Old Miler
Total Posts: 1744
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10-23-20 12:14 PM - Post#903900
Hi all,
Just had my annual "old geezer blood test". I don't have full result but total cholesterol is 6.8 mmol/l, up from 6.3 a year ago. I believe in American units that's 262 mg/dl, up from 243 a year ago. They like us to be under 5.0 (193). So the doc will want some action when I speak to him next week. Statins had horrible side effects with me so I'll try anything else first.
I know a bunch of you get regular tests - in the UK it's not so easy, we get one a year and it's not so easy to say "let's do it monthly and see what effects what".
I am curious what kind of absolute or percentage reductions people have achieved with exercise, diet, and supplements like plant stanols.
I hope I have a lot of scope for improvement as I have been doing very little cardio volume compared to my youth, eating whatever I feel like this spring/summer (good stuff, but also too much), have a gut to lose, and am not taking any plant stanols.
Thanks all!
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Old Miler
Total Posts: 1744
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Interestingly, the first meta-study I found has a LOT of interesting stuff:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-013-0110-5
Exercise (we all knew this):
"Increase physical activity to >30 min/day 5 times weekly [16, 17]; prolonged moderate-intensity aerobic exercise at 70–80 % HRreserve [43], progressing to 85 % HRmax [35, 36], combined with moderate- to high-intensity resistance training at 75–85 % 1 RM [23, 40]"
Resistance:
"The authors concluded that low- to moderate-intensity resistance training results in greater benefit to the lipid profile than high-intensity resistance training, although the mechanisms underlying this difference are unclear."
Lots of reps / bodybuilding seems to lower cholesterol, untrained people doing 85%RM and up raises it.
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Pontyclun
Total Posts: 2191
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This is an interesting paper you may wsnt to read.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17378998/
Abstract: Contrary to the age old taboo of exercise in cardiac patients, resistance training
has been gaining importance recently as a safe, healthy fitness option in prevention of cardiovascular diseases, the leading killer disease in the population above 45 years
in the United States. Endurance or aerobic exercise helps improve overall stamina and the ability of the heart to pump oxygenated blood in those with and without prior cardiovascular disease. In addition to modifying cardiovascular risks, resistance training has profound beneficial effects on improving muscle strength and endurance, preventing osteoporosis and improving quality of life both in the healthy and cardiovascular patients including women and heart failure patients. So resistance training should be regarded as a complementary fitness program rather that a substitute to endurance training. This review discusses the physiological phenomenon and benefits of exercise training programs on cardiovascular disease patients focusing on endurance exercise and resistance training.
| Owen Brown, a Biomedical Scientist from Pontyclun, Wales. |
Edited by Pontyclun on 10-23-20 06:35 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Pontyclun
Total Posts: 2191
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10-23-20 12:32 PM - Post#903903
Also, besides decreasing saturated fat intake, increasing dietary fiber intake can reduce LDL cholesterol a bit (around 6 mg/dL on average). For example, try 5 g of psyllium husk daily.
| Owen Brown, a Biomedical Scientist from Pontyclun, Wales. |
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Old Miler
Total Posts: 1744
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10-23-20 12:43 PM - Post#903905
Do you have the right link? That one's about endurance exercise
Anyway, my intent all year was to get back to 45-60min of running a day, minor injuries and work prevented me so the true average is probably 15min, probably time to just get an exercise bike and commit to doing it "one way or the other"!
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Pontyclun
Total Posts: 2191
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Justin Jordan
Total Posts: 854
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10-23-20 12:48 PM - Post#903907
Between my last test and the most recent one I dropped from 263 to 194, my HDL improved from 47 to 73, and LDL went from 163 to 108.
My cholesterol bounces around a fair bit (and I'm not truly convinced cholesterol means a whole lot for anyone) but the three things that could explain this.
1. I start taking high quality fish oil every day. Specifically, Flameout from Biotest. Four caps. I could never get in the habit of taking liquid fish oil each day. And I don't like fish. I suspect this is what actually improve my cholesterol.
2. Psyllium husk regularly but not daily.
3. I did a four day FMD (on the fifth day I felt bad in a way that seemed like it was a good idea to cut the fast) a couple of weeks before.
From past experience, I think the fish oil is the secret sauce.
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Justin Jordan
Total Posts: 854
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10-23-20 12:49 PM - Post#903908
For me, saturated fat is for sure completely irrelevant to my cholesterol levels. Your mileage may vary.
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iPood
Total Posts: 2360
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Hi all,
Just had my annual "old geezer blood test". I don't have full result but total cholesterol is 6.8 mmol/l, up from 6.3 a year ago. I believe in American units that's 262 mg/dl, up from 243 a year ago. They like us to be under 5.0 (193). So the doc will want some action when I speak to him next week. Statins had horrible side effects with me so I'll try anything else first.
I know a bunch of you get regular tests - in the UK it's not so easy, we get one a year and it's not so easy to say "let's do it monthly and see what effects what".
I am curious what kind of absolute or percentage reductions people have achieved with exercise, diet, and supplements like plant stanols.
I hope I have a lot of scope for improvement as I have been doing very little cardio volume compared to my youth, eating whatever I feel like this spring/summer (good stuff, but also too much), have a gut to lose, and am not taking any plant stanols.
Thanks all!
I bring you good news!
Sustained, steady intakes of Iberian cured ham (which is a wonderful delicatessen) has been proven beneficial against cholesterol.
The Health Benefits of Ibérico de Bellota
Can anything this wonderful be this healthy? Absolutely. Remember that this is a ham from an extraordinary pig who traces his lineage back to the time of the cavemen. The Cerdo Ibérico has quite a different DNA than the meat of run-of-the mill pink pigs you are used to buying. In addition, their diet of herbs, grasses and acorns are a significant factor. But remember, this combination of genetics and diet only comes to full fruition in Jamon Ibérico de Bellota - hams made from Ibérico pigs that lived part of their lives feasting on acorns in the oak forests of the Dehesa. The fat of Ibérico Bellota ham contains over 55% oleic acid (a mono-unsaturated fatty acid). Rigorous scientific studies have shown that these fats exercise a beneficial effect on cholesterol in the blood by increasing the amount of good (HDL) cholesterol and reducing bad (LDL) cholesterol. Only virgin olive oil has a higher oleic acid content. The total proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in cured Iberico hams that have consumed a diet of acorns is over 75%, making it the most "cardiohealthy" of all animal fats, even healthier than some fats of plant origin. The breed of pigs is not the only explanation; their staple diet of acorns and grasses also plays an important role. Jamón Ibérico de Bellota provides many vitamins which nourish the nervous system: B1, B6, B12 and folic acid. It is also rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, and in minerals such as copper, essential for bones and cartilage; calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and finally, selenium, which has been attributed with antiaging properties. Ibérico bellota ham can be included in low calorie diets. A ham that has a sublime flavor; is made from humanely treated animals; and is actually good for you. Could you ask for anything more?
"I think we often spend too much time focusing on max fitness
and not nearly enough on maintaining our minimums.
It seems we need to think sustainable rather than obtainable.
Meaning whatever we do today, we can do it again tomorrow.
Never taking so much from ourselves that we can't."
Dan Martin |
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Old Miler
Total Posts: 1744
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For me, saturated fat is for sure completely irrelevant to my cholesterol levels. Your mileage may vary.
I want this to be true, because I have a thing going on with that hunk of Extra Mature Cheddar in the back of the fridge. Apart from that, I hardly eat any sat fats. My wife is determined to end this. I'm trying to get back at her by finding some studies saying bad stuff about wine and chocolate, but no luck so far ;-)
Edited by Old Miler on 10-23-20 01:30 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Old Miler
Total Posts: 1744
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10-23-20 01:39 PM - Post#903912
Between my last test and the most recent one I dropped from 263 to 194, my HDL improved from 47 to 73, and LDL went from 163 to 108.
Wow. I had kind of assumed it was about accumulating tiny 10% gains. That's huge.
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Jordan D
Total Posts: 771
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Old Miler
Total Posts: 1744
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I agree with a lot of this, and know for a fact that my heart and arteries are in really good condition, as I've had every test conceivable in a veteran athletes' heart study 5 years ago, and after a stroke 21 months ago.
But still, health services and doctors look at population averages, and I believe that things which raise an individual's cholesterol over time cause other bad things, and vice versa.
Edited by Old Miler on 10-23-20 02:17 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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DanMartin
Total Posts: 20705
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10-23-20 02:20 PM - Post#903915
I remember when 220 mg was normal.
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BrianBinVA
Total Posts: 5140
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I bring you good news!
Sustained, steady intakes of Iberian cured ham (which is a wonderful delicatessen) has been proven beneficial against cholesterol.
The Health Benefits of Ibérico de Bellota
Can anything this wonderful be this healthy? Absolutely. Remember that this is a ham from an extraordinary pig who traces his lineage back to the time of the cavemen. The Cerdo Ibérico has quite a different DNA than the meat of run-of-the mill pink pigs you are used to buying. In addition, their diet of herbs, grasses and acorns are a significant factor. But remember, this combination of genetics and diet only comes to full fruition in Jamon Ibérico de Bellota - hams made from Ibérico pigs that lived part of their lives feasting on acorns in the oak forests of the Dehesa. The fat of Ibérico Bellota ham contains over 55% oleic acid (a mono-unsaturated fatty acid). Rigorous scientific studies have shown that these fats exercise a beneficial effect on cholesterol in the blood by increasing the amount of good (HDL) cholesterol and reducing bad (LDL) cholesterol. Only virgin olive oil has a higher oleic acid content. The total proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in cured Iberico hams that have consumed a diet of acorns is over 75%, making it the most "cardiohealthy" of all animal fats, even healthier than some fats of plant origin. The breed of pigs is not the only explanation; their staple diet of acorns and grasses also plays an important role. Jamón Ibérico de Bellota provides many vitamins which nourish the nervous system: B1, B6, B12 and folic acid. It is also rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, and in minerals such as copper, essential for bones and cartilage; calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and finally, selenium, which has been attributed with antiaging properties. Ibérico bellota ham can be included in low calorie diets. A ham that has a sublime flavor; is made from humanely treated animals; and is actually good for you. Could you ask for anything more?
iPood, assuming it is true, this is some of the best news I've had in 2020! I will volunteer to participate in the next study...
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Old Miler
Total Posts: 1744
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Upside
Total Posts: 185
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I remember when 220 mg was normal.
There was a time when they told older folks that their blood pressure should be 100 plus their age too.
On the topic of cholesterol my GP was enthused when I told him that my usual breakfast was oatmeal with yogurt and whey protein mixed in. He maintained that the oatmeal lowers cholesterol. My total is 169 with HDL just north of 100.
He also said that that it's not always what you eat but what you is.
Edited by Upside on 10-23-20 03:19 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Justin Jordan
Total Posts: 854
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10-23-20 04:31 PM - Post#903924
Between my last test and the most recent one I dropped from 263 to 194, my HDL improved from 47 to 73, and LDL went from 163 to 108.
Wow. I had kind of assumed it was about accumulating tiny 10% gains. That's huge.
One of the issues with cholesterol tests is that they assume the snapshot they're taking is static. And it really, really, really isn't. I get one very four months, and they always move.
If you always eat the same stuff and do the same things they can have some accuracy, but it's extremely easy to game them.
Like, if you fast for a couple days going into it, there's a good chance your cholesterol, particularly your LDL will actually be way high, because LDL is involved in transporting energy.
If you just up your calories for a couple of days, it'll often drop for the inverse reasons. In the keto recesses of the web there's people who experiment with seeing how they can manipulate the result.
I do think this has to do with the person, too. Just the way you're made.
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vegpedlr
Total Posts: 1179
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10-23-20 05:03 PM - Post#903925
Since following the protocols of Dr. John McDougall, Esselstyn, Ornish, et al, I have a total chol of 119. Since cv events happening to someone under 150 is pretty much a freak of nature, I feel safe.
While the dietary approach I’ve followed is anathema here, it is a well documented path. If you want to pursue any dietary experimentation, I highly suggest you take the time to log and record everything you eat in the CRON-O-Meter. All it takes is a digital kitchen scale, an internet connection and some patience. You will find some surprises.
FWIW, cholesterol levels correlate to other diseases, such as cancer, where there is no direct mechanism. Chol is a marker or lifestyle, not a disease itself. Fix it at the root.
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DanMartin
Total Posts: 20705
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tom6112
Total Posts: 846
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10-23-20 08:35 PM - Post#903930
My last test this spring mine was 150
My dad and his twin brother both were super high
And I have one sister who has to take medication for it.
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GeoffreyLevens
Total Posts: 357
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10-24-20 10:20 AM - Post#903940
I remember when 220 mg was normal.
Yes, the AHA is famous for lowering the target to numbers which can only be achieved through increased drug company profits
The cholesterol myth is that saturated fat does not matter. There is abundant research showing that it does. People love to read/hear good things about their bad habits.
Since following the protocols of Dr. John McDougall, Esselstyn, Ornish, et al, I have a total chol of 119. Since cv events happening to someone under 150 is pretty much a freak of nature, I feel safe.
While the dietary approach I’ve followed is anathema here, it is a well documented path. If you want to pursue any dietary experimentation, I highly suggest you take the time to log and record everything you eat in the CRON-O-Meter. All it takes is a digital kitchen scale, an internet connection and some patience. You will find some surprises.
FWIW, cholesterol levels correlate to other diseases, such as cancer, where there is no direct mechanism. Chol is a marker or lifestyle, not a disease itself. Fix it at the root.
About 10 years ago I found I was pre-diabetic. Long story short...I did a bunch of reading research and then used myself as a guinea pig. While it is true that individuals vary, the basics remain the same...eat mostly plants as minimally processed as possible. Avoid manufactured fake foods. Doing that, my total chol went from 260 to 135 in a few months. I am very hypothyroid (taking replacement) which tends to increase chol a lot which is probably why mine is not as low as Vegpdler's. I do still eat meat, (grass fed only) but only about 3-4 oz once every couple months... Even "lean" meat contains a lot of saturated fat.
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Steve Rogers
Total Posts: 6158
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My experience differs from GeoffreyLevens. I was diagnosed pre-diabetic 15 years ago and my lab numbers improved as I reduced plant consumption. I'm not a carnivore, but carnivorish, I get most of my calories from animal sources with some plants as spices or garnish. While the basic processes are common, I believe there is more individual variation than Geoffrey thinks. The data are unclear about this.
| "Coyote is always waiting, and Coyote is always hungry." |
Edited by Steve Rogers on 10-24-20 12:43 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Dan John
Total Posts: 12292
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10-24-20 12:51 PM - Post#903945
"Death by Food Pyramid" has a great section on this. Humans, according to the author and I didn't write it, do well on diets:
Almost all fat.
Almost no fat.
The middle doesn't work...according to the book. That's why I think a seasonal approach is best.
Daniel John
Just handing down what I was handed down...
Make a Difference.
Live. Love. Laugh.
Balance work, rest, play and pray (enjoy beauty and solitude)
Sleep soundly. Drink Water. Eat veggies and protein. Walk.
Wear your seat belt. Don’t smoke. Floss your teeth.
Put weights overhead. Pick weights off the floor. Carry weights.
Reread great books. Say thank you |
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Justin Jordan
Total Posts: 854
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Jordan D
Total Posts: 771
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Old Miler
Total Posts: 1744
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10-24-20 02:51 PM - Post#903948
"Death by Food Pyramid" has a great section on this. Humans, according to the author and I didn't write it, do well on diets:
Almost all fat.
Almost no fat.
The middle doesn't work...according to the book. That's why I think a seasonal approach is best.
I remember when I was in my early teens, the Sunday Times magazine went all in on Michel Montignac and his book "How to Dine Out and Lose Weight". This was a senior food company exec. His basic thesis was EXACTLY what I was being taught in high school biology that month..
If you eat fat and carbs together (especially refined ones), your blood sugar goes up, then insulin goes up, and that tells your body to store all those free fatty acids in the blood in your fat cells.
His answer was, don't east them at the same meal, and leave a few hours in between. So, some very low fat meals, and some low- or no-carb meals.
This still makes perfect sense to me 40 years on. It seems to be out of fashion. This is why cakes and biscuits are lethal.
It had some nice corollaries:
- In a restaurant, skip the bread roll and have cheese instead of dessert.
- If refuelling after a heavy training session, low fat while you get the carbs and protein down.
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Dan John
Total Posts: 12292
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10-24-20 05:06 PM - Post#903954
That's very close to the original work by Maffetone, Old Miler.
Years ago, I tried the single meal idea:
Bacon and Eggs
or
Crazy veggie salad
or
Oatmeal and toasts
or
Dairy
I didn't stick long, but it made sense at some level.
for most of us...more fiber is probably the best route. Fiber is fiber...and most people don't get enough...
Daniel John
Just handing down what I was handed down...
Make a Difference.
Live. Love. Laugh.
Balance work, rest, play and pray (enjoy beauty and solitude)
Sleep soundly. Drink Water. Eat veggies and protein. Walk.
Wear your seat belt. Don’t smoke. Floss your teeth.
Put weights overhead. Pick weights off the floor. Carry weights.
Reread great books. Say thank you |
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Old Miler
Total Posts: 1744
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10-25-20 03:56 PM - Post#903969
Maybe this belongs on the other 'Obesity' thread, but...I'm 2/3 of the way through "The Obesity Code" by Jason Fung. It's recent, written by a head of a hospital department in Toronto that treats people via nutrition, and it's mind blowing.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01BU9JZKA/
Detailed history of the obesity epidemic, (which, thankfully, is apparently starting to turn around in the west - although it's hit China in a big way, once the food companies added their 'stuff' to the white rice diet).
Best explanations I have ever seen of what is bad for you and why.
Key thesis: it's not calories that make you fat, it's insulin. And the food industry and food pyramid have done everything imaginable to bathe us in insulin 18 hours of the day, starting us on the path to metabolic syndrome.
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Dan John
Total Posts: 12292
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10-25-20 05:06 PM - Post#903971
I think I read that when it came out.
Yup...on my kindle. That means I remember nothing of a book.
Jung's work is excellent.
Daniel John
Just handing down what I was handed down...
Make a Difference.
Live. Love. Laugh.
Balance work, rest, play and pray (enjoy beauty and solitude)
Sleep soundly. Drink Water. Eat veggies and protein. Walk.
Wear your seat belt. Don’t smoke. Floss your teeth.
Put weights overhead. Pick weights off the floor. Carry weights.
Reread great books. Say thank you |
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Browser
Total Posts: 507
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Mr. Kent
Total Posts: 583
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10-26-20 03:18 PM - Post#903995
Old Miler,
To answer your original question my cholesterol was around 290 last year and I lowered it by taking Niacin. I took 500mg twice a day. I'll have to dig up my blood tests, but I know it was much closer to 200 after a month of Niacin supplementation. It may have even been a 100 point swing, but I can't remember my exact 'after' numbers. I'll dig up my blood work and let you know. Will probably take me a few days to find it though.
And if you've never supplemented with Niacin look for the time-released to help abate the flushing effect. Many people get extremely red-faced for an hour or so after taking it. Taking it with food is also recommended to avoid that.
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Old Miler
Total Posts: 1744
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I listened to your link, but it's pretty clear they are both right in what they say, but your guy just dislikes a specific phrase or two in a podcast he heard, and has not read the book either. Steven Layne says "if Fung's model is true, you won't get thin people eating lots of carbs", and cites bodybuilders cutting on 200g of carbs per day. Fung quite specifically cited populations who live mainly on carbs and have no obesity. China until 1990: tons of white rice, but very very little refined sugar until recently, when their obesity epidemic shot up. Pacific islanders with nothing but coconut, fish and sweet potatoes.
When he gets to his recommendations to individuals, I will literally quote his final advice...hardly rocket science..
"""
THERE ARE FIVE basic steps in weight loss:
1.Reduce your consumption of added sugars.
2.Reduced your consumption of refined grains.
3.Moderate your protein intake.
4.Increase your consumption of natural fats.
5.Increase your consumption of fiber and vinegar.
"""
(3) might wind up a bodybuilder, but he was actually telling normal people not to eat stupid amounts (like trying to get 70% of their calories from protein), as protein spikes insulin more than fats. Apparently living off protein shakes isn;t good either. His 'moderate' figure in the book worked out to 1.5g per kg of body weight - quite a few 20g servings per day.
Edited by Old Miler on 10-26-20 03:21 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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marc29
Total Posts: 109
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10-29-20 12:55 AM - Post#904056
Why increase vinegars? And natural or just white vinegar ok?
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Chris Rice
Total Posts: 702
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10-29-20 09:55 AM - Post#904061
#1 - hit the genetic lottery
#2 - move in various ways
#3 - lower the amount of foods you know darn well you shouldn't be eating (sugars and highly processed (usually boxed) foods). Bodyweight control won't hurt but a lot of skinny people have high cholesterol.
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Henry
Total Posts: 1461
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10-29-20 10:09 AM - Post#904064
Years ago a doctor told me my cholesterol was bang on target and he wished his was, never thought about it before and generally had a high fat diet, fried potatoes in lard and bacon fat etc.
I think it's normal to go up a bit as we age, now 68 but still good, I'm on zero medications.
"Go Henry - Live, lift, learn and grow - Never quit - Dave Draper" |
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Dan John
Total Posts: 12292
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10-29-20 11:17 AM - Post#904069
Henry, that is good to hear.
Daniel John
Just handing down what I was handed down...
Make a Difference.
Live. Love. Laugh.
Balance work, rest, play and pray (enjoy beauty and solitude)
Sleep soundly. Drink Water. Eat veggies and protein. Walk.
Wear your seat belt. Don’t smoke. Floss your teeth.
Put weights overhead. Pick weights off the floor. Carry weights.
Reread great books. Say thank you |
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Kiwi5
Total Posts: 264
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10-29-20 02:19 PM - Post#904072
Avoiding Vegetable oils and anything cooked with them is a first step. Listened to Dr. Paul Saladino on Rogan- his discussion on vegetable oils was fascinating. Eat more veggies? Maybe try organ meats!
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iPood
Total Posts: 2360
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10-29-20 03:18 PM - Post#904077
Avoiding Vegetable oils and anything cooked with them is a first step. Listened to Dr. Paul Saladino on Rogan- his discussion on vegetable oils was fascinating. Eat more veggies? Maybe try organ meats!
My mineral oils are strictly for my vehicles. 
"I think we often spend too much time focusing on max fitness
and not nearly enough on maintaining our minimums.
It seems we need to think sustainable rather than obtainable.
Meaning whatever we do today, we can do it again tomorrow.
Never taking so much from ourselves that we can't."
Dan Martin |
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Old Miler
Total Posts: 1744
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Why increase vinegars? And natural or just white vinegar ok?
Dr Fung plugs it several times:
(1) the 'insulin response'/ sugar spike depends on a number of factors; fibre, acetic acid (vinegar) and capsaicin (pepper/chili) damps it down. He cites half a dozen studies on this
(2) Societies evolved ways of eating high carb foods with a bit of vinegar e.g. on fish on chips (UK); sushi, where the vinegar reduces the 'blood sugar spike' from the white rice by about 40%; oil and vinegar on potato salads.
(3) Hippocrates himself plugged a spoonful of apple vinegar.
(4) Popularity of pickled foods - maybe it's the vinegar as well as the bacteria
Anyway, seems like there are really good reasons to keep putting oil and vinegar dressing on things.
Edited by Old Miler on 10-29-20 03:44 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Jordan D
Total Posts: 771
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10-29-20 04:48 PM - Post#904079
Sounds like a lot of hemming and hawing just to feel better about eating cheap grains.
Reminds me of my old man. Won’t eat a vegetable or turn down a biscuit, but hey, he takes a spoonful of apple cider vinegar every day. It’s science!
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Old Miler
Total Posts: 1744
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10-29-20 04:52 PM - Post#904080
Well I like vinegar, so I don't mind being told it's healthy. Pickled onions, kimchi, but especially a nice salad dressing with good olive oil and a nice balsamic vinegar. Tasty AND double-sciencey-healthy!
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Henry
Total Posts: 1461
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Maybe try organ meats!
I do like beef liver now and then. I read that in Victorian England it was normal to have a couple of kidney's for breakfast, But did like steak and kidney pie.
"Go Henry - Live, lift, learn and grow - Never quit - Dave Draper" |
Edited by Henry on 10-30-20 08:33 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Mr. Kent
Total Posts: 583
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10-30-20 09:31 AM - Post#904106
I tried sending Old Miler a PM, but that feature seems to leave a bit to be desired on what is otherwise a very nice message board.
For anyone's who's interested, and in the spirit of answering the original question asked in this thread; I began taking 1g of niacin daily (in two 500mg doses) a couple of years ago after my cholesterol was 290 quite unexpectedly. My numbers before and after taking niacin:
Before:
Total cholesterol: 290
Triglycerides: 170
LDL: 202
After:
Total cholesterol: 212
Triglycerides: 154
LDL: 138
Both my HCL and VLDL were normal before and after, and while my numbers were still a touch high you can see the improvement after just nine weeks.
I'm not suggesting that niacin is a panacea, but it's another data point for folks from a real, live person.
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Old Miler
Total Posts: 1744
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10-30-20 04:01 PM - Post#904129
Apologies, I don't check for PMs often. These are impressive reductions. Did you feel any side effects?
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SpiderLegs
Total Posts: 369
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10-31-20 11:03 AM - Post#904152
I'm a little late to this party. Got the same news from my doctor. My cholesterol is genetically high and my LDL a month ago was 185. Luckily my doctor is a runner & hiker as well, so acquainted with the side effects of statins and knows why I won't take them. To make both of us feel better she scheduled a cat scan of my heart to look for calcium deposits and I passed with flying colors. Not a trace of calcium around my heart.
Her advice now that I'm over 50 is to continue to exercise, stay consistent. Keep an eye on my diet, it was already pretty decent but if I want to avoid meds I should tighten it up. Eat more veggies and add some more fiber to my diet.
Like her style much better than my last doctor. He was a snobbish Englishman who yelled at me for my refusal to start taking statins. His last words were "you Americans are all too lazy to change your diet" as he stomped out of the room. Needless to say I changed doctors.
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Old Miler
Total Posts: 1744
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Like her style much better than my last doctor. He was a snobbish Englishman who yelled at me for my refusal to start taking statins. His last words were "you Americans are all too lazy to change your diet" as he stomped out of the room. Needless to say I changed doctors.
Mine is English (although very nice) and I find our doctors well brainwashed into pushing statins. But he had to go "up the chain" to a professor at the local teaching hospital to allow me to "not take them" while covering his a**e. If you want to know WHY they push them so hard on such questionable evidence, read Ben Goldacre's "Bad Pharma", which explains how the industry works; he's a doc as well as an award winning Guardian writer debunking "Bad Science" wherever he finds it.
Edited by Old Miler on 10-31-20 04:45 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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SpiderLegs
Total Posts: 369
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11-01-20 08:43 AM - Post#904178
Old Miler - He was quite nice and had a perfect bedside manner up until this point. Came highly recommended from some other doctors, especially in terms of his expertise in working with middle aged men.
My new doctor is 20+ years younger, an active runner and isn't totally freaked out by a genetically high cholesterol number. She knows me now and if I need to tighten up my diet I will in order to avoid prescription meds. Once I passed my cat scan with zero trace of calcium deposits I was in the clear with her.
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GeoffreyLevens
Total Posts: 357
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11-02-20 10:07 AM - Post#904197
I remember when 220 mg was normal.
Do you remember a date? Perhaps prior to all the research demonstrating higher risk?
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GeoffreyLevens
Total Posts: 357
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I read that in Victorian England it was normal to have a couple of kidney's for breakfast
So was gout ;)
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