I need another option besides prescription meds to help lower cholesterol - High Cholesterol Message Board

susan99 · 10-09-2003, 02:24 PM

Hi everyone.

In addition to watching my diet, I was taking 20 mg lipitor a day to keep my cholesterol under control. My OB/Gyne Doc suggested I go off lipitor because I am trying to get pregnant and you cannot take cholesterol lowering drugs during pregnancy.

I have been off lipitor for a few months now and I really do need to go and get my cholesterol levels checked. I am sure they are elevated. I always did have a problem with high tyiglycerites (around 300), but my Dr. didn't seem concerned because all the other levels were fine (while on meds), and becasue I have hypothyroidism which can throw your cholesterol levels off. Does anyone have any suggestions for any type of herbal remedy that is safe to take while trying/during pregnancy? Thanks.

arkie6 · 10-09-2003, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by susan99:
...In addition to watching my diet,...

What specifically does "watching my diet" mean to you? What exactly are you eating? What about your consumption of dietary carbohydrates, especially the refined carbohydrates - sugars, bread, pasta, and such?

Quote:

...I always did have a problem with high triglycerides (around 300),....

Elevated triglycerides are usually the result of a diet that contains too many sugars and starches (dietary fat and cholesterol usually has little if any negative effect on triglycerides).

Quote:

Does anyone have any suggestions for any type of herbal remedy that is safe to take while trying/during pregnancy? Thanks.

Cod liver oil, which is high in the Omega 3 essential fatty acids EPA and DHA and Vitamins A and D, along with a lower carbohydrate diet that focuses on whole natural foods would be my recommendation. A good book on the subject is Protein Power by Dr. Eades.

Alan

Wykon · 10-10-2003, 08:55 AM

You might want to do some research on flaxseed and lecithin which are natural items

susan99 · 10-10-2003, 09:34 AM

Thank you both for the information you supplied.....I will definately look into your suggestions.

Susan

0603david · 10-22-2003, 09:10 AM

Susan- I am in the same boat you are in. I am 27 and trying to have a second baby. I was on 10 mg of LIpitor and stopped it. I have done more research than ever thought possible on this type of scenario. I have had doctors tell me I shouldn't have children and some doctors have told me that time is on my side because I am so young and that another couple of years should not make that big of a difference. Subquestrants, the medicated powder drinks, are not powerful enough to lower my cholestorol yet they are safe during pregnancy. I am going to take Lecithin and cut some carbs out of my diet. I read that Lecithin can actually help the baby (as long as you do not abuse it). Unfortuately doctors cannot guarentee that we will not cause birth defects by taking these "vitamin medications". I am just going to take a gamble and come of the meds because having children is worth the gamble. Good luck.
Jennifer