What It Takes To Lower Cholesterol Without Drugs

[markestorpe]

Hi!

Is there a way to lower cholesterol without taking any drugs? My mother asked me this question once and I answered her to do some exercise. But she doesn’t like exercise because she gets tired easily.

I need some advice regarding this.

Thanks.



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Lower Cholesterol Tips and Guides (http://www.lower-cholesterol-101.com)

[Gaelen]

Hi, markestorpe.
This eating plan is one of the ways you can improve cholesterol, along with exercise. (note, I didn't say 'lower' because that's not all it's about). And this site and the Drs. Eadeses books are full of the directions, so I won't repeat them here.
However, in some cases, people DO need to be on cholesterol improving medicines, if their situation doesn't respond to diet and exercise, or if (in the case of your mom) they are non-compliant about diet and exercise.

[markestorpe]

Thank you Gaelen!:)

[laughingW]

Hi!

Is there a way to lower cholesterol without taking any drugs? My mother asked me this question once and I answered her to do some exercise. But she doesn’t like exercise because she gets tired easily.

I need some advice regarding this.

She might also be thinking hard exercise is what's needed. It might be all she needs is easy walking. Or a seniors class.

But remember elevated "cholesterol numbers" are symptoms. What her body is telling her is that her routine of movement and food is out of whack. Unless it's totally genetic but I wouldn't even consider that first if a person is eating whites and not exercising at all.

I would put as much effort into finding a pleasant movement program, and changes to the food program, as I would in finding the right pill and taking it.

[LisaS]

welcome marestorpe -
forgive me, but your post (your first here) seems an odd question given the link in your signature

[bluejay111]

markestorpe,
Check out the books "The Cholesterol Myths" or "The Great Cholesterol Con"

[hjdinfl]

My doctor was ready to put me on statins a month ago. I asked her to hold off and give me time to modify my diet. She said that it wasn't possible to lower cholesterol by much without statins. I read up on nacin therapy and this week they drew my blood on Monday and Wednesday she told me that I had dropped my LDL by 45 points which she said was unheard of. I told her that she had not seen anything yet.

I believe that Protein Power will get my blood glucose under control and help even more to lower my LDL. Harry

[Belfrybat]

I realise this is an older thread, but thought I'd add a bit to it. I was a bit surprised last week at my lipid panel. Although all the ratios are within acceptable parameters, both total CH and LDL are up 30 points from last year:
Total: 238, HDL: 68, LDL: 163, Tri: 39

Since I also have diabetes, my NP is pushing statins, but I refused them. I had an appt. with a cardiologist yesterday due to increasing episodes of tachycardia and was expecting a battle. Thankfully, it didn't materialize. She noted I was taking 1 gram niacin daily, but said it was too little. She recommends up to 3 grams a day and suggested I gradually increase the dosage. Also to increase the fish oil to 1800 mg. (up from 1000). She also warned against the no flush kind of niacin that contains inositol hexanicotinate. Naturally, that was the kind I was taking! I purchased time-release niacin (nicotinic acid) and take a half asprin 30 mins. before to prevent flushing. Also taking it with meals helps reduce flushing. So far 3 doses (500 mg) and no flushing. I plan on increasing dosage up to the 3 grams daily if my blood sugars don't rise too much (one unfortunate side-effect from niacin).

I am just now adding back exercise after treatment for a strained bicips tendon that incapicitated me for several months. Hopefully my next lipid profile will be improved. To ward off the statins battle, I'd really like to see total and LDL drop back down as well as HDL/total closer to 3 rather than 3.5 as it is now.

[gitfiddle]

Brigit-Carol, I also refused the statins my doctor recommended "just because" I'm diabetic. My total cho is between 180 and 190 usually. HDL's a tad low and LDL's a tad high. I had been faithfully doing resistance exercise for six or seven weeks before my last A1c test and expected to see a change, but there was none. My next test will be in late June.

I also take cod liver oil and lecithin. When I started taking lecithin, my cholesterol did drop. I put two heaping coffee scoops in my shake, but I forget how many tablespoons that measures out to. :confused: I don't measure the cod liver oil, either. :rolleyes: Just a few glugs. ;)

[Mal Lady]

Brigit-Carol, I also refused the statins my doctor recommended "just because" I'm diabetic. My total cho is between 180 and 190 usually. HDL's a tad low and LDL's a tad high. I had been faithfully doing resistance exercise for six or seven weeks before my last A1c test and expected to see a change, but there was none. My next test will be in late June.

I also take cod liver oil and lecithin. When I started taking lecithin, my cholesterol did drop. I put two heaping coffee scoops in my shake, but I forget how many tablespoons that measures out to. :confused: I don't measure the cod liver oil, either. :rolleyes: Just a few glugs. ;)

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! How can you stand the taste of cod liver oil???? :eek: I'd be upchucking all over the place!!!!!!!!!:D:p

Since I've been on pp, my total cholesterol has dropped from 215 to 168. It's never been that low since I started getting tested about 20 years ago. My LDL is a little high (but, that can be also because of prednisone and thyroid) and HDL has improved slightly. But, numerous others I know on pp have had good results with lowering cholesterol too. Just my 2 cents.:o:rolleyes:

Sharon

[Seymour Spectacles]

This is a really informative site, that is low-carb friendly, for all things cardiovascular. I first learned of it through Jimmy Moore's site.

http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/

BTW, most nuts can help to lower LDL cholesterol (and sometimes improve HDL levels as well).

There's some preliminary evidence that krill oil may also positively alter lipid levels (and lower inflammation). Dr. Mike wrote a column about this awhile back.

Just a few ideas ... not a comprehensive list.

[Belfrybat]

Carol, I've just recently heard of lecithin for cholesterol management. Where do you get yours?

Seymour -- thanks for the heads-up on nuts. I had cut down due to adding on a bit of weight, but have just started back on 1 - 1-1/2 oz. a day of almonds, pecans, and walnuts mixed together. Also, thanks for the link to Dr. Davis' blog. I've bookmarked it for future reading.

[gitfiddle]

Carol, I've just recently heard of lecithin for cholesterol management. Where do you get yours?
BC, I get it at the health food store and am probably paying too much for it. I need to investigate some online sources. When I went to my muscle doctor whimpering about my GP wanting me to go on statins, he went into his office and came out with a coffee-can size container of lecithin and just GAVE it to me! Three tablespoons is supposed to be the starting dose, but thats about what I still use. It's granulated and mild-flavored. My mother puts it in her oatmeal.

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! How can you stand the taste of cod liver oil???? :eek: I'd be upchucking all over the place!!!!!!!!!:D:p
It's Carlson's, dearie. Lemon-flavored and high-quality. It doesn't taste in the shake. I've had it from a spoon and it still doesn't taste fishy, but I don't like the oily feel in my mouth. I measured it today and my "glugs" come to almost a tablespoon.

[Karole]

I use Carlson's Lemon flavor cod liver oil too. Straight !! It tastes good to me and I don't even notice an oily feel afterwards.

[Mal Lady]

Okay! I'll take your word for it since I've never heard of it or tasted it before.:razz:
Sharon

[James L]

The thread on Red Yeast Rice contains information that is relevant to the title of this thread. You may want to read the posts there. The related statins thread also contains relevant info. IMHO.