Advice - Natural Methods - High Cholesterol Message Board

tattooyu · 08-19-2004, 06:09 PM

Hi folks!

I am 31 years old (male) and am overweight (60lbs). I have recently begun (two months ago) an exercise program with a personal trainer.

I just found out my cholesterol levels are out of whack, but I'm reluctant to start taking meds before I see what exercise/weight loss can do. Any recommendations on natural ways to balance out my numbers?

My numbers:

Total - 228
LDL - 170
HDL - 23
Tri - 332 (yikes, I know)

I already eat a low fat (bad fats)/low sodium diet, but I will probably cut back on the refined carbs and go with more whole grain products (which is hard because I have IBS...that's for another forum...).

I have heard to take the following:

Guggul Root
Niacin
Flax Seed Oil
Pantheine

and...

EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE!

Thanks for any advice,

Kenny

ARIZONA73 · 08-19-2004, 06:20 PM

Kenny,

My opinion is that you would probably be better off on a low-carb diet instead of a low-fat diet. Low-carb diets are far more likely to reduce triglycerides and raise HDL. A low-fat diet will not help either your low HDL or your high triglycerides. The supplements that you mention may be of help, especially the niacin, and possibly pantethine. You might also consider lecithin and fish oil.

tattooyu · 08-20-2004, 11:00 AM

Although I am going to cut back on carbs in general, what about the "good" carbs like whole grains and oatmeal?

Also, I didn't really eat much fat, but I'm going to try and reduce the polysaturated even more.

Thanks!

hunter44 · 08-20-2004, 11:44 AM

Whole grains and/or oatmeal are the problems of most digestive orders, wheat intolerance. Get youself a copy of Protein Power LifePLan by Drs. Eades, educational and proven successful if you want to go natural.

boyscout · 08-24-2004, 10:27 AM

The National Cholesterol Education Program has a great program called the TLC program and it talks about lowering cholesterol naturally through diet, exrcise and taking plant sterols ands tanols. Supplements might be a good idea since you're dieting--CholestOff is a great product that many have had succes with. Check out this site www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/cholesterol/atp3xsum.pdf