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Across the Fence:  High Cholesterol? Meds vs Lifestyle?  |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3341 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3341 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 25 2012 : 8:31:17 PM
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Uggghhhh....
Just got the results of a blood panel screening today after my yearly physical and apparently my Cholesterol is 295. I'm on 2-BP medications and a thyroid med. Dr. wants to start me on a Cholesterol med as well, but I REALLY do not want to add more meds to the mix....
Anyone out there with High Cholesterol? What do you do for yours? Lifestyle change? Meds or Combination of both?
Talk to me ladies....
Melody
Farmgirl #525 |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2012 : 8:57:06 PM
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Some times diet/exercise/life style can work, however, also some people just make more cholestorol then others-yes your body makes it too!
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
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AnnieinIdaho
True Blue Farmgirl
437 Posts
Annie
ID
USA
437 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2012 : 9:23:42 PM
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Ask your doctor is he would be willing to let you try plant sterols first. It is a more natural approach. But most are made from corn and soy so be sure you are not allergic to these items. My sister-in-law, brother-in-law and I use CholestaCare by ProCaps Labs. They are based in Henderson, NV where I live. Andrew Lessman has been seen on TV with his vitamin line. I like it because he is a responsible business person, uses solar energy for his company, and is commited to not using fillers, etc in his products. His staff have answered many of my questions. My own primary care doctor is pleased with my results and my numbers are great, after only two months of taking it. I have posted a recommendation on their website under the product using the name Catherine in NV with my actual numbers. My numbers came down really fast using this product and because I have so many food allergies to healthier foods in the fruits and vegetable groups I cannot take eggs and dairy out of my diet. So my cholesterol panels were superb using this eventhough I eat eggs and full dairy (too much sugar in the low fat formulas for me) Ask your M.D. and if they are patient enough let them go onto the website to review the product. I am so glad to have found this. My husband reacted to regular statins as some of them are made with a mold he is allergic to. Now he has started taking this with our physicians blessing because of my lab results showing such improvement to completely alleviating my prior problem. The other item I also take that can help with cholesterol is CoQ10. But discuss all this with your doctor. Hopefully they have an open mind and are not just pharma company mind set. Best to you! I am not a doctor and your physician may have other concerns, but let them know it worked for many people in my family. http://www.procapslabs.com
Annie
Farmgirl Sister #3655 |
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pnickols
True Blue Farmgirl
808 Posts
Patricia
Parma
Ohio
808 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2012 : 04:54:06 AM
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| I brought mine down with diet over the span of a year. lost weight too |
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rksmith
True Blue Farmgirl
858 Posts
Rachel
Clayton
GA
USA
858 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2012 : 06:05:18 AM
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Lifestyle changes are always best--and will improve your BP (and may help your thyroid as well). You might consider trying Red Yeast Rice, it is not expensive and it is where statin drugs come from but does NOT have those nasty side effects. It's also important to keep in mind that keeping cholesterol in a healthy range is good, but getting it too low can cause a myriad of other health problems that can be worse for you than having it too high. People with certain blood types naturally have a higher level of cholesterol than others and if you get it too low you'll have health problems also--cholesterol is not bad...you need it to transport hormones. If it wasn't necessary you're body wouldn't produce it (but too much or too little isn't good either). Another interesting thing is this--who do you think comes up with what a "healthy range" is for any lab work? Most of that information comes from research sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and if they can either narrow or widen the reference range to meet their desire for profits it's even better. While it is good to be healthy and keep a check on these markers of health, the reference ranges change every so often so I do not put a whole lot of stock in them, especially if the individual results are not too far off from what is currently considered normal. Even with all that it is ALWAYS a good idea to eat a healthy diet, learn to relax and de-stress, and get some form of movement on a regular basis--live a healthy lifestyle.
Rachel
Farmgirl Sister #2753
True enlightenment is nothing but the nature of one's own self being fully realised-- His Holiness the Dali Lama
www.madameapothecary.com |
Edited by - rksmith on Jun 26 2012 06:07:53 AM |
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ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4871 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4871 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2012 : 07:10:50 AM
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Look into eating kale 3 times a week to low your cholesterol. I have heard it really works. You may want to look in to other foods that help low cholesterol too and see if will keep you off the medication.
Best of luck and good health to you,
Dawn in IL |
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FieldsofThyme
Farmgirl Guide & Schoolmarm / Chapter Leader
4928 Posts
USA
4928 Posts |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2012 : 10:16:24 AM
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Annie you may be happy to know that whole eggs actually help cholesterol problems, the white and yolk eaten together have a lowering effect on the bad cholesterol, back when they seen that yolks had cholesterol and automatically with out doing research on their effects on actually being eaten, they started d=saying they were oh so bad for you, turns out they were wrong! ;o) I went to whites only and my numbers went up, when I heard that you should eat whites and yolks together I started doing that...numbers went down!
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
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jollyquilter
True Blue Farmgirl
251 Posts
WV
USA
251 Posts |
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AnnieinIdaho
True Blue Farmgirl
437 Posts
Annie
ID
USA
437 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2012 : 7:51:50 PM
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Heather,
Thanks for the info. I had read that new studies gave eggs a thumbs up. I am working on several health issues that I think are part of the cascade of decline from fibromyalgia. It morphed into hasimoto's hypothyroidism and some symptoms of graves at times, multiple chemical sensitivities, then diabetes for really no reason, except that I think the levothyroxine raised my glucose over the years. My Rx have been problematic for me at times which is why I like my new M.D. as he is open to alternative treatments if they show promise. I have always eated healthy and used to be in top fitness. Now..no matter what I do I cannot lose pounds. I gained because of uncontrolled diabetes I didn't know I had. Then after 3 primary care doctors and 3 endocrinologist...(none of these tested me for T3) now my new MD did and turns out I wasn't converting any T4 to T3 more than likely for years. My thyroid numbers are now much better and in their ranges. I am now working on my glucose numbers, but whew, I am allergic to metformin because it uses german cockroach phernomes (sp) in it and I am allergic to the German Cockroach. I am now on Prandin, but whew it is hard to take...more than likely I am allergic to the main ingredient as it is some kind of food preservative I avoided for years and now am taking it to get my glucose controlled. So, as you can see I was excited about my cholesterol numbers coming down. I have oral allergy syndrome, such an odd one, and most healthy foods I just cannot eat. Of course because I am allergic to so many things like oats, barley, rye, seeds, and stay away from hydrogenated fats I haven't eaten breads, cakes, cookies, pies, for over a year now. I did not loose one pound. I do eat as healthy as possible within the food groups. Exercise does not drop weight for me no matter how hard I work out. I don't gain, but I don't loose either. So odd. I enjoy your posts as you are very knowledgeable in all of this. In the meantime, I walk an hour a day, eat mostly protein, dairy, the vegetables and fruits that I am not allergic to. My only beverages I drink are water and occasionally milk. Crazy!
Take care now.
Annie |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3341 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3341 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2012 : 8:13:23 PM
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Listen Annie---I KNOW where you are coming from-How frustrating it is when your body does not cooperate, but I am a FIRM believer that the main reason for my declining health is because of my hypothyroidism-My body has gone straight down the toilet so to speak, over the past 5 years. I have NO energy, I CAN'T loose any weight as a matter of fact it is steadily increasing year after year (My Dr. said at least 5-pounds a year after you reach the age of 50!) and I ache all over, all of the time. First, my thyroid, then my BP, and now Cholesterol-Sheesh....It's a real challenge to stay CHIPPER LOL!
I applaud your effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but sometimes I think it just is what it is. Although I am petrified of suffering a stroke-Runs in my family big time. So today, I bought the fish oil, the yogurt, the walnuts and the orange juice and have begun my journey to lower my cholesterol without the use of more prescription drugs for now-If in three months and another blood panel shows I did this in vain then I will add an additional med to my regimen-It sucks, but it is what it is.
Take care of yourself Annie!
Melody |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2012 : 04:00:32 AM
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Look up Dr. Joel Furhman
He is a huge proponent of a raw foods diet to help combat a slew of health issues .
Combine meds and diet and see if this will help.
I make a soup from one of his recipes for my husband that's super tasty. |
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delicia
True Blue Farmgirl
917 Posts
delicia
cincinnati
ohio
USA
917 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2012 : 08:46:54 AM
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Hi Annie, I have high cholesterol and take Crestor. My last numbers were good. I was also told that I might have to go on insulin because I am diabetic. My doctor after reviewing my blood test told me to go to weight watchers and lose 20 pounds and she thought I might be able to get of the Metformin that I take for the diabetes. Some people who have high cholesterol get it through heridity. My doctor said that the high cholesterol will get better with weight loss and watching what I eat but, I may never be able to get off the Crestor. I am hoping that you can find a way to help get yours under control.
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2012 : 09:26:21 AM
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Actually uncontrolled diabetes causes weight loss and not weight gain, because your fat cells are only fed by sugar, the sugar will not go into your fat cells unless it is stuck to a insulin. One is shaped like a U and the other a T, I can't remember which is shaped like which though, but the long part of the T fits into the U. If they are not stuck together like that the fat cell will not open it's gate and let it in. Type 2 diabetics generally are what is called insulin resistant, which means for some reason even though they have enough insulin it will not stick to their glucose. type 1s either don't produce enough insulin, or none at all. gestational, is caused by the hormones that a healthy placenta throws off, raises blood glucose and their pancreas can't keep up. Then there is MODY (Mature Onset Diabetes of the Young) which is what I have, and there's several types-6-of it, but it's a very small percentage of people who have it, VERY small. Any way it all results in weight loss cause essentially your body is starving when none of the glucose is going into the cells and instead just floating around.
I would assume your lack of weight loss has a lot more to do with your thyroid and chem sensitivities.
I am not saying every one can be cured of chem sensitivities, but I can say that my dh and I were both severe chem sensitive, and today I would say we are almost normal when we come in contact with chems. However, we NEVER on purpose come in contact with chems, and I think have detoxed ourselves as much as is possible and still live in the real world. no chems in our house, on vinegar and baking soda for almost every thing, our teeth, hair, dishwasher, laundry, etc etc. lol It took some years....but now it seems we aren't that bad when it comes to chems.
I know how you feel though, I've had a ton of health issues as well, it really is exhausting, and weight loss is slow to nill! UHG.
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
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crittergranny
True Blue Farmgirl
1096 Posts
Laura
Lindrith
NM
USA
1096 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2012 : 9:41:46 PM
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I think some of the cholestoral lowering drugs are sooooo very helpful. Diet and exercise is good but if you need the med too then go for it. It helped my elderly father so much to take them.
Laura
Horse poor in the boonies.
www.nmbarrelhorses.com |
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delicia
True Blue Farmgirl
917 Posts
delicia
cincinnati
ohio
USA
917 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2012 : 04:47:20 AM
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| I have the type 2 diabetes. I do ok with the weight watchers but, if I get stressed at work nothing is safe. I will eat anything that I can find. I think that I am comforted by food. Where I grew up we planned for it, planted, harvested and put it in the cellar for the winter. Food was always a good thing for me. |
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erowease
True Blue Farmgirl
294 Posts
Lesley
Edmonds
wa
USA
294 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2012 : 8:32:40 PM
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My triglycerides are always high partly because of my hypothyroidism, I have decided to work on my diet to see if I can get my numbers down. I haven't liked the possible side effects with the cholesterol lowering meds. I am also taking herbal supplements prescribed by my natureopath to see if it makes a difference. She says that I need to reduce my wheat and sugar intake so I am giving it a try. I have also cut out processed foods, eating organic and try and eat as many fruits and veggies as possible. I have noticed that since I have been following this regimen my blood pressure has been normal for the first time in years. The weight loss is slow due to the thyroid, cutting out the sugar and exercising more has made the most difference. Doctor told me that with thyroid it would take me longer. I figure slow and steady would be good anyway so I have a better chance at keeping it off.
Lesley
#2950
"I see God in the eyes of every child...every life is precious to God, whatever the circumstances." Mother Teresa |
Edited by - erowease on Jun 28 2012 8:36:01 PM |
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Dorinda
True Blue Farmgirl
1023 Posts
Dorinda
St. Cloud
Florida
USA
1023 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2012 : 6:51:40 PM
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They did a study on watermelon and found it lowers your cholesterol by 75 percent. Also all greens Mustard, collards , kale. I tryed the watermelon and it worked.
Seize The Day!
Dorinda |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3341 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3341 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2012 : 7:04:05 PM
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Watermelon?? Love it!! Thanks Dorinda....
Melody |
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laurzgot
True Blue Farmgirl
1936 Posts
Laurie
Alvin
Texas
USA
1936 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2012 : 7:52:25 PM
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Hubby had a high count. So I changed his bad eating habits. Gave him more whole grains, oatmesl,and brown rice. He didn't care for at first. But it has helped him. Now he is eating some of the foods that I fix for myself. I do't like being a short-order cook. Eat whst I fix is my modo. Lifestyle change and healthly living is a good thing.
Laurie
suburban countrygirl at heart
http://www.etsy.com/people/lauriescott60
Aprons and More |
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FieldsofThyme
Farmgirl Guide & Schoolmarm / Chapter Leader
4928 Posts
USA
4928 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2012 : 08:02:10 AM
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Melody,
I just wanted to update you on hubby changing his "numbers" in a good way, by exercise and eating right.
He was tested a few weeks ago at work (he's a volunteer fireman at his job also, so they test there too), and was tested by his doctor a month or so prior to that. His numbers are almost perfect and changing in a good direction for his sugar and all cholesterol levels by simply going to the gym and eating right (no processed, organic as possible, and we eats lots of veggies and fruits etc).
Each test they got better, so I wanted to let you know. He is not taking meds as his doctor had tried to give him. Not sure if this will work for everyone, but it's working for him.
We also started using raw honey in everything we could vs sugar (even canning jam with it).
Farmgirl #800
http://pioneerwomanatheart.blogspot.com/
http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
From my hands: http://pioneerpatchworkhomespun.blogspot.com/
From my Camera: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pioneerwomanatheart/
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3341 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3341 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2012 : 09:10:29 AM
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Wow that's terrific!
I have always only used honey and steer clear of sugar at all costs-Diabetes runs rampant on both sides of my family with the majority of my aunts and uncles ending up with adult onset diabetes.
I have incorporated Walnuts (just a handful) during the day-I have always made it my routine to have oatmeal in the morning and I am taking 1000 mg of fish oil every day. I try biking (not very aggressively) since it's been so blasted hot this summer, but hopefully when things cool down a bit I will be on that more frequently.
I know cholesterol can be lowered by diet and exercise to a degree and I know that sometimes it is just inherent, but I am more than willing to go the route of a healthier lifestyle FIRST! I refuse to be on anything that will do more harm than good-what's the point of that? Scares me to think of the damage cholesterol lowering meds can cause while trying to control cholesterol, but on the other hand no one wants to have a stroke or heart attack either-
Melody |
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FieldsofThyme
Farmgirl Guide & Schoolmarm / Chapter Leader
4928 Posts
USA
4928 Posts |
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Bellepepper
True Blue Farmgirl
1207 Posts
Belle
Coffeyville
KS
USA
1207 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2012 : 07:59:56 AM
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If you take any kind of cholesterol lowering meds, be sure and take CoQ10. It is vital in keeping your heart strong. Statin drugs prevent your liver from mfg CoQ10. That is why a lot of folks lower their cholesterol and still have a heart attack.
I have heard that Chia seeds help lower Cholesterol. Also that dietary cholesterol (animal fat) is not always the bad guy. Just be sure and eat lots of fiber. Crisco (veg fat) is worse than lard. Margerine is worse than butter. And yes, whole eggs are good for you. These are some of the things that I have heard and read.
Stress raises your cholesterol.
Pretend you are your Grandma or Great Grandma. What did she do all day and what did she eat? And Grandpa too. They might have died at an early age compared to now. But they didn't die from over medication like my late husband did. (Long story).
Belle |
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Across the Fence: High Cholesterol? Meds vs Lifestyle? |
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High Cholesterol? Meds vs Lifestyle?
