Anyone successfully lower cholesterol by diet and exercise?

[boubou]

Originally Posted by JaneM

Like others, I get in about half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day. Also, I use Smart Balance Light and have now added some Benecol Light.

How is that cinnamon taken? sprinkled on foods? what is smart balance light?
Unfortunately, we can't get Benecol light here in Canada, going down the States next month, I'll have to make sure to bring a few back!
Thanks for your story, it's very encouraging.

[flowergirl2day]

Boubou,

Sprinkle the cinnamon into your daily bowl of oatmeal. I do. You won't even know it's there. Same with the flax seed. Add in some walnuts, flax seed (crushed), and berries. It's the healthiest breakfast you can have. It will also help improve your cholesterol. For those who must have sugar, I guess brown sugar would be appropriate.

FG

[babygirl127]

Yes it is possible. Although everyone is different. I have lowered mine. I was told 2 months by doctor but asked for 3 instead. My TC dropped 53 points from 264 down to 211. My LDL dropped from 180 to 140 40 points. My other numbers are fine. I try to exercise 30 minutes a day. I cut out a lot of things, eggs, use egg whites instead, only have 1% milk twice a week, small amount, cut out red meat, maybe once a month, more fruit & veggies, no cakes or unhealthy cookies which I ate tons of. I eat lots of almonds. I eat lots of chicken & fish. I do have oatmeal 4 times a week, put cinnamon in it. I was taking 1 fish oil a day, now I increased to 2 day. I know my TC is over 200 but I feel it was a huge drop and continue to get it down more. So it depends on the person. I know some people who do not have will power and want to continue eating unhealthy and just take statins. But that is not me. Good luck to you stay positive and it is worth a try.

[Love2Read]

Thank you so much for your responses! I really feel encouraged by reading about what some of you have done. Some of you have dropped your TC by a significant amount through diet and exercise and I am hoping I will have the same success.

I realize it may be hereditary, but I have the next few weeks to at least try on my own. My cholesterol was 256. The Dr. told me I could have until mid-October to get it down. If I don't, I have to go on medicine. So I have been doing a very strict diet of fruits, veggies, soy, egg whites, oats and cheerios. It's not "fun" but I feel really good doing it!! My body just feels better. I also exercise 5-6 times a week. Sometimes just a 30 min. walk, sometimes aerobics, but I do something.

I'm anxious for October to get here b/c I can't wait to see if my numbers come down.

Thank you all again for your responses!! I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question.

[mmvic]

Originally Posted by Lord_Taff

I say mmvic, please be a sport.

What has been happening over in that part of the world? I would be awfully obliged if you would kindly fill me in on the latest news about RYR, as here on Puffin Island we have yet to receive the drum beats.


Lord_Taff

Lord Taff, RYR can be sold in the US (and Canada with lovastatin). Unfortunately, the FDA now is starting to monitor RYR for lovastatin to protect us wretches from the low dose statin we might get from it!

I find this simply amazing when we see what they let remain on the market and the absolutely deadly drugs they approve and leave on the market. Money talks and the statin makers have to be protected. Funny, a few years ago they were thinking to allow Mevacor or Pravachol as over the counter drugs!

On diet control for cholestrol - IMHO , it works for some people and doesn't for others. Genetics, metabolism and other factors play a role in individual response. People are complex animals eh? A good healthy diet low in saturated fats, processed foods and artificial additives will help your total health nonetheless regardless of your cholesterol.