protein is actually good when losing weight because it preserves muscle mass. It also has the highest TEF of anything you can eat which means it requires more calories to breakdown and digest than anything you eat.
A calorie is a unit of energy. Depending on your age, height, and weight and overall activity level, you require XXXX calories (energy) to maintain the status quo. When you consume more calories (energy) than you require, that energy is stored for later use as body fat...it's basically your backup generator. When you consume fewer calories than your body requires, that deficiency has to be made up for...so your backup generator kicks on and you burn body fat to reconcile the deficiency.7 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »So, I just got my lab results back that my thyroid is great but my cholesterol is high. I've been eating fairly healthy and very very low junk/processed food (once every 8 to 10 days) But for some reason I can't seem to lower my cholesterol. I work out 3 days a week for an hour + I do and extensive amount of cardio outside of the gym (I rack up about 700 active minutes a week alone, according to my fitness app)
My allergies are the following: all nuts, avocado, seafood except fish and oysters, some fruits and vegetables, chick peas, green beans, etc. but I've been eating them anyways and taking a zyrtec for the allergic reaction that may happen.
What should I eat on a low cholesterol diet? I guess no more eggs for me.
I think the bigger question here is why are you eating foods you're allergic to and depending on an OTC allergy medicine to avert what could turn into anaphylaxis?
What choice do I have? Healthy foods equals weight loss and unhealthy foods equals weight gain
There are a whole variety of healthful foods out there you can eat without resorting to eating foods you are allergic to.Eat Cheerios and whole grains, they are supposed to help.
No but seriously, if it's genetics then it's genetics and you don't have to feel at fault. Definitely limiting fats/red meat in your diet and eating fiber will help, but there may not be a ton you can do. Your doctor should be better able to advise you.
Eat eggs. They're good for you, delicious and do not influence your cholesterol whatsoever.
I hardly eat meat now. Mostly just fish and I'm kinda sick of it
Why aren't you eating meat? Chicken, beef, pork, etc are perfectly healthy...there's no need to eat nothing but fish. Eating leaner cuts (and there are plenty of lean cuts of chicken, beef, and pork) will help keep calories down...it may also help with the cholesterol issue by reducing saturated fat...but there's absolutely nothing wrong with other cuts of meat.
I got my cholesterol down for a bit...the biggest thing was losing weight and getting in regular exercise. I also started eating more fibrous foods like oats, lentils, beans, etc and increased my veg and fruit (though I don't eat things I'm allergic to like bananas).
Unfortunately, I have an uphill battle with this given both sides of my family have a history of high cholesterol so it is more likely than not that I'll be on meds at some point despite good livin'.
I was told eating meat is high in protein and can cause weight gain - which I don't want
Assuming you are in the US, ask your doctor for a referral to a registered dietitian (not a nutritionist.)
You have mentioned a lot of food myths in this one thread. I think your best bet at sorting them out is with the help of a dietitian.12 -
If you are this concerned about your cholesterol ask your doctor to order you an x-ray to see if there is plaque build-up in your arteries.
You need to take a moment and calm yourself though. This news is not terminal and you should not treat it that way. It could be very temporary condition caused by weight loss. Your doctor has not even prescribed a statin for you yet, right? You may not even need one.
You would benefit from seeing a registered dietition though so you can separate the truth from the malarkey that you have been told.9 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »So, I just got my lab results back that my thyroid is great but my cholesterol is high. I've been eating fairly healthy and very very low junk/processed food (once every 8 to 10 days) But for some reason I can't seem to lower my cholesterol. I work out 3 days a week for an hour + I do and extensive amount of cardio outside of the gym (I rack up about 700 active minutes a week alone, according to my fitness app)
My allergies are the following: all nuts, avocado, seafood except fish and oysters, some fruits and vegetables, chick peas, green beans, etc. but I've been eating them anyways and taking a zyrtec for the allergic reaction that may happen.
What should I eat on a low cholesterol diet? I guess no more eggs for me.
I think the bigger question here is why are you eating foods you're allergic to and depending on an OTC allergy medicine to avert what could turn into anaphylaxis?
What choice do I have? Healthy foods equals weight loss and unhealthy foods equals weight gain
There are a whole variety of healthful foods out there you can eat without resorting to eating foods you are allergic to.Eat Cheerios and whole grains, they are supposed to help.
No but seriously, if it's genetics then it's genetics and you don't have to feel at fault. Definitely limiting fats/red meat in your diet and eating fiber will help, but there may not be a ton you can do. Your doctor should be better able to advise you.
Eat eggs. They're good for you, delicious and do not influence your cholesterol whatsoever.
I hardly eat meat now. Mostly just fish and I'm kinda sick of it
Why aren't you eating meat? Chicken, beef, pork, etc are perfectly healthy...there's no need to eat nothing but fish. Eating leaner cuts (and there are plenty of lean cuts of chicken, beef, and pork) will help keep calories down...it may also help with the cholesterol issue by reducing saturated fat...but there's absolutely nothing wrong with other cuts of meat.
I got my cholesterol down for a bit...the biggest thing was losing weight and getting in regular exercise. I also started eating more fibrous foods like oats, lentils, beans, etc and increased my veg and fruit (though I don't eat things I'm allergic to like bananas).
Unfortunately, I have an uphill battle with this given both sides of my family have a history of high cholesterol so it is more likely than not that I'll be on meds at some point despite good livin'.
I was told eating meat is high in protein and can cause weight gain - which I don't want
Weight gain is caused by eating too many calories. Protein is no worse for weight gain than fat or carbs. In fact many people find that eating more protein helps them feel full longer with less food, making it easier for them to stay within a calorie goal.
Overeating on protein, if anything, is better since protein is the least likely to convert to fat. I will have to find the last study by Eric Helms (i believe), but it was something like 1% could be broken down and stored in adipose.
For those people who don't understand the impacts of over feeding with various nutrient compositions.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5786199/
"In conclusion, it is evident that overfeeding on carbohydrate and/or fat results in body composition alterations that are different than overfeeding on protein. It is commonly believed that 3,500 kcal is equivalent to 0.45 kg (1 pound) of fat and that changing energy balance in accordance with this will produce predictable changes in body weight. However, the overfeeding literature to date does not support this assertion. Dietary protein appears to have a protective effect against fat gain during times of energy surplus, especially when combined with resistance training. Therefore, the evidence suggests that dietary protein may be the key macronutrient in terms of promoting positive changes in body composition."10 -
Cool.
There are some numbers that are more important than others. Triglycerides, A1C, HDL, LDL-P (not really tested), and CRP are better correlation factors.3 -
DanyellMcGinnis wrote: »Which value in particular was high? I have been a vegetarian for 26 years. About 10 years ago, I had a high overall cholesterol reading, but the main contributor was my triglycerides. The doctor I was seeing at the time recommended stopping refined carbohydrates so I switched to whole grains for everything and my cholesterol turned around completely, and I have maintained good values in the decade since with my last three total cholesterol readings being 150, 150, and 149. (I also started taking algae-based omega-3 DHA/EPA supplements but fish oil would work if you are not vegetarian.)
That advice may not help if triglycerides aren't your problem.
Funny thing is I used to eat low sugar oats to help as well but my cholesterol still never went down and I got sick of eating oats too.1 -
Cool.
There are some numbers that are more important than others. Triglycerides, A1C, HDL, LDL-P (not really tested), and CRP are better correlation factors.
I will check when I get home and post it here, thanks
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If you are this concerned about your cholesterol ask your doctor to order you an x-ray to see if there is plaque build-up in your arteries.
You need to take a moment and calm yourself though. This news is not terminal and you should not treat it that way. It could be very temporary condition caused by weight loss. Your doctor has not even prescribed a statin for you yet, right? You may not even need one.
You would benefit from seeing a registered dietition though so you can separate the truth from the malarkey that you have been told.
The thing is too even when I was weighing less in the past (138) I still had high cholesterol but my bmi and body fat were in normal range but your right I should look into that. I hope it's nothing serious
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Someone has probably already mentioned this as I havent read the whole thread but what is the ratio of your good cholesterol to your bad cholesterol0
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I’d recommend eating old fashioned oats for breakfast (not flavored or quick cook). Add in some ground flaxseed and a tablespoon of walnuts. Make sure you get your healthy fats in. Add in a high quality fish oil capsule each day. Cut out processed food and sugar. Add in some HIIT workouts, strength training, and yoga. Be patient. You’ll see a difference!8
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For what period of time have you been actively trying to lower your cholesterol through the lifestyle changes you mention? I assume 6-12 months since cholesterol tests usually aren’t done too frequently?1
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I would hold off on suggestions until we see OP's numbers. Curious to see if there is really anything to worry about...5
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Zyrtec (cetirizine) is a poor choice for treating an allergic reaction; it's a 2nd gen histamine-1 antagonist which acts peripherally (more ideal for SEASONAL allergies, few adverse reactions/well tolerated). Although cetirizine does get metabolized to a 1st gen antihistamine (hydroxyzine, ironically Rx only), the better option to treat an ACUTE allergic reaction is going to be a centrally acting 1st gen antihistamine like diphenhydramine (BENADRYL); faster onset of action/more idealized kinetics, systemically acting but not ideal for SEASONAL allergies/long term use.
NOTE: primatene mist is now back on the market (as of October 2018) for respiratory symptoms/short acting rescue inhaler/bronchodilator (runs ~30$....finally back on the market after about 7 years absence)10 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »So, I just got my lab results back that my thyroid is great but my cholesterol is high. I've been eating fairly healthy and very very low junk/processed food (once every 8 to 10 days) But for some reason I can't seem to lower my cholesterol. I work out 3 days a week for an hour + I do and extensive amount of cardio outside of the gym (I rack up about 700 active minutes a week alone, according to my fitness app)
My allergies are the following: all nuts, avocado, seafood except fish and oysters, some fruits and vegetables, chick peas, green beans, etc. but I've been eating them anyways and taking a zyrtec for the allergic reaction that may happen.
What should I eat on a low cholesterol diet? I guess no more eggs for me.
I think the bigger question here is why are you eating foods you're allergic to and depending on an OTC allergy medicine to avert what could turn into anaphylaxis?
What choice do I have? Healthy foods equals weight loss and unhealthy foods equals weight gain
There are a whole variety of healthful foods out there you can eat without resorting to eating foods you are allergic to.Eat Cheerios and whole grains, they are supposed to help.
No but seriously, if it's genetics then it's genetics and you don't have to feel at fault. Definitely limiting fats/red meat in your diet and eating fiber will help, but there may not be a ton you can do. Your doctor should be better able to advise you.
Eat eggs. They're good for you, delicious and do not influence your cholesterol whatsoever.
I hardly eat meat now. Mostly just fish and I'm kinda sick of it
Why aren't you eating meat? Chicken, beef, pork, etc are perfectly healthy...there's no need to eat nothing but fish. Eating leaner cuts (and there are plenty of lean cuts of chicken, beef, and pork) will help keep calories down...it may also help with the cholesterol issue by reducing saturated fat...but there's absolutely nothing wrong with other cuts of meat.
I got my cholesterol down for a bit...the biggest thing was losing weight and getting in regular exercise. I also started eating more fibrous foods like oats, lentils, beans, etc and increased my veg and fruit (though I don't eat things I'm allergic to like bananas).
Unfortunately, I have an uphill battle with this given both sides of my family have a history of high cholesterol so it is more likely than not that I'll be on meds at some point despite good livin'.
I was told eating meat is high in protein and can cause weight gain - which I don't want
Who told you this? Stop listening that that person. Only one thing causes weight eating more calories than you burn. That happens whether it is calories from protein, fat, or carbs, whether it is meat or grains or fruits or beans, or whatever.
It sounds like you are in very big need of getting advice from a professional (or at least listening to the knowledgeable people on this board), and not listening to unscientific theories.
Are you a professional?
I ain't pass the bar but I know a lil bit...
But in all serious, no, I am not, but if you seek out a registered dietician (which it sounds like you should) they will tell you the same thing.9 -
Here are my results.
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fittocycle wrote: »I’d recommend eating old fashioned oats for breakfast (not flavored or quick cook). Add in some ground flaxseed and a tablespoon of walnuts. Make sure you get your healthy fats in. Add in a high quality fish oil capsule each day. Cut out processed food and sugar. Add in some HIIT workouts, strength training, and yoga. Be patient. You’ll see a difference!
I'm allergic to walnuts. But the other foods I can eat and I'm already doing HIIT0 -
How concerned was your doctor about your cholesterol results? What did they say?1
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Your total cholesterol is high because your LDL is high. But your triglycerides are good. Your non HDL ratio is 4.2 which isn't too outside of a good range.
Did they do CRP or A1C?
Most of the current research suggest that LDL is a poor indicator and the LDL-P (particulate size) is a much better indicator. But that is a different test.
Another consideration is family history. Does heart disease run in your family?
My LDL has barely ever changed. Its caused by both my parents. But there is no heart disease in my family. My Non HDL ratio is the same as yours and all my other markers (CRP, triglycerides, A1C) are all in good positions.
You could ask for a follow up with a specialist so you can get a much more in-depth panel.2 -
Your total cholesterol is high because your LDL is high. But your triglycerides are good. Your non HDL ratio is 4.2 which isn't too outside of a good range.
Did they do CRP or A1C?
Most of the current research suggest that LDL is a poor indicator and the LDL-P (particulate size) is a much better indicator. But that is a different test.
Another consideration is family history. Does heart disease run in your family?
My LDL has barely ever changed. Its caused by both my parents. But there is no heart disease in my family. My Non HDL ratio is the same as yours and all my other markers (CRP, triglycerides, A1C) are all in good positions.
You could ask for a follow up with a specialist so you can get a much more in-depth panel.
I asked my mom and both my parents are in good health. No heart disease, diabetes, cancer or high blood pressure for both. My mom did say she eats alot of cheese though lol since forever xD0 -
Your total cholesterol is high because your LDL is high. But your triglycerides are good. Your non HDL ratio is 4.2 which isn't too outside of a good range.
Did they do CRP or A1C?
Most of the current research suggest that LDL is a poor indicator and the LDL-P (particulate size) is a much better indicator. But that is a different test.
Another consideration is family history. Does heart disease run in your family?
My LDL has barely ever changed. Its caused by both my parents. But there is no heart disease in my family. My Non HDL ratio is the same as yours and all my other markers (CRP, triglycerides, A1C) are all in good positions.
You could ask for a follow up with a specialist so you can get a much more in-depth panel.
I asked my mom and both my parents are in good health. No heart disease, diabetes, cancer or high blood pressure for both. My mom did say she eats alot of cheese though lol since forever xD
Definitely discuss with a specialist, but your probably have a genetic propensity to having a high LDL. Even more so if they want to put you on a drug.1 -
For most people, the cholesterol that you eat has very little effect on the serum cholesterol values. Eggs in particular have been shown to NOT effect serum cholesterol.
I can't let this one pass. The studies that have reported this result are not exactly on the level.
If a person already has a relatively high cholesterol serum level then the cholesterol raising effect of eating eggs is minimal and the raising of the serum cholesterol caused diminishes after 11 or so hours, which is when the rigged research happens to measure the effect. Tricky, indeed.
"Eating Cholesterol Doesn't Raise Cholesterol" Debunked
https://youtu.be/vBtfzd43t8o
Cholesterol is not just bad for the heart.
Dietary Cholesterol and Cancer
https://youtu.be/6V8BW00zZTA
18 -
Try taking Garlique. It can be found on Amazon or Ebay. Very reasonable price and works well with proper diet and exercise. Gentics plays a huge roll as well.13
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