More cholesterol questions

[Guest guest]

My cholesterol in November, right before I started SCD, was in the high 100's (I

forget the exact value). My latest test shows it's 285! My HDL is pretty good at

61, but my LDL is bad at 192. My VLDL (never heard of that one before now) is

32, which is in normal range. My triglycerides are also high at 162, but that's

pretty much unchanged since November.

I don't know why it skyrocketed like that, because I've been eating pretty

healthy since SCD, and taking lots of fish oil too. I also didn't up my fat

intake until after the blood test had been taken. Of course my PCP wants me to

take a statin drug (don't want to). He also mentioned taking a high dose of

niacin. Have any of you had success doing that?

They also did a C-Reactive Protein Cardiac test, and it was high (value = 5.99,

range = 0.00 - 3.00). It says that my relative risk for a future cardiovascular

event .

I'm 5'5 " and 92 pounds, but my doctor's have been saying I'm at high risk for

heart disease for many years.

So, I guess I'm looking for advice. Other than taking more fish oil and trying

niacin, are there any other natural ways to get my bad cholesterol and

triglycerides down?

Thanks!

Holly

Crohn's

SCD 12/01/08

[Guest guest]

Holly,

I do know that the Niacin is very effective for the triglycerides, and I know several people for whom it has worked.

Terry

More cholesterol questions

My cholesterol in November, right before I started SCD, was in the high 100's (I forget the exact value). My latest test shows it's 285! My HDL is pretty good at 61, but my LDL is bad at 192. My VLDL (never heard of that one before now) is 32, which is in normal range. My triglycerides are also high at 162, but that's pretty much unchanged since November.I don't know why it skyrocketed like that, because I've been eating pretty healthy since SCD, and taking lots of fish oil too. I also didn't up my fat intake until after the blood test had been taken. Of course my PCP wants me to take a statin drug (don't want to). He also mentioned taking a high dose of niacin. Have any of you had success doing that? They also did a C-Reactive Protein Cardiac test, and it was high (value = 5.99, range = 0.00 - 3.00). It says that my relative risk for a future cardiovascular event .I'm 5'5" and 92 pounds, but my doctor's have been saying I'm at high risk for heart disease for many years.So, I guess I'm looking for advice. Other than taking more fish oil and trying niacin, are there any other natural ways to get my bad cholesterol and triglycerides down?Thanks!HollyCrohn'sSCD 12/01/08

[Guest guest]

I just had a complete physical as well and my LDL is high, at 157. This is after

almost three months of complete lifestyle change; SCD diet, intense workouts

six-days/week. I only eat egg whites and limit cheese and beef to once,

twice/week max.

I'd love to hear thoughts on why my LDL levels are going up on SCD... My PCP

would also like me to start taking medications like Lipitor, etc. I thought we

were getting 'good' fats from SCD?

Thanks

RSW

>

> My cholesterol in November, right before I started SCD, was in the high 100's

(I forget the exact value). My latest test shows it's 285! My HDL is pretty good

at 61, but my LDL is bad at 192. My VLDL (never heard of that one before now) is

32, which is in normal range. My triglycerides are also high at 162, but that's

pretty much unchanged since November.

>

> I don't know why it skyrocketed like that, because I've been eating pretty

healthy since SCD, and taking lots of fish oil too. I also didn't up my fat

intake until after the blood test had been taken. Of course my PCP wants me to

take a statin drug (don't want to). He also mentioned taking a high dose of

niacin. Have any of you had success doing that?

>

> They also did a C-Reactive Protein Cardiac test, and it was high (value =

5.99, range = 0.00 - 3.00). It says that my relative risk for a future

cardiovascular event .

>

> I'm 5'5 " and 92 pounds, but my doctor's have been saying I'm at high risk for

heart disease for many years.

>

> So, I guess I'm looking for advice. Other than taking more fish oil and trying

niacin, are there any other natural ways to get my bad cholesterol and

triglycerides down?

>

> Thanks!

>

> Holly

> Crohn's

> SCD 12/01/08

>

[Guest guest]

Randall,

Has your HDL gone up or down in relation to your LDL? There is also a new test to differentiate your LDL--there is a 'fluffy' LDL that is a 'good' LDL and a dense LDL that is a 'bad' LDL. If your 'fluffy' LDL has risen, then you are not at higher risk and don't need the Lipitor. I know most cardiologists are doing the LDL differentiation tests. You can google it to learn more about it.

As we know, egg yolks do not contribute to serum cholesterol. I don't know when you had your last lipid panel, but having it at 3 months is too soon. Cholesterol (CHL) is a funny thing--everything I have read or know about says you can't taK

CHL numbers by themselves--you have to look at the relation of all cardiac factors, triglycerides, HDL ,LDL, BP, C-reactive protein and homocysteine.

I found this excerpt below at:

http://www.theantiagingdoctor.com/hrtdisbrk.htm

Step Three:Find out your LDL level and LDL SubclassThe test available to consumers to distinguish the different types of LDL particles is the LDL gradient gel electrophoresis, or LDL GGE for short. This test samples your LDL cholesterol using a chemical gel. Different sized LDL particles are separated out by the graded density of the gel. The test result reveals a distribution of different size particles in order of size. It is this distribution that determines your LDL subclass.

Other risk factors than your LDL subclass risks are:

Smoking High blood pressure Diabetes (either kind) Age of 45 or greater for men Age of 55 or greater for women (or women with premature menopause not taking estrogen therapy) Obesity Sedentary lifestyle

Depending upon which LDL subclass, and its level, you will be able to be guided as to which type of diet, such as low-fat, or not low-fat will benefit you. about one-fourth of the general population will actually increase their risk by going on the almost universally advocated low-fat diet. And, for such people, the lower the fat, the worse the effects! About 15 percent of the population actually need fat in their diet. Also, most commercially processed "low-fat" foods have high sugar content as opposed to crude, complex carbohydrates. This shift in nutrient balance causes elevations of triglycerides and the consequent deleterious changes of both LDL and HDL particles. This can increase your risk, especially if the shift in distribution is not accompanied by a large reduction in LDL cholesterol per se. In other words, too much fat-free cake and low-fat yogurt can be disastrous.

There are many conditions that can cause changes in LDL subclass pattern, and many of them aren’t usually thought of as being ................

Terry

Re: More cholesterol questions

I just had a complete physical as well and my LDL is high, at 157. This is after almost three months of complete lifestyle change; SCD diet, intense workouts six-days/week. I only eat egg whites and limit cheese and beef to once, twice/week max.I'd love to hear thoughts on why my LDL levels are going up on SCD... My PCP would also like me to start taking medications like Lipitor, etc. I thought we were getting 'good' fats from SCD?ThanksRSW>> My cholesterol in November, right before I started SCD, was in the high 100's (I forget the exact value). My latest test shows it's 285! My HDL is pretty good at 61, but my LDL is bad at 192. My VLDL (never heard of that one before now) is 32, which is in normal range. My triglycerides are also high at 162, but that's pretty much unchanged since November.> > I don't know why it skyrocketed like that, because I've been eating pretty healthy since SCD, and taking lots of fish oil too. I also didn't up my fat intake until after the blood test had been taken. Of course my PCP wants me to take a statin drug (don't want to). He also mentioned taking a high dose of niacin. Have any of you had success doing that? > > They also did a C-Reactive Protein Cardiac test, and it was high (value = 5.99, range = 0.00 - 3.00). It says that my relative risk for a future cardiovascular event .> > I'm 5'5" and 92 pounds, but my doctor's have been saying I'm at high risk for heart disease for many years.> > So, I guess I'm looking for advice. Other than taking more fish oil and trying niacin, are there any other natural ways to get my bad cholesterol and triglycerides down?> > Thanks!> > Holly> Crohn's> SCD 12/01/08>

[Guest guest]

At 12:23 AM 4/10/2009, you wrote:

So, I guess I'm looking for

advice. Other than taking more fish oil and trying niacin, are there any

other natural ways to get my bad cholesterol and triglycerides

down?

Some of the risk factors for high cholesterol include:

Not getting enough exercise

Family history of heart disease

High blood pressure

Smoking

Diabetes

Here is a general overview of hypercholesteremia -- high

cholesterol. It's generally good, except that it says you should

get rid of sat-fats, eggs, whole milk, etc -- the classic low fat junk

which has been promulgated for the last 50 years while cholesterol levels

go sky high.

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/hypercholesterolemia-000084.htm

You might wish to contrast this with

http://www.westonaprice.org/knowyourfats/fats-oils-faqs.html

and also, this article, by Natasha -McBride, whose name will be

familiar to anyone who has read her Gut and Psychology Syndrome

which is based on SCD.

http://www.westonaprice.org/knowyourfats/cholesterol-friend.html

In particular, you might look at this comment:

" The question is, why do some people have more cholesterol in their

blood than others, and why can the same person have different levels of

cholesterol at different times of the day? Why is our level of

cholesterol different in different seasons of the year? In winter it goes

up and in the summer it goes down. Why is it that blood cholesterol goes

through the roof in people after any surgery? Why does blood cholesterol

go up when we have an infection? Why does it go up after dental

treatment? Why does it go up when we are under stress? And why does it

become normal when we are relaxed and feel well? The answer to all these

questions is this: cholesterol is a healing agent in the body. When the

body has some healing jobs to do, it produces cholesterol and sends it to

the site of the damage. Depending on the time of day, the weather, the

season and our exposure to various environmental agents, the damage to

various tissues in the body varies. As a result, the production of

cholesterol in the body also varies. "

One key item, though, is the question of exercise. When we are feeling

unwell, it's highly likely that we won't be exercising as much. This can

be a big factor.

First of all, some people react by having cholesterol go up when they

take fish oil.

Garlic is said to be good for cholesterol (and a host of other

things).

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/garlic-000245.htm

Niacin

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/vitamin-b3-000335.htm

Pantethine

(listed under pantothenic acid, B5, which is not the same thing)

" Several small, double-blind studies suggest that pantethine may

help reduce triglycerides (fats) in the blood in people who have high

cholesterol. In some of these studies, pantethine has also helped lower

LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol. In some open

studies, pantethine appears to lower levels of cholesterol and

triglycerides in people with diabetes. But not all studies have found any

benefit, however. Larger studies are needed to determine whether

pantethine has any real beneficial effect. "

And here's another item: although you are not large, consider being

checked for sleep apnea. Apnea is significantly linked to insulin

resistance, high cholesterol, depression, diabetes, heart issues. If your

doc is worried about heart issues, apnea is one place her should start

right away -- and don't let them put you off with apnea being a disease

of fat, middle-aged people. In restroscpect, I had apnea when I was 30,

and weighed 140 pounds at 5' 6 " . A 22 year old petite gal has

just posted as new on the CPAPTalk.Com forum.

—

Marilyn

New

Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

Darn Good SCD Cook

No Human Children

Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

[Guest guest]

Marilyn and Terry,

You've both provided some very interesting information! My only risk factor for

heart disease is a sedentary life, one thing I really need to work on, but am

having a hard time doing.

For now, I'll take comfort in Natasha -McBride's theory that cholesterol

can go up when the body is healing. I have niacin in my multi and b-complex, but

obviously not enough to help, so I'll look into finding a higher dose. I started

taking coconut oil today (1/2 teaspoon to start), which I just read is good for

cholesterol. Now I just need to figure out a way to get up off my butt! I've

never liked exercise, and spend a lot of time vegetating in front of my

computer. I hate to quit the fish oil though, as I feel it's the reason my

constipation problems have improved so much.

I'll also ask my doctor about sleep apnea. My dad and brother both have it (my

dad is thin, and my brother is heavy), but they both snore horribly! I don't

snore. Does that make any difference?

Holly

[Guest guest]

I also came across some information somewhere in the past five years that our cholesterol levels tend to fluctuate, in particular rise, during healing stages. It is a natural part of the body's work at repairing and healing.

I can't recall exactly where I found the articles/information. My cholesterol levels fluctuated fairly wildly during my first two years on SCD, then dropped to low (excellent) levels and have stayed there -- despite eating one or more eggs every day plus plenty of meat (although not much fat).

I'll try to find the information sources and will post my results.

Kim M.

SCD 5 years

[Guest guest]

Holly,

Some people's cholesterol levels do go up when taking fish oils, but it

is generally considered that the benefits of the rise in HDL caused by

the fish oils more than outweighs the negatives of the rise in total

cholesterol.

Just as an FYI, I drove my doctor crazy -- here I was, a fat broad,

eating lots of fats, and my mother with congestive heart failure... and

my cholesterol levels were normal, with a good HDL.

In November of 2007, my cholesterol jumped about 70 points. Did the doc

say, " Hmm, something must be wrong... " No. He said, " It's

catching up to you. You have to stop stuffing your face, cut out the

fats, and lose some weight. " Blithely skipping over the fact that

I've lost 180 pounds on SCD.

November of 2007 was when I became symptomatic with the cancer. (Which

symptoms were dismissed with, " Stop stuffing your face, cut out the

fats, and lose some weight. It'll all clear up then. " ) Fortunately,

I sought out a good gynecologist who diagnosed the cancer.

November of 2008, I had blood work again. Cholesterol had dropped 45

points. And I swear the doc was disappointed. (That's why he is my FORMER

primary care doctor.)

I went on my Bipap just a few days before those tests, so I doubt they

were affected by it. It usually takes six months to show up. But I fully

expect to have my normal levels back this autumn. Last autumn, I was

still healing from the surgery, and everything.

So it seems to me that in my case, Dr. -McBride's hypothesis is

correct. My body was putting out significantly more cholesterol in an

effort to heal the cancer. Now, imagine if, instead of looking for, and

finding, the cancer, and treating it, they had put me on

cholesterol lowering drugs instead.

Water therapy is an excellent exercise -- get your doctor to prescribe

some, and learn from a good therapist. Once you know the exercises,

especially the core-strengthening ones, you can continue on your own

recognizance. I go three times a week, and do at least an hour and a half

each session. (Before the surgery, I was doing three hours, but I haven't

healed enough to get back to that.) I'm a computer nut, myself, and I

don't enjoy exercise. However, I enjoy being in pain less, and the notion

of taking potent drugs even less than that. So, consider this, get the

regular exercise, and every time you're tempted to slack, tell yourself,

" It's this or those d@mned drugs.... "

If your father and your brother both have apnea, please to not delay

getting tested. I was not thrilled about sleeping with a machine. The

results have been worth the learning curve.

And don't let the doc say, " You're not fat enough to have

apnea. " Although obesity worsens apnea, it does not cause it. The

answer to that is that apnea is linked to high cholesterol, diabetes, and

heart issues. If your doctor is concerned about heart issues, his first

line of attack should be to send you for a sleep test.

—

Marilyn

New

Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

Darn Good SCD Cook

No Human Children

Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

[Guest guest]

Holly,

Some people's cholesterol levels do go up when taking fish oils, but it

is generally considered that the benefits of the rise in HDL caused by

the fish oils more than outweighs the negatives of the rise in total

cholesterol.

Just as an FYI, I drove my doctor crazy -- here I was, a fat broad,

eating lots of fats, and my mother with congestive heart failure... and

my cholesterol levels were normal, with a good HDL.

In November of 2007, my cholesterol jumped about 70 points. Did the doc

say, " Hmm, something must be wrong... " No. He said, " It's

catching up to you. You have to stop stuffing your face, cut out the

fats, and lose some weight. " Blithely skipping over the fact that

I've lost 180 pounds on SCD.

November of 2007 was when I became symptomatic with the cancer. (Which

symptoms were dismissed with, " Stop stuffing your face, cut out the

fats, and lose some weight. It'll all clear up then. " ) Fortunately,

I sought out a good gynecologist who diagnosed the cancer.

November of 2008, I had blood work again. Cholesterol had dropped 45

points. And I swear the doc was disappointed. (That's why he is my FORMER

primary care doctor.)

I went on my Bipap just a few days before those tests, so I doubt they

were affected by it. It usually takes six months to show up. But I fully

expect to have my normal levels back this autumn. Last autumn, I was

still healing from the surgery, and everything.

So it seems to me that in my case, Dr. -McBride's hypothesis is

correct. My body was putting out significantly more cholesterol in an

effort to heal the cancer. Now, imagine if, instead of looking for, and

finding, the cancer, and treating it, they had put me on

cholesterol lowering drugs instead.

Water therapy is an excellent exercise -- get your doctor to prescribe

some, and learn from a good therapist. Once you know the exercises,

especially the core-strengthening ones, you can continue on your own

recognizance. I go three times a week, and do at least an hour and a half

each session. (Before the surgery, I was doing three hours, but I haven't

healed enough to get back to that.) I'm a computer nut, myself, and I

don't enjoy exercise. However, I enjoy being in pain less, and the notion

of taking potent drugs even less than that. So, consider this, get the

regular exercise, and every time you're tempted to slack, tell yourself,

" It's this or those d@mned drugs.... "

If your father and your brother both have apnea, please to not delay

getting tested. I was not thrilled about sleeping with a machine. The

results have been worth the learning curve.

And don't let the doc say, " You're not fat enough to have

apnea. " Although obesity worsens apnea, it does not cause it. The

answer to that is that apnea is linked to high cholesterol, diabetes, and

heart issues. If your doctor is concerned about heart issues, his first

line of attack should be to send you for a sleep test.

—

Marilyn

New

Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

Darn Good SCD Cook

No Human Children

Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

[Guest guest]

Holly,

Some people's cholesterol levels do go up when taking fish oils, but it

is generally considered that the benefits of the rise in HDL caused by

the fish oils more than outweighs the negatives of the rise in total

cholesterol.

Just as an FYI, I drove my doctor crazy -- here I was, a fat broad,

eating lots of fats, and my mother with congestive heart failure... and

my cholesterol levels were normal, with a good HDL.

In November of 2007, my cholesterol jumped about 70 points. Did the doc

say, " Hmm, something must be wrong... " No. He said, " It's

catching up to you. You have to stop stuffing your face, cut out the

fats, and lose some weight. " Blithely skipping over the fact that

I've lost 180 pounds on SCD.

November of 2007 was when I became symptomatic with the cancer. (Which

symptoms were dismissed with, " Stop stuffing your face, cut out the

fats, and lose some weight. It'll all clear up then. " ) Fortunately,

I sought out a good gynecologist who diagnosed the cancer.

November of 2008, I had blood work again. Cholesterol had dropped 45

points. And I swear the doc was disappointed. (That's why he is my FORMER

primary care doctor.)

I went on my Bipap just a few days before those tests, so I doubt they

were affected by it. It usually takes six months to show up. But I fully

expect to have my normal levels back this autumn. Last autumn, I was

still healing from the surgery, and everything.

So it seems to me that in my case, Dr. -McBride's hypothesis is

correct. My body was putting out significantly more cholesterol in an

effort to heal the cancer. Now, imagine if, instead of looking for, and

finding, the cancer, and treating it, they had put me on

cholesterol lowering drugs instead.

Water therapy is an excellent exercise -- get your doctor to prescribe

some, and learn from a good therapist. Once you know the exercises,

especially the core-strengthening ones, you can continue on your own

recognizance. I go three times a week, and do at least an hour and a half

each session. (Before the surgery, I was doing three hours, but I haven't

healed enough to get back to that.) I'm a computer nut, myself, and I

don't enjoy exercise. However, I enjoy being in pain less, and the notion

of taking potent drugs even less than that. So, consider this, get the

regular exercise, and every time you're tempted to slack, tell yourself,

" It's this or those d@mned drugs.... "

If your father and your brother both have apnea, please to not delay

getting tested. I was not thrilled about sleeping with a machine. The

results have been worth the learning curve.

And don't let the doc say, " You're not fat enough to have

apnea. " Although obesity worsens apnea, it does not cause it. The

answer to that is that apnea is linked to high cholesterol, diabetes, and

heart issues. If your doctor is concerned about heart issues, his first

line of attack should be to send you for a sleep test.

—

Marilyn

New

Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

Darn Good SCD Cook

No Human Children

Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

[Guest guest]

At 12:17 PM 4/11/2009, you wrote:

All I can say is that any animal

products will probably have a bad impact on cholesterol and

triglycerides, and the SCD tends to be very high in animal products. The

only advice I can think of is if you can tolerate some new additions to

your diet, try more healthy plant foods. I'm not sure how effective

supplements are at helping cholesterol, but a healthier diet is usually a

surefire way, if your bowels can handle it =)

Alyssa

Alyssa,

No. Contrary to the vegan/vegetarian view, animal products don't cause

high cholesterol.

Please see the articles on the Weston-Price website about " The

Oiling of America " and other gems.

Weston-Price promulgates a number of non-SCD foods, but it's a good path

to consider when one has finally healed and is considering adding non-SCD

foods.

And I think they nail the current demonizing of animal foods and healthy

fats very well.

—

Marilyn

New

Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

Darn Good SCD Cook

No Human Children

Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the info. I read one of the articles and it's very interesting!AlyssaAt 12:17 PM 4/11/2009, you wrote:All I can say is that any animal products will probably have a bad impact on cholesterol and triglycerides, and the SCD tends to be very high in animal products. The only advice I can think of is if you can tolerate some new additions to your diet, try more healthy plant foods. I'm not sure how effective supplements are at helping cholesterol, but a healthier diet is usually a surefire way, if your bowels can handle it =)AlyssaAlyssa,No. Contrary to the vegan/vegetarian view, animal products don't cause high cholesterol. Please see the articles on the Weston-Price website about "The Oiling of America" and other gems. Weston-Price promulgates a number of non-SCD foods, but it's a good path to consider when one has finally healed and is considering adding non-SCD foods.And I think they nail the current demonizing of animal foods and healthy fats very well.— Marilyn New Orleans, Louisiana, USA Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001 Darn Good SCD Cook No Human Children Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

[Guest guest]

Hi Holly, My brother has had high cholesterol (over 300) and controls his with the Atkins diet, nearly 100% meat, eggs and no carb veggies. I find that if I increase the fruit or honey on SCD my cholesterol goes up a bit but my levels are fine though I eat a lot of eggs, pork and beef. Virgin olive oil will also help to increase the good cholesterol. Sugar in any form is the main cause of high cholesterol.

Ann,

Living in Italy

Undiagnosed Crohn's since 1977 Diagnosed 15 years

Sacroiliitis 25 years

Rheumatoid arthritis 25 years

Pyoderma Gangronosum 2 years

SCD since July, 2008

Meds: None

To: BTVC-SCD Sent: Friday, April 10, 2009 7:23:13 AMSubject: More cholesterol questions

My cholesterol in November, right before I started SCD, was in the high 100's (I forget the exact value). My latest test shows it's 285! My HDL is pretty good at 61, but my LDL is bad at 192. My VLDL (never heard of that one before now) is 32, which is in normal range. My triglycerides are also high at 162, but that's pretty much unchanged since November.I don't know why it skyrocketed like that, because I've been eating pretty healthy since SCD, and taking lots of fish oil too. I also didn't up my fat intake until after the blood test had been taken. Of course my PCP wants me to take a statin drug (don't want to). He also mentioned taking a high dose of niacin. Have any of you had success doing that? They also did a C-Reactive Protein Cardiac test, and it was high (value = 5.99, range = 0.00 - 3.00). It says that my relative risk for a future cardiovascular event .I'm 5'5" and 92 pounds, but my doctor's have been saying I'm

at high risk for heart disease for many years.So, I guess I'm looking for advice. Other than taking more fish oil and trying niacin, are there any other natural ways to get my bad cholesterol and triglycerides down?Thanks!HollyCrohn'sSCD 12/01/08

[Guest guest]

Hi Ann,

What's really funny is that when I told the nurse I had cut out sugar from my

diet, she said sugar doesn't really have much to do with cholesterol, and that I

needed to cut out animal products. I wish the medical establishment would get up

to speed!

Holly

>

> Hi Holly, My brother has had high cholesterol (over 300) and controls his with

the Atkins diet, nearly 100% meat, eggs and no carb veggies. I find that if I

increase the fruit or honey on SCD my cholesterol goes up a bit but my levels

are fine though I eat a lot of eggs, pork and beef.  Virgin olive oil will also

help to increase the good cholesterol.  Sugar in any form is the main cause of

high cholesterol. 

>  

> Ann,

> Living in Italy

> Undiagnosed Crohn's since 1977   Diagnosed 15 years

> Sacroiliitis 25 years

> Rheumatoid arthritis 25 years

> Pyoderma Gangronosum 2 years

> SCD since July, 2008

> Meds: None

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Ann,

What's really funny is that when I told the nurse I had cut out sugar from my

diet, she said sugar doesn't really have much to do with cholesterol, and that I

needed to cut out animal products. I wish the medical establishment would get up

to speed!

Holly

>

> Hi Holly, My brother has had high cholesterol (over 300) and controls his with

the Atkins diet, nearly 100% meat, eggs and no carb veggies. I find that if I

increase the fruit or honey on SCD my cholesterol goes up a bit but my levels

are fine though I eat a lot of eggs, pork and beef.  Virgin olive oil will also

help to increase the good cholesterol.  Sugar in any form is the main cause of

high cholesterol. 

>  

> Ann,

> Living in Italy

> Undiagnosed Crohn's since 1977   Diagnosed 15 years

> Sacroiliitis 25 years

> Rheumatoid arthritis 25 years

> Pyoderma Gangronosum 2 years

> SCD since July, 2008

> Meds: None

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

At 12:26 AM 4/13/2009, you wrote:

What's really funny is that when

I told the nurse I had cut out sugar from my diet, she said sugar doesn't

really have much to do with cholesterol, and that I needed to cut out

animal products. I wish the medical establishment would get up to

speed!

The problem is... that's what they've been taught.

They're taught that fats are bad and carbs are good.

And... keep in mind... cholesterol drugs are, while useful and

necessary on occasion, also highly profitable. Therefore, if you go

around healing yourself with diet, your funds won't pour into their

coffers.

—

Marilyn

New

Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

Darn Good SCD Cook

No Human Children

Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

[Guest guest]

At 12:26 AM 4/13/2009, you wrote:

What's really funny is that when

I told the nurse I had cut out sugar from my diet, she said sugar doesn't

really have much to do with cholesterol, and that I needed to cut out

animal products. I wish the medical establishment would get up to

speed!

The problem is... that's what they've been taught.

They're taught that fats are bad and carbs are good.

And... keep in mind... cholesterol drugs are, while useful and

necessary on occasion, also highly profitable. Therefore, if you go

around healing yourself with diet, your funds won't pour into their

coffers.

—

Marilyn

New

Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

Darn Good SCD Cook

No Human Children

Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

[Guest guest]

Marilyn,

I love the water! But to get a membership to the rec centers in my community is

over $300. It's something I'll have to save up for. There's one thing that

bothers me about community pools though. I've heard too many stories about the

old people (I live with my parents in a retirement community) having accidents

*shudders*. Someone I know was swimming when she saw a turd float by *shudders

again*. My dad goes to the walking track, and talks about the gross people who

fart as they walk around. One night, he had to hold his breath when he reached

one corner for several passes (he's always telling stories about gross things he

sees people do there). My GTL (Gross Tolerance Level) is quite low, so I

probably will just try walking in the neighborhood. Once the heat hits (I live

in the Phoenix, AZ area), I'll reevaluate.

I'll ask my doctor about sleep apnea and see what he has to say. Maybe he'll be

open to referring me to a sleep clinic. If not, maybe I can get a referral to a

cardiologist, and then see if they would be open to it.

Thanks for your help!

Holly

>

> Water therapy is an excellent exercise -- get

> your doctor to prescribe some, and learn from a

> good therapist. Once you know the exercises,

> especially the core-strengthening ones, you can

> continue on your own recognizance. I go three

> times a week, and do at least an hour and a half

> each session. (Before the surgery, I was doing

> three hours, but I haven't healed enough to get

> back to that.) I'm a computer nut, myself, and I

> don't enjoy exercise. However, I enjoy being in

> pain less, and the notion of taking potent drugs

> even less than that. So, consider this, get the

> regular exercise, and every time you're tempted

> to slack, tell yourself, " It's this or those d@mned drugs.... "

>

> If your father and your brother both have apnea,

> please to not delay getting tested. I was not

> thrilled about sleeping with a machine. The

> results have been worth the learning curve.

>

> And don't let the doc say, " You're not fat enough

> to have apnea. " Although obesity worsens apnea,

> it does not cause it. The answer to that is that

> apnea is linked to high cholesterol, diabetes,

> and heart issues. If your doctor is concerned

> about heart issues, his first line of attack

> should be to send you for a sleep test.

>

>

>

> — Marilyn

> New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

> Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

> Darn Good SCD Cook

> No Human Children

> Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

>

[Guest guest]

Marilyn,

I love the water! But to get a membership to the rec centers in my community is

over $300. It's something I'll have to save up for. There's one thing that

bothers me about community pools though. I've heard too many stories about the

old people (I live with my parents in a retirement community) having accidents

*shudders*. Someone I know was swimming when she saw a turd float by *shudders

again*. My dad goes to the walking track, and talks about the gross people who

fart as they walk around. One night, he had to hold his breath when he reached

one corner for several passes (he's always telling stories about gross things he

sees people do there). My GTL (Gross Tolerance Level) is quite low, so I

probably will just try walking in the neighborhood. Once the heat hits (I live

in the Phoenix, AZ area), I'll reevaluate.

I'll ask my doctor about sleep apnea and see what he has to say. Maybe he'll be

open to referring me to a sleep clinic. If not, maybe I can get a referral to a

cardiologist, and then see if they would be open to it.

Thanks for your help!

Holly

>

> Water therapy is an excellent exercise -- get

> your doctor to prescribe some, and learn from a

> good therapist. Once you know the exercises,

> especially the core-strengthening ones, you can

> continue on your own recognizance. I go three

> times a week, and do at least an hour and a half

> each session. (Before the surgery, I was doing

> three hours, but I haven't healed enough to get

> back to that.) I'm a computer nut, myself, and I

> don't enjoy exercise. However, I enjoy being in

> pain less, and the notion of taking potent drugs

> even less than that. So, consider this, get the

> regular exercise, and every time you're tempted

> to slack, tell yourself, " It's this or those d@mned drugs.... "

>

> If your father and your brother both have apnea,

> please to not delay getting tested. I was not

> thrilled about sleeping with a machine. The

> results have been worth the learning curve.

>

> And don't let the doc say, " You're not fat enough

> to have apnea. " Although obesity worsens apnea,

> it does not cause it. The answer to that is that

> apnea is linked to high cholesterol, diabetes,

> and heart issues. If your doctor is concerned

> about heart issues, his first line of attack

> should be to send you for a sleep test.

>

>

>

> — Marilyn

> New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

> Undiagnosed IBS since 1976, SCD since 2001

> Darn Good SCD Cook

> No Human Children

> Shadow & Sunny Longhair Dachshund

>

[Guest guest]

My cholesterol and triglycerides came down after starting SCD (eggs, cheese,

whole fat yogurt, more meat) but I can't say for sure whether it was the diet,

my many supplements, or, most likely, the bio-identical hormone therapy. I take

a form of niacin called inositol hexaniacinate (also called hexanicotinate),

also known as flush-free niacin. (Do not take time-release niacin.) The amount

is 3000 mg/day in 2 or 3 divided doses. And Policosanol 20 mg/day in 2 divided

doses. These are both available fairly cheaply at Puritan Pride. I also take

fish oil 3000 mg/day. You could take red yeast rice but it's not SCD legal (and

my allergy test says I'm also quite allergic to rice) -- it's a natural statin

and maybe less dangerous than the prescriptions.

I agree that illness and stress increase cholesterol and exercise helps decrease

it.

Debbie T.

>

> My cholesterol in November, right before I started SCD, was in the high 100's

(I forget the exact value). My latest test shows it's 285! My HDL is pretty good

at 61, but my LDL is bad at 192. My VLDL (never heard of that one before now) is

32, which is in normal range. My triglycerides are also high at 162, but that's

pretty much unchanged since November.

>

> I don't know why it skyrocketed like that, because I've been eating pretty

healthy since SCD, and taking lots of fish oil too. I also didn't up my fat

intake until after the blood test had been taken. Of course my PCP wants me to

take a statin drug (don't want to). He also mentioned taking a high dose of

niacin. Have any of you had success doing that?

>

> They also did a C-Reactive Protein Cardiac test, and it was high (value =

5.99, range = 0.00 - 3.00). It says that my relative risk for a future

cardiovascular event .

>

> I'm 5'5 " and 92 pounds, but my doctor's have been saying I'm at high risk for

heart disease for many years.

>

> So, I guess I'm looking for advice. Other than taking more fish oil and trying

niacin, are there any other natural ways to get my bad cholesterol and

triglycerides down?

>

> Thanks!

>

> Holly

> Crohn's

> SCD 12/01/08

>

[Guest guest]

One more cholesterol suggestion: The StopAgingNow current newsletter recommends

phytosterols -- " These plant compounds are similar to cholesterol, and compete

with cholesterol for absorption in the intestines. When you take concentrated

phytosterols, like those found in supplements, you absorb less cholesterol, and

your blood levels drop. "

http://www.stopagingnow.com/news/newsletters/5659#a5666

Debbie T

>

> My cholesterol in November, right before I started SCD, was in the high 100's

(I forget the exact value). My latest test shows it's 285! My HDL is pretty good

at 61, but my LDL is bad at 192. My VLDL (never heard of that one before now) is

32, which is in normal range. My triglycerides are also high at 162, but that's

pretty much unchanged since November.

>

> I don't know why it skyrocketed like that, because I've been eating pretty

healthy since SCD, and taking lots of fish oil too. I also didn't up my fat

intake until after the blood test had been taken. Of course my PCP wants me to

take a statin drug (don't want to). He also mentioned taking a high dose of

niacin. Have any of you had success doing that?

>

> They also did a C-Reactive Protein Cardiac test, and it was high (value =

5.99, range = 0.00 - 3.00). It says that my relative risk for a future

cardiovascular event .

>

> I'm 5'5 " and 92 pounds, but my doctor's have been saying I'm at high risk for

heart disease for many years.

>

> So, I guess I'm looking for advice. Other than taking more fish oil and trying

niacin, are there any other natural ways to get my bad cholesterol and

triglycerides down?

>

> Thanks!

>

> Holly

> Crohn's

> SCD 12/01/08

>