Crystal66
11-02-2005, 05:18 PM
For a month now I've been lurking on these boards and soaking up the information. Now I've registered and want to post my results, thank you all, and fish for comments!
My fasting lipids:
9/23- 10/27
Cholesterol 303 220
Triglycerides 294 92
HDL 57 67
LDL 191 135
I know it's not perfect yet but this is after just 4 weeks of dietary changes and religiously exercising and supplements suggested on these boards.
Thank you for ALL of your help!
My fasting lipids:
9/23- 10/27
Cholesterol 303 220
Triglycerides 294 92
HDL 57 67
LDL 191 135
I know it's not perfect yet but this is after just 4 weeks of dietary changes and religiously exercising and supplements suggested on these boards.
Thank you for ALL of your help!
Sponsor
Uff-Da!
11-02-2005, 05:33 PM
WOOHOO! That's great! And in just one month!
Now tell us how you did it.
Now tell us how you did it.
mghealth
11-02-2005, 08:12 PM
Wow, that really is good. You've got to tell us how you did that???? :bouncing:
sweetslover
11-02-2005, 08:56 PM
Yes, please share with us! :)
NHone
11-03-2005, 01:49 AM
Man, what an improvement. Maybe you should start accepting patients. How did you do it?
Crystal66
11-03-2005, 10:52 AM
Well, I don't know exactly what did it because I ended the month on a different note than I started supplement wise. I did keep a not***** at first to keep track of what I was doing and making sure I was meeting goals so I could learn what I needed to eat on a daily basis to meet these dietary goals. It might sound a bit overboard but to me the new numbers makes it all worthwhile to continue.
September was the first time I've ever had my cholesterol checked. I'd never been to a doctor other than having two babies in my twenties (I'm now 42). When I went my bp was really high but I knew from monitoring it at home that at the dr it was abnormally high (try to convince the doctor this!). The second time I went 4 weeks later my bp was even higher (crazy high like 202/129) but I brought a home bp monitor along and showed them the numbers/times in the memory and it's always 120's over 70's even when I'm at stress points in my day and used it there so they could see the thing was callibrated properly. I guess I have a bad case of white coat syndrome!
Basically my diet has consisted of little, if any, meats and no refined sugars whatsoever. 25g of soy protein in the form of milk, yogurt and occasionally tofu. I eat lots of fresh veggies and fruits, including 1 apple a day and 2 avocados a week. I have avoided anything that had an inkling of unhealthiness in the food label. I have whole, rolled organic oatmeal or another high fiber cereal for breakfast (like Ezekiel flaxseed or almond) and use brown rice instead of white now and whole grain pastas (which my husband hates so far but his numbers werent exactly perfect so he's willing). I try to eat a few walnuts a day and fresh cranberries here and there and chick peas here and there. I had a few pomegranite juice drinks too. I cook with extra virgin olive oil and occasionally indulge myself with crusty whole grain bread topped with olive oil and goat cheese. I guess it's different from person to person but I have enjoyed my new diet and have no cravings whatsoever. It might sound like alot of food but I've lost 10 lbs in the 4 weeks and calorie wise I think I am consuming more calories than my previous daily diet but they are *all* healthful calories.
I started walking 1 mile a day. Now I'm walking 2 miles (lack of daylight is a factor that limits me right now). This is 1 mile up a very steep hill and 1 mile back down (6-7 days a week---even in rain). Now that the time has changed I get up at dusk and walk. It's deer season here so that's a little scary! I will be X-country skiing this winter and snowmobile.
Now for the supplements. I had already been taking B 100, C, magnesium, niacin (300mg), calcium and alpha lupeic acid prior to any tests so I kept up with these and added betasitosterol, whole psyllium husks 2 times a day, garlic powder capsules, fish oil (1 - 2 times a day), coQ-10 and occasionally a tablespoon of flax seed oil. I used to drink 1 cup of ice coffee a day and now I have 1 - 2 cups of iced green tea. I drink 1 - 2 cups of water a day with a teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar each (and drink as much water as I can remember to). I also put 1 /4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon in my oatmeal.
I felt I was overdoing the supplements about half way and dropped the magnesium, niacin, b100, c, calcium, betasitosterol and alpha lupeic acid. I'm going to start taking C again today though and I'm considering the niacin too. I dropped that because I ran out of the 100mg ones that I could take 300g to 400g w/out a flush (it wasn't flushless--I'd built up tolerance) and bought 250mg ones that gave me a horribly uncomfortable flush. If I take aspirin 20 minutes prior I have no flush but I'm not sure I want to take aspirin every day. Any suggestions about that? While I'm on that subject why would flushless niacin be beneficial when it's the flush that is demonstrating the niacin is doing what it's supposed to be doing?
Naughty foods I had during this time were 1 piece of mushroom pizza, a Quizno's chicken carbo, a sandwich that contained hard cheese (but it was at the healthfood store!) 12 wings of fire (fatty skin) (6 each on two seperate occasions). I thought these alone were going to kill any positive results.
I never expected these numbers. I was hoping for just a 10% difference to keep me motivated so I was really pleasantly suprised. When I got my first results from the Doctor she added a note " We need to get you on meds!" I was astounded. No discussion of alternatives, just throw another patient on prescription drugs. My brother was recently tested for the first time and he went right on Lipitor. My parents are both on it although they did keep their numbers down through diet for about 10 years but got tired of the fluctuations. They both still maintain a very healthy lifestyle except for those nasty sausage sandwiches at MacDonalds and (my mom's) diet soda's. I hope I can make this a life-long commitment because I never want to be dependent on any prescription drug.
Hope this wasn't too long but it's the whole story!
September was the first time I've ever had my cholesterol checked. I'd never been to a doctor other than having two babies in my twenties (I'm now 42). When I went my bp was really high but I knew from monitoring it at home that at the dr it was abnormally high (try to convince the doctor this!). The second time I went 4 weeks later my bp was even higher (crazy high like 202/129) but I brought a home bp monitor along and showed them the numbers/times in the memory and it's always 120's over 70's even when I'm at stress points in my day and used it there so they could see the thing was callibrated properly. I guess I have a bad case of white coat syndrome!
Basically my diet has consisted of little, if any, meats and no refined sugars whatsoever. 25g of soy protein in the form of milk, yogurt and occasionally tofu. I eat lots of fresh veggies and fruits, including 1 apple a day and 2 avocados a week. I have avoided anything that had an inkling of unhealthiness in the food label. I have whole, rolled organic oatmeal or another high fiber cereal for breakfast (like Ezekiel flaxseed or almond) and use brown rice instead of white now and whole grain pastas (which my husband hates so far but his numbers werent exactly perfect so he's willing). I try to eat a few walnuts a day and fresh cranberries here and there and chick peas here and there. I had a few pomegranite juice drinks too. I cook with extra virgin olive oil and occasionally indulge myself with crusty whole grain bread topped with olive oil and goat cheese. I guess it's different from person to person but I have enjoyed my new diet and have no cravings whatsoever. It might sound like alot of food but I've lost 10 lbs in the 4 weeks and calorie wise I think I am consuming more calories than my previous daily diet but they are *all* healthful calories.
I started walking 1 mile a day. Now I'm walking 2 miles (lack of daylight is a factor that limits me right now). This is 1 mile up a very steep hill and 1 mile back down (6-7 days a week---even in rain). Now that the time has changed I get up at dusk and walk. It's deer season here so that's a little scary! I will be X-country skiing this winter and snowmobile.
Now for the supplements. I had already been taking B 100, C, magnesium, niacin (300mg), calcium and alpha lupeic acid prior to any tests so I kept up with these and added betasitosterol, whole psyllium husks 2 times a day, garlic powder capsules, fish oil (1 - 2 times a day), coQ-10 and occasionally a tablespoon of flax seed oil. I used to drink 1 cup of ice coffee a day and now I have 1 - 2 cups of iced green tea. I drink 1 - 2 cups of water a day with a teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar each (and drink as much water as I can remember to). I also put 1 /4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon in my oatmeal.
I felt I was overdoing the supplements about half way and dropped the magnesium, niacin, b100, c, calcium, betasitosterol and alpha lupeic acid. I'm going to start taking C again today though and I'm considering the niacin too. I dropped that because I ran out of the 100mg ones that I could take 300g to 400g w/out a flush (it wasn't flushless--I'd built up tolerance) and bought 250mg ones that gave me a horribly uncomfortable flush. If I take aspirin 20 minutes prior I have no flush but I'm not sure I want to take aspirin every day. Any suggestions about that? While I'm on that subject why would flushless niacin be beneficial when it's the flush that is demonstrating the niacin is doing what it's supposed to be doing?
Naughty foods I had during this time were 1 piece of mushroom pizza, a Quizno's chicken carbo, a sandwich that contained hard cheese (but it was at the healthfood store!) 12 wings of fire (fatty skin) (6 each on two seperate occasions). I thought these alone were going to kill any positive results.
I never expected these numbers. I was hoping for just a 10% difference to keep me motivated so I was really pleasantly suprised. When I got my first results from the Doctor she added a note " We need to get you on meds!" I was astounded. No discussion of alternatives, just throw another patient on prescription drugs. My brother was recently tested for the first time and he went right on Lipitor. My parents are both on it although they did keep their numbers down through diet for about 10 years but got tired of the fluctuations. They both still maintain a very healthy lifestyle except for those nasty sausage sandwiches at MacDonalds and (my mom's) diet soda's. I hope I can make this a life-long commitment because I never want to be dependent on any prescription drug.
Hope this wasn't too long but it's the whole story!
JJ
11-03-2005, 07:56 PM
For a month now I've been lurking on these boards and soaking up the information. Now I've registered and want to post my results, thank you all, and fish for comments!
My fasting lipids:
9/23- 10/27
Cholesterol 303 220
Triglycerides 294 92
HDL 57 67
LDL 191 135
I know it's not perfect yet but this is after just 4 weeks of dietary changes and religiously exercising and supplements suggested on these boards.
Thank you for ALL of your help!
My oh my, that is sooooo good, congrats. on whatever U did. Please share your secret, we all need as much help as possible. U must have been excited to see that reduction..U GO CRYSTAL!!!!.......... :bouncing: :wave:
My fasting lipids:
9/23- 10/27
Cholesterol 303 220
Triglycerides 294 92
HDL 57 67
LDL 191 135
I know it's not perfect yet but this is after just 4 weeks of dietary changes and religiously exercising and supplements suggested on these boards.
Thank you for ALL of your help!
My oh my, that is sooooo good, congrats. on whatever U did. Please share your secret, we all need as much help as possible. U must have been excited to see that reduction..U GO CRYSTAL!!!!.......... :bouncing: :wave:
Crystal66
11-07-2005, 04:00 PM
Thank you!
I was very very happy about it. :)
This is a wonderful message board with so many informed and friendly people.
I was very very happy about it. :)
This is a wonderful message board with so many informed and friendly people.
danielmpage
11-07-2005, 04:40 PM
Crystal, I give you credit for researching and implementing a program to reduce your cholesterol. I think the most challenging thing is to continue with such a regimen over an extended period of time. I hope you can stick to it!! I plan on using this message board as a way to remind myself how important it is.
Crystal66
11-07-2005, 06:10 PM
I hope so too. I think about that alot. This has to be a life long change not just a fad. I wish there was some sort of test you could just do every day or month like bp checks or blood sugar to make sure you're on track. It does feel good though knowing you're doing the best thing for your body you possibly can. Our bodies deserve that!
HubbleRules
11-08-2005, 03:01 AM
Crystal,
Congratulations on your results - keep up the good work!!!
I'm doing some of the things you mention above, but I eat a bit more meat than you do... mostly poultry though - we don't usually cook red meat - except in the summertime for barbeques... I suppose I should cut back on the meats a bit more for a few months and see how I do - but for me it is hard not to eat meat...
I'm taking a number of the supplements you are taking... I also just started drinking 2 cups of green tea per day. I've read on this board that a lot of people have had good results with it - JJ - I think you had very good test results after being on green tea??
Anyhow, all I have to do is convince myself that it doesn't taste that bad!!! Sounds funny, but I think I'll get used to it. I remember when I first started drinking diet soda - didn't like it at first, then got used to it, then liked it - now I can't stand regular soda - it tastes way too sweet.
HubbleRules
:cool:
Congratulations on your results - keep up the good work!!!
I'm doing some of the things you mention above, but I eat a bit more meat than you do... mostly poultry though - we don't usually cook red meat - except in the summertime for barbeques... I suppose I should cut back on the meats a bit more for a few months and see how I do - but for me it is hard not to eat meat...
I'm taking a number of the supplements you are taking... I also just started drinking 2 cups of green tea per day. I've read on this board that a lot of people have had good results with it - JJ - I think you had very good test results after being on green tea??
Anyhow, all I have to do is convince myself that it doesn't taste that bad!!! Sounds funny, but I think I'll get used to it. I remember when I first started drinking diet soda - didn't like it at first, then got used to it, then liked it - now I can't stand regular soda - it tastes way too sweet.
HubbleRules
:cool:
Crystal66
11-08-2005, 03:07 PM
If you don't like the flavor there are green teas containing other natural flavors such as raspberry or orange. I usually add another type of tea too like Red Zinger. It's naturally decaffeinated and adds flavor. I drink mine cold and use 16 oz of water. Maybe when it gets cold this winter I'll be more inclined to drink hot tea--I just don't like hot drinks very much.
Good luck to you!
Good luck to you!
JJ
11-08-2005, 04:41 PM
Crystal,
Congratulations on your results - keep up the good work!!!
I'm doing some of the things you mention above, but I eat a bit more meat than you do... mostly poultry though - we don't usually cook red meat - except in the summertime for barbeques... I suppose I should cut back on the meats a bit more for a few months and see how I do - but for me it is hard not to eat meat...
I'm taking a number of the supplements you are taking... I also just started drinking 2 cups of green tea per day. I've read on this board that a lot of people have had good results with it - JJ - I think you had very good test results after being on green tea??
Anyhow, all I have to do is convince myself that it doesn't taste that bad!!! Sounds funny, but I think I'll get used to it. I remember when I first started drinking diet soda - didn't like it at first, then got used to it, then liked it - now I can't stand regular soda - it tastes way too sweet.
HubbleRules
:cool:
Hi Hubble, long time no talk. Hope all is going well. Yes, I had posted about the green tea and cinnamon, still don't know if it was a fluke or not. As U know, hubby took a taste of the green tea and asked me.."How can U drinkg that"? LOL I'll be honest, when I first started it I was leary I would continue, but if I boil about 8-9 cups of water in a glass tea pot and after it settles add 5 green tea bags, then let it steep for about 20 minutes, let it cool in a plastic container and shove it in the frige and use it for iced tea, it ain't half bad. I still don't like hot tea, reg. or green, but the iced stuff just doesn't bother me, so give it a shot. I buy the Bigelow with lemon, and if it tastes too bitter I just add a lil more lemon juice. They have many different flavors, peach I can't stand, but the lemon is fine.
Finally got hubby to start the cinnamon and even Oatmeal now...WHOA, never thought I would see the day. He doesn't like the plain oatmeal, so he buys the apple cinnamon 10 pks., sometimes the store bran, other times Quaker, depends what we find. I am sooooo hoping since he added these things to his diet it will bring those nasty 400+ Trigs. down, been dealing with that for about 8 years now, and only once did he have below 400 so they got an LDL reading. Also convinced him to take the Vitamin C, geez, he must have been impressed with my last results. God only knows if they will continue, but hey, it was good to see at least once..... ;)
Friday he has a visit with the cardio guy, so I am trying to write down some of the questions I want to ask about hubby's tests. Want to know if they do a Homosystene (sp.?) on him, and also one I think is called lp-a. I've seen U guys posting on here about certain tests for inflammation, so want to ask to see if any of these tests are done on him. I know I asked my dr. about the lp-a thing, and she asked me.."What good would that do"? I have an appt with her thursday, so also trying to write down a few things I want to square away with her also. Seems ya go with this stuff in your head, and then ya get talking and forget about it. Anyway, hope all is fine with U and the family, and will TTYL..... :wave:
Congratulations on your results - keep up the good work!!!
I'm doing some of the things you mention above, but I eat a bit more meat than you do... mostly poultry though - we don't usually cook red meat - except in the summertime for barbeques... I suppose I should cut back on the meats a bit more for a few months and see how I do - but for me it is hard not to eat meat...
I'm taking a number of the supplements you are taking... I also just started drinking 2 cups of green tea per day. I've read on this board that a lot of people have had good results with it - JJ - I think you had very good test results after being on green tea??
Anyhow, all I have to do is convince myself that it doesn't taste that bad!!! Sounds funny, but I think I'll get used to it. I remember when I first started drinking diet soda - didn't like it at first, then got used to it, then liked it - now I can't stand regular soda - it tastes way too sweet.
HubbleRules
:cool:
Hi Hubble, long time no talk. Hope all is going well. Yes, I had posted about the green tea and cinnamon, still don't know if it was a fluke or not. As U know, hubby took a taste of the green tea and asked me.."How can U drinkg that"? LOL I'll be honest, when I first started it I was leary I would continue, but if I boil about 8-9 cups of water in a glass tea pot and after it settles add 5 green tea bags, then let it steep for about 20 minutes, let it cool in a plastic container and shove it in the frige and use it for iced tea, it ain't half bad. I still don't like hot tea, reg. or green, but the iced stuff just doesn't bother me, so give it a shot. I buy the Bigelow with lemon, and if it tastes too bitter I just add a lil more lemon juice. They have many different flavors, peach I can't stand, but the lemon is fine.
Finally got hubby to start the cinnamon and even Oatmeal now...WHOA, never thought I would see the day. He doesn't like the plain oatmeal, so he buys the apple cinnamon 10 pks., sometimes the store bran, other times Quaker, depends what we find. I am sooooo hoping since he added these things to his diet it will bring those nasty 400+ Trigs. down, been dealing with that for about 8 years now, and only once did he have below 400 so they got an LDL reading. Also convinced him to take the Vitamin C, geez, he must have been impressed with my last results. God only knows if they will continue, but hey, it was good to see at least once..... ;)
Friday he has a visit with the cardio guy, so I am trying to write down some of the questions I want to ask about hubby's tests. Want to know if they do a Homosystene (sp.?) on him, and also one I think is called lp-a. I've seen U guys posting on here about certain tests for inflammation, so want to ask to see if any of these tests are done on him. I know I asked my dr. about the lp-a thing, and she asked me.."What good would that do"? I have an appt with her thursday, so also trying to write down a few things I want to square away with her also. Seems ya go with this stuff in your head, and then ya get talking and forget about it. Anyway, hope all is fine with U and the family, and will TTYL..... :wave: