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Here's to Your Health:  High Cholestoral  |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 16 2005 : 12:44:40 PM
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Hi fellow farmgirls- I have been thinking about this topic a lot lately. I went for my annual physical last month and found that my cholestoral level is 246. LDL 161, and HDL 85. I do not like to take drug medications, and do not take any, other than tylenol and aspirin. The doctor was unconcerned and told me to exercise more(that is my downfall, I do not run or cycle or take exercise classes). I weigh 118. I am 5'3". That is not overwieght!
Today I got a book from the library about this subject, and I want to know more. I eat lots of dark green salads, nuts, almond milk, english muffins, yogurt, fruit, and do not eat red meat headly ever! I thought I was doing a good job on my diet.
Do any of you have this problem?
jpbluesky |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - Aug 16 2005 : 1:12:28 PM
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Jeannie, I hear ya! You might want to consider the books that discuss liver cleansing. High cholestral is a result of the liver not being able to process the cholestral efficiently and correctly. Over the course of our lives this organ really takes a hit.
I've found very interesting reading from Dr. Sandra Cabot, who's a vivascious Australian doctor. She suggests many different ways to tweak your diet, little different things that can add up to a positive cumulative effect on how your liver functions. Seems everyone touting taking care of your liver also sells a herbal tonic of some sort that makes this happen faster. Personally, I think those to be optional; but like I posted previously, that is what I used to bring down my cholestral so dramatically in such a short time.
So, one place to start is at her website. http://www.liverdoctor.com/ Or you can do a google search and come up with alot of different possibilites. You just have to go with your instincts on what is best for you and your body.
**** Love is the great work - though every heart is first an apprentice. - Hafiz
Set a high value on spontaneous kindness. - Samuel Johnson****
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Aug 16 2005 : 1:49:14 PM
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Clare - two years ago I had my gall bladder removed. I know that this caused my body to have to rediscover how to process fats. So that may be part of the problem...my liver and it's work. I will look into the link you suggested.
Please refresh my memory - where did you post previously on this topic? Thanks!
Do you eat mostly raw foods? From my research and study, this is where the road always leads. Fresh fruits, veggies, and unprocessed foods should make up our diets.
jpbluesky |
Edited by - jpbluesky on Aug 16 2005 1:56:12 PM |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - Aug 16 2005 : 2:02:54 PM
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My previous post was in the Health Category, Topic: Good News!!!
I eat alot of raw foods, but not strictly only that. They always recommend juicing foods for optiomal effect-easier for the body to process.
I have a feeling that my body is also not too keen on wheat products. <GASP>, which is exactly what I crave... breads, pastas, etc. I'm experimenting with rice alternatives. Some things our bodies seem to tolerate, but once we eliminate them from our diet, we find that we function sooo much better excluding them than we ever dreamed we would.
It's a process, trial and error.
**** Love is the great work - though every heart is first an apprentice. - Hafiz
Set a high value on spontaneous kindness. - Samuel Johnson****
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WisGal35
True Blue Farmgirl
99 Posts
Cathy
Kenosha County
WI
USA
99 Posts |
Posted - Aug 16 2005 : 2:09:37 PM
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Hi Jeannie-
My DH's cholesterol was way high 2 years ago, and before meds, we tried diet. I had read somewhere that virgin olive oil can add to 'good' and take away 'bad' cholesterol, so we started eating lots of fresh veggies w/olive oil over pasta...and he cut out the daily lunch trip to McD's. 2 months later, more blood work, and the doctor personally called my DH, amazed that his counts were all in the normal range :) |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Aug 16 2005 : 3:05:03 PM
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Thanks, Wisgal and Clare! I thought with my diet change this would happen for me, too, but perhaps I have not been diligent enough! I have heard rapid weight loss can cause cholestoral levels to rise, but it has been two year since I lost my weight (25 pounds).
I am going to continue to research natural paths to lowering it, because I do not want to take meds!
jpbluesky |
Edited by - jpbluesky on Aug 16 2005 3:05:47 PM |
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WisGal35
True Blue Farmgirl
99 Posts
Cathy
Kenosha County
WI
USA
99 Posts |
Posted - Aug 16 2005 : 3:12:46 PM
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Later, my DH did slip up with the diet, and the doctor put him on Lipitor. After a month, DH had lots of bad reactions too it, muscle fatigue, headaches, etc. The bad experience gave him the impetus he needed to get back on the good diet track. So far, so good. And we stopped buying the half side of beef -- he just couldn't help himself when the freezer was stocked... or maybe that was the problem, he COULD help himself :)
It's wonderful that people look for other options besides pills. Even if you are not a 'fitness nut,' just walking every day, gardening, etc., all counts for excercise. |
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Lazycreek
Farmgirl in Training
39 Posts
Charlee
Mt Ida
AR
USA
39 Posts |
Posted - Aug 17 2005 : 8:42:53 PM
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Red Yeast Rice. Studies have shown that it is as effective as the statins without all the side effects. I buy mine on line from allstarhealth.com. The pharmaceutical companies are trying hard to get it removed from the market, so not sure how much longer you will be able to buy it. Also avoid all foods that have "partially hydrogenated" in the ingredient list. Bad, bad, bad.
Believe in the power of your dreams |
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KarenP
True Blue Farmgirl
666 Posts
Karen
Chippewa Falls
Wisconsin
USA
666 Posts |
Posted - Aug 18 2005 : 03:44:08 AM
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Cathy,
If you want to try a bottle of red yeast rice.
I bought one for my husband who won't try it.
It's never been open, e-mail me privately and I'll send it to you.
KarenP
"Purest Spring Water in the World" |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Aug 18 2005 : 08:32:10 AM
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Clare - thank you for refreshing my memory - I had even replied to your Good news topic!!! Oh boy, the memory is going too! Sorry about that!
jpbluesky
heartland girl |
Edited by - jpbluesky on Aug 18 2005 08:49:14 AM |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Aug 18 2005 : 08:36:19 AM
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Also Salmon is good for cholesterol as is Oatmeal!
Ciao
Alee |
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WisGal35
True Blue Farmgirl
99 Posts
Cathy
Kenosha County
WI
USA
99 Posts |
Posted - Aug 18 2005 : 4:47:40 PM
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Karen, so nice of you to offer, but my DH & yours are on the same page when it comes to that type of thing.
And, goodness, can't believe I forgot about statins! There are many plant-based sterols that do work wonders on cholesterol, and are becoming widely available in margarine type products like Take Control, Benecol and the like. |
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CityCat
True Blue Farmgirl
198 Posts
Catherine
Toronto
Ontario
Canada
198 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2005 : 3:23:31 PM
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Had a huge scare with my Mom about a month ago. I believe she was on Lipitor to control her high cholestrol, but her doctor switched her to a new medication. I was home briefly, and she did not look good. I went home, and then in the wee hours of the morning I got a call from my sister saying Mom's at the hospital, but no use coming home yet. I had an awful, awful day and then called home. Mom was fine, but staying overnight in the hospital just to be sure. My family isn't at all medically oriented, so all I could get out of them was that my Mom's electrolytes were completely out of wack. From what I could gather, the new cholestrol medicine my Mom was taking gave her diarrhea and nausea, and the resulting electrolyte imbalance was due to her not eating or drinking enough. She's back to the old medication now, but it was scary! And I can't get her on any natural "cures" even though I took a nutrition course, and know ways of reducing her high cholestrol naturally by 20-30%! You know, taking some supplements, exercise, eating certain foods.... It's so very, very frustrating! And this scare has done nothing to convince my Mom that she should look to alternative methods. UGH!
Any thoughts? Suggestions?
Cat |
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mdotterer
True Blue Farmgirl
78 Posts
Marlene
Pleasant Hill
CA
USA
78 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2005 : 5:14:37 PM
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I wish, Cat! It's so frustrating because we can't force people to do what's good for them. Some people are just more comfortable sticking with Typical American Medicine. These are usually the same people who continue to eat lots of red meat and processed food and overcooked veggies... Why not - they can just take a pill if they get sick!
Jeannie - it's also true that some people just produce a lot of cholestrol, naturally. Diet isn't always the problem and it certainly sounds like you're doing most of the right things. Hopefully, some of these other suggestions will help. TRY, TRY to exercise more and the olive oil is a good way to go, too. Keep us posted on how you're doing. I'd like to see how these suggestions work!
Marlene |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2005 : 7:21:50 PM
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Thank you, Marlene, I will keep you posted!
jpbluesky |
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Jana
True Blue Farmgirl
482 Posts
Jana
Eau Claire
Wisconsin
USA
482 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2005 : 9:44:48 PM
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Hi Jeannie,
We sound similar. I had similar numbers as yours, gallbladder out about 5 years ago, but I am indeed overweight. However, I agree with the liver detox thing. We just got a doctor of natural medicine and she recommended a detox tea for me. I also happen to be detoxing from prescription pain pills. The oatmeal thing also worked for me to bring down the cholesterol, but it has to be the old fashioned kind to really work well, I think. I dropped 20 pts. in 4 weeks. But the numbers are still not in balanced, not enough good and too high overall. Some of this may be hereditary. Heck my dad lived to be 89 with high bp and cholesterol and never had more than a head cold and back surgery.
Jana |
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KarenP
True Blue Farmgirl
666 Posts
Karen
Chippewa Falls
Wisconsin
USA
666 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2005 : 03:41:51 AM
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Hi Jana,
I'm curious, who's your Dr.? I'm currently without one.
Thanks
KarenP
"Purest Spring Water in the World" |
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jillofalltrades
True Blue Farmgirl
90 Posts
Nicole
USA
90 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2005 : 6:54:54 PM
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I wanted to add that Omega 3 is awesome for cholestrol. I had high cholesterol at the age of 23 due to PCOS but once I started taking Omega 3 and eating more green veggies & whole wheat it is back to normal. There are a lot of articles online on how Omega 3 helps diabetes and high cholesterol.
~Nicole
www.thelazydeaux.com
http://farmgirlsoflouisiana.blogspot.com |
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Here's to Your Health: High Cholestoral |
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High Cholestoral
