Cholesterol issues!

[Princes mom]

Does anyone have problems with high cholesterol? Do you have any tips to help lower it?

[mimimomo]

Coconut oil helps raise the good cholesterol.
Coconut Oil and Heart Disease | Coconut Oil

The Surprising Health Benefits of Coconut Oil | The Dr. Oz Show

Can coconut oil reduce cholesterol?
Coconut oil has a saturated fat called lauric acid, a type of MCT. It has been shown that lauric acid increases the good HDL cholesterol in the blood to help improve cholesterol ratio levels. Coconut oil lowers cholesterol by promoting its conversion to pregnenolone, a molecule that is a precursor to many of the hormones our bodies need. Coconut can help restore normal thyroid function. When the thyroid does not function optimally, it can contribute to higher levels of bad cholesterol.

[celstu1]

Mine is not high, but it is higher than I want it to be. If you smoke, that lowers your good cholesterol. Walnuts help to raise your good cholesterol also. They do say working out helps to lower cholesterol also.

[Maximo]

Years ago when all of the new cholesterol controlling meds hit the market, I asked one of my health nut friends when the "normal" range for cholesterol had changed (I worked in a hospital and remembered the old values which used to be a lot higher).

His response was that it changed when doctors learned they could control it, make it lower.

My father tried one of the most popular cholesterol meds and developed a huge water sack on his elbow. He suffered severe joint and muscle aches. Discontinued the med, and went back to normal.

He started eating oatmeal every morning and his cholesterol dropped.

My non-expert advice: adjust diet, add things like oatmeal, exercise regularly, manage stress.

Don't stress about cholesterol over 30 -60, which is ridiculous. Unless you have a heart condition or are at risk for a stroke, I wouldn't even get worked up about a cholesterol of 300.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by mimimomo

Coconut oil helps raise the good cholesterol.
Coconut Oil and Heart Disease | Coconut Oil

The Surprising Health Benefits of Coconut Oil | The Dr. Oz Show

Can coconut oil reduce cholesterol?
Coconut oil has a saturated fat called lauric acid, a type of MCT. It has been shown that lauric acid increases the good HDL cholesterol in the blood to help improve cholesterol ratio levels. Coconut oil lowers cholesterol by promoting its conversion to pregnenolone, a molecule that is a precursor to many of the hormones our bodies need. Coconut can help restore normal thyroid function. When the thyroid does not function optimally, it can contribute to higher levels of bad cholesterol.

[wemple2]

I have fought elevated cholesterol levels since I was a teenager...so 40 years. I have tried exercise, dieting, going so far as becoming vegetarian...nothing brought it below normal limits. Had to finally break down and went on a statin...my cholesterol is now for the first time ever under 200. HDL is up and LDL is down. Some of us can not do it alone...thanks to heredity. I have my reasons for not wanting to take these...but they do work, have to admit it. My mom had a stroke at an early age, as did 2 sisters. My dad had a heart attack while young and a stroke later. So, diet, exercise and medications if required.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by wemple2

I have fought elevated cholesterol levels since I was a teenager...so 40 years. I have tried exercise, dieting, going so far as becoming vegetarian...nothing brought it below normal limits. Had to finally break down and went on a statin...my cholesterol is now for the first time ever under 200. HDL is up and LDL is down. Some of us can not do it alone...thanks to heredity. I have my reasons for not wanting to take these...but they do work, have to admit it. My mom had a stroke at an early age, as did 2 sisters. My dad had a heart attack while young and a stroke later. So, diet, exercise and medications if required.

[TxVicki]

Originally Posted by wemple2

I have fought elevated cholesterol levels since I was a teenager...so 40 years. I have tried exercise, dieting, going so far as becoming vegetarian...nothing brought it below normal limits. Had to finally break down and went on a statin...my cholesterol is now for the first time ever under 200. HDL is up and LDL is down. Some of us can not do it alone...thanks to heredity. I have my reasons for not wanting to take these...but they do work, have to admit it. My mom had a stroke at an early age, as did 2 sisters. My dad had a heart attack while young and a stroke later. So, diet, exercise and medications if required.

I am the exact same way. It took me years to convince a darn Army Doctor at the time it was due to heredity. FINALLY when more research went into it they agreed. I do take medication, wish I didn't have to, but it is what it is. I have been taking med's for the last 25 yrs.

[crystalsmom]

Originally Posted by wemple2

I have fought elevated cholesterol levels since I was a teenager...so 40 years. I have tried exercise, dieting, going so far as becoming vegetarian...nothing brought it below normal limits. Had to finally break down and went on a statin...my cholesterol is now for the first time ever under 200. HDL is up and LDL is down. Some of us can not do it alone...thanks to heredity. I have my reasons for not wanting to take these...but they do work, have to admit it. My mom had a stroke at an early age, as did 2 sisters. My dad had a heart attack while young and a stroke later. So, diet, exercise and medications if required.

I agree. I have taken one 20 mg tablet of Simvastatin for the past 10 years but I don't fry anything, eat lots of fruit and vegetables which is easy for me since I have always loved them. I am not from a family with heart problems but I needed this and since my GOP has kept me healthy for the past 20 years, I mostly go along with what he says. If I question things he will agree or not and always spends lots of time telling me why not. I pay him for this so when in doubt, I go with his advise. I'm 81 and only take two prescriptions so he has to be doing something right....he says I do my part as well.

Exercise so important.

[crystalsmom]

Originally Posted by Princes mom

Does anyone have problems with high cholesterol? Do you have any tips to help lower it?

Flax Seed Oil, it is wonderful for the heart and since the greatest killer of women is heart disease, it would be a good investment. Check with your Dr. always though.

I take a 1200 mg softgel once a day that was recommended by my Dr. He isn't into vitamins all that much but feels this Promotes Heart and Cardiovascular Health. I've taken this for 10 years.

Wish he had something good for memory.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by crystalsmom

I agree. I have taken one 20 mg tablet of Simvastatin for the past 10 years but I don't fry anything, eat lots of fruit and vegetables which is easy for me since I have always loved them. I am not from a family with heart problems but I needed this and since my GOP has kept me healthy for the past 20 years, I mostly go along with what he says. If I question things he will agree or not and always spends lots of time telling me why not. I pay him for this so when in doubt, I go with his advise. I'm 81 and only take two prescriptions so he has to be doing something right....he says I do my part as well.

Exercise so important.

That is wonderful!

[Woogie Man]

Apple cider vinegar helps to lower cholesterol.

[Princes mom]

Thank you everyone for the great information and advice!!! I have started eating oatmeal (old fashioned) again, and really love it. I plan to make a smoothie with oatmeal for lunch...looking for a recipe. I eat a lot of whole grain products, and replaced rice with quinoa. I was told that I need to exercise more, although I walk Ian about 1.5 miles twice a day. When he gets tired, I carry him in this sling. I don't have to take any meds, yet.

[crystalsmom]

Originally Posted by Princes mom

Thank you everyone for the great information and advice!!! I have started eating oatmeal (old fashioned) again, and really love it. I plan to make a smoothie with oatmeal for lunch...looking for a recipe. I eat a lot of whole grain products, and replaced rice with quinoa. I was told that I need to exercise more, although I walk Ian about 1.5 miles twice a day. When he gets tired, I carry him in this sling. I don't have to take any meds, yet.

Of course it depends on your age but I think for almost any age walking 3 miles a day is wonderful. It's doing it every day that is the important thing, in bad weather one can walk in the house. Maybe they were talking about one part of your body that needs a little extra work?

We are on this darn computer too much and must get up and move every hour or so. I know, sometimes I think I'll go on the internet for an hour and it becomes seven hours. I use a timer now and every hour stop for an hour. Sorry YorkieTalk but you want us to be healthy.

[DBlain]

if your problem is not hereditary things like Oatmeal, cinnamon, and greens plus exercise will make a difference. Another thing that a lot of people do not know about is Metamucil, according to Dr Oz and other health experts a glass of that a day helps drag out all the bad stuff from your body.