Cholesterol

[Eeyores Butterfly]

The last time I was at the doctor, she threatened to put me on cholesterol meds. I am 24 for crying out loud! My cholesterol is not that high, in fact, if I didn't have diabetes it wouldn't be a concern at all. But since I have diabetes I have to keep my cholesterol lower than those who are not diabetic. If my numbers are still up in March, medication here I come.

I want to avoid it if at all possible and was wondering if anybody had some advice. So far, this is my game plan:

-Severely limit saturated fat and eliminated trans fat. This includes using egg beaters instead of eggs, going with lean cuts of meats, etc.
-Exercise at least three times a week to start out with, work my way up to daily.
-Focus on "good fats", specifically the monounsaturated fats and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Achieve this by eating healthy fish (such as wild salmon, not farm raised) and healthy oils such as olive oil.
-Whole grains.

Does this look like a good start? What else can I do?

 

[GoodFairies]

Eating better is where to start. Also more exercise and if you haven't already, have your thyroid tested.

 

[GoodFairies]

double post

 

[GoodFairies]

triple post

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I had my thyroid tested when all the blood work was done (it's a problem in my family) and that was fine. I didn't know problems with your thyroid could translate into problems with cholesterol.

 

[GoodFairies]

I had my thyroid tested when all the blood work was done (it's a problem in my family) and that was fine. I didn't know problems with your thyroid could translate into problems with cholesterol.

Yes, undiagnosed/undertreated hypothyroidism can cause elevated cholesterol levels. Also, sorry about the triple posting, the DISboards got wonky for a minute there.

 

[LadyZolt]

Try adding red yeast to your regimen -- I take a pill of that, plus some fish oil. Be careful if you eat tuna, which is good for you so long as you don't eat it more than a few times a week because of the mercury levels.

I agree that eating better is the main thing for cholesterol. Really seriously try to go for "no fat" most of the time -- which means whole grains, fruits and veggies for most meals with very limited or no meats, eggs and dairy. I would try that for six months and then have the cholesterol level re-tested to see how it is. It's possible that heredity plays a role, too, and so if you really restrict your diet for six months, you'll be able to get a good idea of how well you can manage it without meds. You can also try to add more plant sterols/stanols (like Minute Maid's cholesterol-lowering orange juice "Premium Heart Wise" and the cholesterol-lowering Smart Balance margarine.)

Exercise is great for your health, so yes you should exercise. You should walk at least 45 minutes every day of the week, and then also do some strength training (lift weights) three days a week for at least 20 minutes. The 45 minute walk doesn't have to be all at once -- walk up stairs whenever possible, do 15 minutes a half hour before each meal, whatever works with your schedule. And while exercise doesn't necessarily help with cholesterol, it does help your metabolism and your heart, which in the long run improves your health.

I dropped my "bad" cholesterol 10 points in six months by following the above suggestions and that put it back into the "normal" range from being "borderline high." I'm 46, too, and think it's still "too high," but my mom's family has high cholesterol so I think meds might be in my future. And if you (and I) do have to take meds, at least there are meds to take these days. I'm not wild about having to take meds, but it beats the alternative.

I wish you the best!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[Otimon]

Don't worry about taking meds if that turns out to be the case. Eating healthy and exercise certainly help but you may also need more. High cholesterol may run in your family as well and you have no control over that.

The statins today do a great job and I speak from experience. Follow your doctor's advice and let your body do the rest.

Best wishes.

 

[wardfamily1]

DH has been taking fish oil every day and it has lowered his cholestoral. He says it makes his skin softer too. I hadn't noticed, but I guess he can feel the difference.

 

[AnnaS]

Lean meats once, maybe twice, a week only.

Stay away from all cheeses and everything else you listed sounds good. My dh also stays away from sweets.

 

[OhioTony]

I lowered my cholesterol significantly to avoid meds. I read a book " Ten steps to lower cholesterol."
Every day:
Cholestoff( in the vitamin aisle) 2x/day
fish oil - dosage depends on which you buy -usually 2x/day
flaxseed oil-same as above
metamucil -2x /day
garlic -depends on what you buy
one serving of dark chocolate
one serving of almonds
one apple
whole grains
exercise every day

It sounds like alot ( it is) but these th ings have no side effects. I can't say the same for prescription meds.
I lowered my cholesterol 30 points in 6 months.

 

[taylor1293]

Your plan looks good to me . Add fruits and veggies! What was your LDL level?

I feel for you, mine has always been high since the first time I was tested at 19 (when I maybe weighed 100 dripping wet). I guess, for me, it's genetic (both sides of my family) and how I eat.

I'm almost 40 now and I just refused medicine from my doctor this week. All medicine has side effects and most medicines make me sick in some way. My "bad" cholesterol is at 180 and my doctor wants it to be at 70 within three months or she'll put me on medicine. I know 180 is waaaaay too high. But geez...70 seems like a low goal. I guess I'll have to start shopping in the produce section instead of walking through it to get to the bakery . Darn.

Good luck!

 

[whogirl'smom]

Red yeast rice. It works the same as a statin. In three months of taking 2 pills a day, my cholesterol went down 90 points. (272 to begin with) I now take one pill a day for maintainence. My doctor is big on using anything herbal to avoid a rx medication, thank goodness.

 

[Angelhalo]

Start taking fish oil pills, and eat a lot of nuts as snacks.

Bulk up on Fiber. Add it any way you can.

 

[golfgal]

My MIL's Dr put her on the diabetic diet when meds and exercise weren't helping her cholesterol levels. Just following the Am Diabetes Assn diet took her cholesterol down to below 200. Your diabetes is a fairly new diagnosis, correct.

 

[GoodFairies]

Before you try any of the herbal stuff please make sure it doesn't interact badly with any medications you may already be taking.

 

[AnnaS]

Before you try any of the herbal stuff please make sure it doesn't interact badly with any medications you may already be taking.

Another excellent advice. I add flaxseed to my oatmeal/cereal. Once my dh read that it should not be taken within two hours of your medication - he would not even try it.

 

[Lionqueen2]

My MIL's Dr put her on the diabetic diet when meds and exercise weren't helping her cholesterol levels. Just following the Am Diabetes Assn diet took her cholesterol down to below 200. Your diabetes is a fairly new diagnosis, correct.

My Dr. did the same thing and it worked wonders with my cholesterol. No meds!!

 

[cteddiesgirl]

Def start eating better.

Take fish oil and cholest-off.

If you do any fiber suppliments, do not take it when you take other meds. It can interfere with any meds you might be taking.

Also eat more nuts such as almonds, pecans and walnuts. They tend to be high in the good cholesterol which will help to lower the bad.

Eat lots of grains and very little meat (other than fish).


As for statins, my dad can't take any of them. They cause bad side affects in him.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

My MIL's Dr put her on the diabetic diet when meds and exercise weren't helping her cholesterol levels. Just following the Am Diabetes Assn diet took her cholesterol down to below 200. Your diabetes is a fairly new diagnosis, correct.

Yes, as of September.

The one problem I have is that I can't limit meat as much as some are recommending. I always go for the leanest cuts possible and generally avoid red meat, but I have to really watch my carbs because that is what raises blood sugar. Protein and fat help to slow down the absorption of carbs, and I've found without some kind of lean meat at a meal, I tend to go hypo. I do try to get fruit and veggies in, more veggies than fruit because of the whole carb issue. I can't remember what my LDL was, I think it was maybe 108 or something like that. If you have diabetes it has to be under 100, but for anybody else that number would not even bear mentioning.