lifestyle changes and cholesterol levels?

[debwoo]

hi all
new here and have a question for you.

Background: I have numerous health obstacles and I am being treated for high blood pressure (genetic factors involved), high cholesterol (my prior tests were high-normal) and pre-diabetes (IFG and IGT) among other things.

2 months ago i went on a strict diabetic diet, low in sodium, low fat, low cholesterol etc. I have also increased my activity level and have lost 11lbs. I just went for an A1C test and my blood glucose was 5.5, a miracle for me (normal reading) which reflects all my hard work and very few weak moments!

Question: I am wondering if any of you know how long it might take for me to see changes in my HDL, LDL, Triglicerides and TC readings? I am scheduled to go for those tests soon and don't want to be too disappointed if it is too soon to see changes.

any thoughts would be greatly appreciated
thanks
deb

[Mitra]

Welcome, Deb :). Congratulations on normalising you BG reading! Is your diabetic diet low carb as well as low fat, sodium, cholesterol?

[Caveman]

If you have stuck to your diet/exercise program and there are no other factors (poor health, heredity, etc.), then you should definitely see the results by now (60 days). But as Mitra pointed out, watch the carbs as they can wreak havoc on all of your numbers.

For more background, I suggest reading Protein Power by Drs Mike + Mary Eades, and also The Diabetes Solution by Dr. Bernstein (2007 edition).

[gitfiddle]

Yes, Deb, welcome and congratulations on the 5.5!

I started PP the week after I had a terrible bloodwork report and by the end of the three-month period to my next one, all my numbers were close to normal. In six months, I was off my diabetes meds. I was eating <30 ecc per day, though, and not paying any attention to dietary fat.

[James L]

Welcome Deb.

I would definitely recommend that you read Protein Power and Protein Power Life Plan, both by the Drs. Eades.

Here's a quote from Protein Power, p. 61:
We've seen this regimen return cholesterol readings of over 600 and triglyceride readings of over 3,000 to normal in three weeks. The metabolic power of the right nutritional regimen for this condition [hyperlipidemias] is startling.
Caution: if you are still on meds for high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol, you should only do low-carb under close supervision by your physician. Your doctor may need to reduce or eliminate your meds in a very short time.

[debwoo]

Welcome, Deb :). Congratulations on normalising you BG reading! Is your diabetic diet low carb as well as low fat, sodium, cholesterol?

Mitra, my new diet is low sodium, low cholesterol, lowish fat (as it is also high fibre i was having all kinds of problems with constipation so upped the fat), and 150 g carbs but i have since changed this - i am testing my blood sugar a lot to discover what foods affect ME the most and even with complex carbs my blood sugars are still really affected. so i have kept the high grain oatmeal in the morning, ditched the whole grain bread at lunch and ditched the potato at supper; already ditched any sweet stuff that was in my diet.

what are your thoughts?
deb

[debwoo]

If you have stuck to your diet/exercise program and there are no other factors (poor health, heredity, etc.), then you should definitely see the results by now (60 days). But as Mitra pointed out, watch the carbs as they can wreak havoc on all of your numbers.

For more background, I suggest reading Protein Power by Drs Mike + Mary Eades, and also The Diabetes Solution by Dr. Bernstein (2007 edition).

have revamped my diet somewhat - ie reduced carbs and have ordered the 2 books you have recommended (thanks for that) and will see if i can fit the ideas from these books into my life plan
thanks for the suggestions
deb

[debwoo]

Yes, Deb, welcome and congratulations on the 5.5!

I started PP the week after I had a terrible bloodwork report and by the end of the three-month period to my next one, all my numbers were close to normal. In six months, I was off my diabetes meds. I was eating <30 ecc per day, though, and not paying any attention to dietary fat.

hi Carol
your post is very very encouraging. i have booked an appt with my family doctor for next Monday for a med review and want to go off lipitor and some of the other meds i am on and your success gives me hope.

i am waiting for the books that were suggested. do you have any other books that you can recommend that have helped you?
thanks
deb

[debwoo]

Welcome Deb.

I would definitely recommend that you read Protein Power and Protein Power Life Plan, both by the Drs. Eades.

Here's a quote from Protein Power, p. 61:

Caution: if you are still on meds for high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol, you should only do low-carb under close supervision by your physician. Your doctor may need to reduce or eliminate your meds in a very short time.


thanks James, i have ordered that book too and should have it in a couple of days.

i am on meds for hbp and for high cholesterol and i am already having problems which indicate to me that i should be taken off them. i have a med review next monday and will discuss all this with my family doctor. i started this new diet under the watchful eye of the nurses at the local hospital diabetic clinic and up to now my doctor has been very unresponsive concerning lifestyle changes (can i say pill pusher??) but that is about to change.

thanks for your suggestion
deb

[Mitra]

Mitra, my new diet is low sodium, low cholesterol, lowish fat (as it is also high fibre i was having all kinds of problems with constipation so upped the fat), and 150 g carbs but i have since changed this - i am testing my blood sugar a lot to discover what foods affect ME the most and even with complex carbs my blood sugars are still really affected. so i have kept the high grain oatmeal in the morning, ditched the whole grain bread at lunch and ditched the potato at supper; already ditched any sweet stuff that was in my diet.

what are your thoughts?
deb

The approach that the Drs Eades recommend, and that that the people on this board generally follow is primarily control carbs and ensure you get enough protein.

Some people also watch sodium, others don't bother. Protein Power doesn't make any particular recommendations. And there's no requirement to watch cholesterol or saturated fat.

When you're starting PP the recommendation is to eat 30-40g carb per day until you get close to your weight goal and your blood sugar, blood pressure, and other health problems are under control. If you're trying to lose weight, then you need to keep your fat intake low enough that your body has to burn some of your stored fat for energy, so in that case you'd need to keep your fat intake moderate, but not because fat is unhealthy, just because you don't need so much fuel at that stage.

Unless you're very active (competitive athlete level of activity) you won't really be seeing the low carb effect until you get down well below 100g per day. The people here are generally following this sort of diet, and that's what their results are based on, so their experiences won't necessarily be relevant to you if you're doing something different.

Of course, the reason I'm here is that I think PP is a better approach than the standard dietary recommendations, but you need to make your own decision about that - read the books, discuss it with your doctor, and ask us as many questions as you like :). Noting your blood sugar responses to various foods is likely to be a big help in pinning down what works for you.

I hope you'll let us know how you get on.

[wheresfluffy]

I am re-introducing the PP lifestyle into my life. Back when I was following it I got postive, measureable results in my cholesterol readings after 4 months. My average daily carbs were +/- 50g. Back then I ate too much fat, I suspect I will see better results this time 'round with lower fat protein choices.

Good luck to you.