Cholesterol levels

Ted_Hutchinson

As we aren't allowed to give MEDICAL ADVICE in this forum, limiting discussion soley to the moneysaving aspects of healthy living perhaps you would like to read the information at The Vitamin D council which discusses the links between cholestrol and vitamin d paying particular attention to the fact that higher vitamin D levels are associated with lower risk for heart attack. Blood cholesterol measurements are worse at higher latitudes, lower altitudes and in the winter.The seasonal variations in cholesterol are well known and not explained by seasonal dietary changes.

The moneysaving aspect of this is that Sunshine is free and ,if not readily available, when it is available you should try to take advantage of it. White skins need only about 20 minutes full body direct exposure to sunlight to provide a reasonable amount 12,000iu (Brown 5 times longer black skins 10 times as much) approx 3 days average usage. As the winter is only just over and it's been too cold and windy for sunbathing anyway it may be sensible to buy some Vitamin d3 from Healthy Direct using the Quidco 23% rebate link.
The presentations at Direct MS will explain why it is important to improve vitamin d status for it's beneficial impact on health generally not just for MS (which clearly isn't an issue here)

More about the benefits of safe sunbathing here [size=-2][PDF][/size] SUNLIGHT ROBBERY:

the effects of higher dosages of statins (as currently proposed to reduce more cholesterol) on these essential fatty acids in the clinical setting and the crucial questions of whether specific dietary intervention (combining low intake of n-6 fatty acids and high intake of n-3 fatty acids) may improve the effectiveness of these drugs.

With reference to your comment on the amount of fat your diet included take note of the part of that abstract I have made bold. It it the ratio of omega3 to omega 6 which matters so lowering the bad fats needs to go with increasing the omega3's. This is why it's no good buying your Sardines in OIL. That simply increases the omega 6 more than the omega 3 and makes matters worse. Sardines in Tomato sauce, (NETTO'S 18p a tin) contain about 2g of omega3 which compares to about 7 normal omega3 1000mg capsules (cheapest about 4p each 28p total) so it's cheaper and probably better (considering the extra benefits of calcium etc) to go the oily fish route than simply use capsules. Netto's pilchards are also good value.

chaliepud

Hi, just had my annual cholesterol test (family history of strokes) and result was 4.5, which for my age, 35, is normal, but could be better. Does anyone know of a good website that gives more info, including best methods for reducing it?

Many thanks

H

Ted_Hutchinson

Vitamin C foundationLower's Cholesterol Naturally
Paper: CoQ10 and Statins: The Vitamin C Connection...

Report: Vitamins C Lowers LDL Cholesterol More than Statins...

The site also has links to the two books by Hickey/Roberts that are interesting and set out in detail how to achieve a constant high level of vitamin c in your system and the science behind that approach.

CoQ10 and Vitamin C are probably cheapest from ZipVit Vitamins and Minerals, Glucosamine suppliers

chaliepud

Wow, now my head is spinning from all that info, thanks Ted!

I think I may give that combo a try, there are 2 different strengths of the Co-Q10, 30mg or 120mg, is it necessary do you think to take the higher dose? I will have to re read those articles a few times to understand it all fully.

Many thanks again

H

Dora_the_Explorer_5

Porridge can lower cholesterol in some people, diet also affects cholesterol levels. Your practice nurse, or practice, may have sound information on lifestyle changes you can make to lower your level making expensive supplements unecessary.

Ted_Hutchinson

Further to Dora's advice you may find this interesting.
Plant-Based Diet Beats Packaged Low-Fat Diet in LDL Reduction
You can actually read the complete reseach paper here
For more dietary advice following the same approach have a lood at Lowering Cholesterol with a Healthier Way of Eating

This information confirms my earlier information suggesting that increasing vitamin c intake throughout the day will have a beneficial impact on ldl. Note also the emphasis on WHOLE grain foods.

chaliepud

Thanks again Ted!

I bought some CoQ10 and Vit C from Boots today (using mobile phone pts and 3 for 2, so moneysaving!) from me and other half, it says on the pack they are energy giving too so fingers crossed!

The dietry info is good too, thanks Dora, I am a bit lazy on the fruit so will work on that and a bit fussy with veg so will have to try some new stuff that I might like, or make some soup perhaps and liquidise!

Thanks again folks!

H

Ted_Hutchinson

chaliepud wrote:

Vit C f

In case you didn't see the post where I discussed the Hickey/Roberts Vitamin C books, vitamin c when it arrives in the blood stream has a half life of about 30 minutes so a 2 gram dose of vitamin c will raise blood levels transiently but average levels will not be significantly higher than a single 500mg dose. If you just take one single dose there will be a long periods when blood levels are so low as to be insignificant. Ideally multiple doses taken at regular intervals throughout the day will keep a supply of anti-oxident capacity available.

I use Zipvit's 1000g as they snap in half easily so working out cheaper than buying twice as many 500mg . I take 500mg every 4hrs as well as consuming plenty of fruit and veg. If money was no object the slow release may be a better option but I haven't worked out the pricing.

chaliepud

The 1000mg I bought will break up easy too so I will break them into 4's and try to remember to take them all through the day! I saw the slow release in Boots, can't remember exactly how much they were but they were expensive.

H

Bogof_Babe

Just reading a thread on DT where people all seem to know what their cholesterol level is. I asked at my GP's surgery for a test, and they said they don't do this "unless there is cause for concern".

Are we "entitled to" a test on the NHS?