| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 4/23/2006 7:51:47 AM | | doc is all upset about my cholesterol--although the ratio is only 3.1 which is fine. has anyone had any experience with niacin? i hate going on a prescription medication without at least trying diet change & vitamin therapy first. i am not overweight at all, and exercise (walking) every day, and have never smoked (yuck!)....i am totally miffed that i have to deal with this when i thought i was doing everything right already!!! | |
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| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 4/23/2006 9:00:50 AM | niacin on it's own will have a minimal effect on lowering your chol. levels. honestly your best bet is to get rid of all the processed food in your diet as that is what is causing the damage to the insides of your heart arteries and that is why cholesterol is sticking to the insides of them and when enough of it sticks then you get a blockage which leads to a heart attack. also whether you are fat or skinny really makes no difference on your chol. levels. intense exercise does and will help, drugs such as lipitor will help breakdown chol. (with massive side effects) but will do absolutely nothing to fix the real problem which is the damage to the arterial walls caused by years and years of processed foods which acts like sandpaper in your arteries because it has been so overly processed which leaves your arteries with a rough surface and that is how the chol. sticks to them.
any drugs that your doctor may put you on you will more than likely have to stay on them rest of your life or every time your levels go up ($$$$$$$$$$$$$$ for the drug companies)
however with a complete change in diet and good exercise you can fix it and it doesn't take that long. | |
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| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 4/23/2006 9:09:03 AM | | I've already told my doctor several times that drugs will be my last resort, so just keep the prescription pad on the counter. So, are we basically talking lots of fruits and veggies, practically everything else is at least processed a little bit and it's hard to make a sandwich without bread. I have gone back to eating oatmeal in the AM--no milk, salt or sugar--just cooked. I'm not a big fan of milk--i could try soy milk, I suppose. I have read on several websites that niacin is a good supplement to help lower the levels. | |
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| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 4/23/2006 9:23:19 AM | Oatmeal is excellent, any type of whole grain is also good, bread is good just as long as it is not made with enriched white flower, personally I like 100% whole wheat from my local bakery with as little preservatives as possible, rye is also good to, I don't know much about soy milk maybe someone else has info. on that but the less processed milk is the better. skim milk is the worst as it is stripped of almost everything.
If you do try the niacin be sure you buy niacidamine (sp) and not regular niacin or you're going to experience "the niacian flush" which isn't much fun as you can get extremely hot and itchy and will last for a good 15 to 20 minutes if you take enough. | |
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| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 4/23/2006 9:52:50 AM | The one thing to remember is that your body needs cholesterol...in fact your liver is the regulatiing organ for cholesterol. You can take fish oil capsules, check out red yeast rice, and eat a bowl of oatmeal daily to help not only the total cholesterol but the ratios as well.
Also intensive exercise, combination of weight bearing and cardio, have been shown to help with ratios as well.
I have done niacin therapy and I must agree that you need to use the time release type or you will be experiencing niacin flush as the niacin suddenly increase the blood flow to all areas of your body. It is uncomfortable for about 15 minutes or so and you look like you got a sunburn. Past that it is fine.
Kevin | |
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| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 4/23/2006 10:58:16 AM | Hey CountryGal...there's two type of cholesterol, LDL and HDL
Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) carry cholesterol from the liver to the rest of the body. When there is too much LDL cholesterol in the blood, it can be deposited on the walls of the coronary arteries. Because of this, LDL cholesterol is often referred to as the 'bad' cholesterol.
High-density lipoproteins (HDL) carry cholesterol from the blood back to the liver, which processes the cholesterol for elimination from the body. HDL makes it less likely that excess cholesterol in the blood will be deposited in the coronary arteries, which is why HDL cholesterol is often referred to as the 'good' cholesterol.
Here the recommended Target Levels:
Total cholesterol less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl)
HDL cholesterol levels greater than 40 mg/dl
LDL cholesterol levels less than 100 mg/dl
Here's some supplements with a balanced diet that can help you lower your cholesterol. Exercise is also imperative!!!
Vitamin E:
Vitamin-E has a strong antioxidant action, and is thought to prevent the damage to LDL cholesterol, that causes them to form a fatty plaque. Studies have found that people taking vitamin-E are at a reduced risk of heart disease.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Omega-3 fatty acids are found principally in fish oils and have been shown to inhibit inflammation, prevent blood clotting, and lower triglyceride levels - all of which have been shown to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Omega-3 can be taken in supplemental form, or naturally in the form of flaxseed, rapeseed and evening primrose oil.
Green Tea:
Several compounds that interfere with the process of atherosclerosis can be found in green tea. The phytochemicals (or polyphenols) found in green tea appear to improve the metabolism of lipids and lower cholesterol. These compounds also act as antioxidants.
Plant Sterol Esters:
Plant sterol esters have, in recent years, been used in products such as margarine, and salad dressing, and inhibit the absorption of LDL cholesterol from the intestines, thus hastening its excretion. Sterol esters are taken from natural substances occurring in pine trees and soybeans.
Garlic:
Garlic has been shown to have powerful blood thinning properties, which negate arterial clot formation. Garlic, a herb, is also thought to lower cholesterol levels. The sulphur compounds found in garlic, alliin in particular, are where its main benefits originate. The best way to take garlic is crushed and raw.
Soy Protein:
The estrogen-like effects of soy's isoflavones (diadzein and genistein) may help to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Genistein might also play a role in preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, as it has antioxidant properties. Soy, furthermore, helps to lower cholesterol, due to its increasing of bile-acid secretion.
Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3):
This particular B-vitamin is often prescribed, in large doses, as a conventional treatment to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and raise HDL levels. Its main function is to mobilize fatty acids from tissues around the body. This helps to reduce the livers production of triglycerides which assists in the lowering of LDL levels. HDL can be increased by up to 30%, making Nicotinic acid extremely efficacious.
Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 & Vitamin B6:
Low levels of B12 and B6 have been shown to result in increased levels of the heart-damaging homocystine. This significantly increases the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
Good Luck!!!  | |
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| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 4/23/2006 5:15:58 PM | | great posting thescorp75 just needed to add fiber....yes lots of fiber both solutable and insolubale will help with eliminating cholesterol in the intestines and cause you to go more regularily....hence foods we eat that have cholesterol in them like red meat, eggs, etc....dont get absorbed into the system....fiber is a great all around nutrient for a healthier system ;) | |
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| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 4/24/2006 5:54:10 PM | | try using MCT oil. Its an essential fatty acid, which is known to reduce bad cholesterol, not only that but when injested your body treats the fat like a carbohydrate and is redaliy used as energy. Its failry new, i have been using it latley and have notice a big change in energy levels | |
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| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 4/24/2006 10:52:02 PM | I produce the bad cholesterol naturally, due to being hereditary and compliments of my mother and her mother. It doesn't matter how much i try to cut out, if you produce the bad cholesterol naturally, medication can be very beneficial.
If your eating habits are poor, you eat potato's with sour cream and bacon bits and fatty foods, then your elevating your bad cholesterol through bad habits.
Diet is important from eating hot oatmeal which is a great way to start your day, multigrain bagels to fresh fruit and vegetables. Eat chicken breast, lean red meats, Turkey and try to reduce eating eggs and high fatty foods. Exercise is beneficial to helping your cholesterol and promoting a improved lifestyle.
Give it time, and I hope everything improves. | |
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| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 4/25/2006 7:40:08 AM | | Okay, I confess to a weakness for white bread & chocolate. I am trying to give them up, or at least cut back to dark chocolate (yuck!). I'm definately checking into the niacin, since I have found out they make a "no-flush" type...now I'm reading about CoQ10. Seems I'm going to end up taking several new vitamins/minerals/trace. I still prefer that to prescription medication which they sometimes don't know the L O N G term effects. I have no desire to destroy my liver...kind of attached to it after 60 years. When the side-effects say that they have to constantly monitor your liver enzymes...I get worried. | |
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| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 6/16/2006 7:05:23 PM | | just an update to all who helped me in this endeavor. I just got results from my latest tests...lowered my TC 35 points in 2 months, and LDL went down 25 points. Have another test in Sept. before I return to the doctor....all that fiber & niacin & healthy **** helped. So thank you very much for all your suggestions & help. I still treat myself to a DQ Pecan Mudslide once a month! | |
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| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 7/8/2006 1:28:39 PM | I have been told by my consultant that the reason why my cholesterol levels are so low is because I dont consume dairy products, I have been on soya/soya based food stuffs and drinks since birth due to lactose intollerance. Maybe you could try that.
Plus I am 15 stone. | |
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| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 7/8/2006 5:57:55 PM | | 15 stone? I have never been a dairy person....just never cared for the taste of the stuff. I use soy milk---only $1 qt at Costco & lasts for 1 year on the shelf unopened. | |
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| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 10/3/2006 7:11:19 AM | | I located a great no-flush niacin at Vitacost---only $20 for 5 months (2 per day) use. My doctor suggested to take it with food, although I haven't had any problem either way. It fascinates me that I have had people warn me that there must be bad side effects from taking the niacin...but they're willing to take a prescription medication that they know has horrible side effects. I tell them to at least give it a try for a couple months with increasing their fiber, then get retested before they go on medication. To some, their doctor is like a god to them. It has worked for me--cholesterol is now down 66 points in 5 months, LDL down 49 points. I'm getting a little tired of All Bran for breakfast, but I use to just eat toast so at least it's better than that. At only 1/3 cup, it goes down fast & fills me up for a long time. | |
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| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 10/17/2007 2:07:53 PM | I dont' know much about healthy foods, and dont' understand much of the abbreviations for the medications and vitamins i see mentioned here.
I just found out that my father's side of the family has high blood pressure and cholesterol. Now for the past 5-6 years i've been eating a lot of fast food now only cook for myself about once a week.
Is it possible to explain, in plain language, as to what kind of foods I should avoid? Start eating more of?
As for exercise, I get very little. I'm about 10 pounds overweight, with very little muscle mass. What sort of "low-budget" exercises can I do, and what are their appropriate warm-ups? I've never liked team sports, and dont' have much physical cordination to be any good at them anyway. | |
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| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 10/18/2007 2:37:18 PM | Here is the truth about cholesterol.
Cholesterol is deposited in the arteries as a self-defence tactic. Why does this happen? The answer is simple. The body has insufficiant vitamin C, which is necessary for strengthening artery walls. When the walls are weak, the artery can collapse when the heart relaxes during beats. The artery then remains collapsed, causing a heart attack. This happens within a few inches from the heart, and only happens in humans. This does not happen in most animals because most animals make their own vitamin C, therefore they have strong arteries. Cholesterol causes atherosclerosis over a period of time. This causes the artery to narrow, but also hardens it, thus preventing the permanent collapse.
Atherosclerosis can be reversed by supplementing with lots of vitamin C complex, as well as eating citrus fruits, and DARK fruit daily. The C will strengthen the artery walls while the phyto-nutrients in the dark fruit will flush the cholesterol, and in time, will cause artery dilation and normal blood pressure. | |
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| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 10/18/2007 2:49:43 PM | Venari:
Is it possible to explain, in plain language, as to what kind of foods I should avoid? Start eating more of?
Here is a list of things to avoid:
Red meat, dairy, refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, processed or fast food, caffeine, alcohol, white bread/flour/pasta, and anything deep fried.
Soda is the worst of the worst.
Vegetables and fruit are health food, with green vegetables ahead of everything else. The best is to juice them, or eat them raw or steamed.
The best exercise is walking. Its a great way to get into shape, and its free. | |
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| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 10/18/2007 3:15:05 PM | Damn. I thought I was doing a good thing by switching from sugar to sweetener in my coffee. Turns out all three are bad.
Being half Inuit, i guess i'm bred to a diet of meat. So what's non-red meat? chicken and pork? Fish? anything else?
Veggies and fruits are good. Makes me gassy, but good, i guess. I can't eat a bowl of salad without running to the john for the rest of the day. Makes everything all....watery.
How about chinese food? everything good there? or is it too "americanized" to be healthy? | |
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| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 10/18/2007 3:30:50 PM | Damn. I thought I was doing a good thing by switching from sugar to sweetener in my coffee. Turns out all three are bad.
Being half Inuit, i guess i'm bred to a diet of meat. So what's non-red meat? chicken and pork? Fish? anything else?
Veggies and fruits are good. Makes me gassy, but good, i guess. I can't eat a bowl of salad without running to the john for the rest of the day. Makes everything all....watery.
How about chinese food? everything good there? or is it too "americanized" to be healthy?
Stevia or raw honey is best for a sweetener, however coffee has high caffeine, which is bad. Green or better yet white tea is much better, lemonade is good to.
Fish and shrimp are good substitutes for meat. However, if you eat meat, try to make it a side dish rather than the main course, and its much better to NOT have meat with every meal. That is not healthy for many reasons.
The more fruit and vegetables to eat, the healthier you will be. Plain and simple. Organic is best because there are no chemicals or pesticides used.
Chinese food is VERY HIGH in MSG (monosodium glutamate). This stuff is extreamely unhealthy, and is now being linked to many diseases:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKMUYYdjmA0&eurl=http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/08/28/dangers-of-msg.aspx | |
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| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 10/20/2007 3:29:48 PM | The one thing to remember is that your body needs cholesterol...in fact your liver is the regulatiing organ for cholesterol
Your body doesn't NEED cholesterol. It makes it's own.
Cut out animal products. Cholesterol is only found in animal products.
Fish and shrimp are good substitutes for meat.
Fish and shrimp ARE still meat and they ARE still cholesterol laden. | |
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Pucks
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Joined: 10/14/2006
Msg: 22 | |
| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 10/20/2007 3:40:40 PM | ^^^^wrong.
There are two levels of cholesteral HDL and LDL.
HDL is good cholesteral and our bodies do need it.....LDL is the bad one that you have to really keep an eye on.
An HDL of 0.9-1.0 is considered good.....mine last checked was 0.93
An LDL of below 2.5 is considered good...mine last checked was 2.09
The real important number is total cholersteral to HDL....Anything below 4.0 is considered good. Mine at last blood work was 3.74
Exercise and diet are imperative to lowering cholerteral. Blaming it all on meat is ignorant. I eat a lot of meat but i choose lean products with the fat removed...like skinless chicken. | |
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| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 10/20/2007 6:35:52 PM | HDL is good cholesteral and our bodies do need it.....LDL is the bad one that you have to really keep an eye on.
Reread what I typed. We don't need cholesterol because our bodies MAKE IT themselves. How is that wrong? We DON'T need to supplement cholesterol. No nutritionist in their right mind is going to tell you "You need to add HDL cholesterol" or any kind of cholesterol for that matter. HDL and LDL are the levels in OUR systems. They are not something you can supplement or cut out individually.
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Pucks
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Joined: 10/14/2006
Msg: 24 | |
| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 10/20/2007 7:25:05 PM | ^^^i was replying to your comment that your body does not need chloesteral and that the insinuation you made that animal products are the reason. While animal fats can be a trigger so are many items that contain fat.
For instance, a person on a veggietarian type diet could have high chloesteral if they eat a lot of butter, lard, shortening, fast foods, proccessed and snack foods, coconut and palm kernel oils, hydronated fats/hydrogenated oils/margarines etc. That was my point. These are loaded in trans and saturated fats. Killers for your cholesteral.
Sugar also will increase fat in your blood...(alchohol is bad for this)
There is a balance there and your body does need some cholesteral.
The Healhty choleteral level (HDL) comes from things like exercise and weight loss. This cholesteral cleans out your arteries and high levels lower the risk of heart disease. | |
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| help w/lowering cholesterol
Posted: 10/20/2007 9:40:10 PM | But you're wrong. I am saying the body does NOT NEED (added) CHOLESTEROL. We make our own. There is no need for supplementing our body's natural cholesterol with more. I'm not talking about animal fats being a trigger to increase our livers' natural production of cholesterol, I'm saying animal products are loaded with cholesterol. They are cholesterol.
p.s. a vegetarian is not going to eat lard.  | |
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