Who suffers from high Cholesterol

[Ean Austral]

Gday All,

As someone who has had high cholesterol for 15 odd years, proberly longer as I never got tested till I was 30, just wonder who else has it and what you do for it.
Me, i've been on tablets( which I cant take because they effect my liver), diets, pills , oils, god knows what else, and seen a heart specialist, had dye in my viens; ultrsounds, the whole box and dice.

So my question is what have you tried and has it worked for you.

Cheers Ean

[slug_burner]

oats/porridge

[richard4u2]

a guy at work got his down just by eating only fruit for a few weeks but as my doctor said some people thier bodys just produce to much and just have to take the pills

[TerryO]

If you have not tried already you can try Six to eight fish oil tablets per day which can help some people quite a lot, others it doesn't seam to make much difference.

Still worth a try with no down side other than the cost of the tablets that I know of.

You could always eat more prawns ...;)

Good luck with it Ean.

Cheers,
Terry

[mike_ie]

Not to sound like a smart****, but a good exercise routine?? Diet can only do so much if your lifestyle is continually countering it.

[jon3950]

I don't suffer - but I my cholesterol is high ;)

Diet and excersize are the main things, but I am also on Lipidil, which is a fenofibrate rather than a statin. I've had a lot of problems with side effects from statins but the current drug seems to be ok.

If only I could give up the grog and get back on the bike I probably wouldn't need the drugs - like that's ever going to happen!

Cheers,
Jon

[mick88]

Like someone on here said, oats/porridge are good, as is Pro-Active or similar margarines and exercise. A reduction in red meat intake, lots of fish and so it goes. But alas, for some people it seems whatever they do they are burdened with high cholesterol. A friends mother had excessively high cholesterol and it seemed a glass of water would put her level up.

Cheers, Mick.

[Chucaro]

Ean, my diet is excellent however my liver produce the bad cholesterol.
First the doctor put me in Lipitor which I have to stop after a year because affected my memory.
He put me in Crestor a Rosuvastatin Calcium medicine. It controlled the levels of cholesterol but start given me muscular pain. Under the suspicious that the medicine start attacking the muscular tissues which can affect very seriously the kidneys (a side effect of this group of medicines) they put me in Lipidil 145 which is a Fenofibrate.
Together with Lipidil the Doctor also recommended 1 TB of fish oil (Omega 3) and 1TB of Chia which also is strong in omega 6 & 3.
The Lipidil stoped the "bad" cholesterol to come over 7 and the Omega 3 and 6 raised the level of the "good' cholesterol to cancel the bad one.
At the present time I stopped taken the Lipidil (for 4 months) to see if the omega intake help to keep the bad levels at bay.
If not, I will try to add Flax oil on my diet to add more omega 3,6 and 9 before come back to the tablet again.

Cheers

[Hoges]

Like Chucaro, I developed muscular pain from Crestor so had to look elsewhere... losing 7-8 kg over 8 months helped as did a dessert spoon of psyllium husk each day plus 4 fish oil caps.

Another important step was to reduce the triglycerides (cut down on sugars etc). High triglycerides are associated with increased low density lipids (bad cholesterol) levels... have had to significantly reduce my wine/beer consumption also... and I feel a lot better. Whereas I'd have a beer and a couple of glasses of wine a day with dinner, these days I rarely drink during the week ...

Got a smilie stamp from my GP last time I saw her:D
Hope this helps

cheers

EDIT: the ingredient in "Pro-Active" margarine mentioned above is a clinically proven reducer of LDL. It was discovered by the boffins at the CSIRO and they licensed its use to the food manufacturers... I use that as well. Buy it on special ...

[Chucaro]

Hoges is spot on about the sugar, try to replace it with Stevia.
If you craving for sugar he best and healthy way to withdraw from it is taken dried fruits. The natural sugars on the dried fruits are not bad for your health.

[tonic]

I don't suffer - but I my cholesterol is high ;)

Diet and excersize are the main things, but I am also on Lipidil, which is a fenofibrate rather than a statin. I've had a lot of problems with side effects from statins but the current drug seems to be ok.

If only I could give up the grog and get back on the bike I probably wouldn't need the drugs - like that's ever going to happen!

Cheers,
Jon

Had three minor heart attackes so was put on tablets to keep cholesterol down.

Hate them all but also on Lipidil as the the others made my joints so saw I could hardly walk.

Giving up smoking is the go also they tell me, and no I am not a smoker hater, smoked for 30 years still miss them when I have drink. Took me 4 years to do that and I am about to do a 3 month test with my GP now that it has been almost 12 months since I gave up.

I want to do bloods at different stages of with and without tablets to see what it will be. I want off the tablets.

I have also since been found to have thick blood, dont ask me the medical term, I cant type words that big, but it could have been the main cause of my heart attackes as there was clotting but no blockages.

Anyway, for me it would be diet and what works for one will not always work for others. Different diets lots of blood test would be my advise. Some good suggestions here in other posts.

[87County]

Gday All,


So my question is what have you tried and has it worked for you.


I hope this helps as it doesn't seem to have been mentioned so far.... apologies if I missed it.

Local GPs have had patients with some of the before mentioned side effects from both the real prescription drugs and the other non-script pretend medicines and have told me, at least, that using Flora pro active margarine has an effect which is as good or better for most people without the side effects of the drugs.

http://www.google.com.au/url'sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDUQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FFlora_( margarine)&ei=Xe7rUJSHGMjAmQXt7oHQAQ&usg=AFQjCNEyrNgjgd8DVFodVjlzanvSGh-d2w&bvm=bv.1357316858,d.dGY

... worked for me - what else can I say ? I really hope this helps... :)

(& I don't have any shares in the company the manufactures it)

[BMKal]

I've been on Caduet for a number of years to manage cholesterol, but did not heed the warning signs and ended up overweight - fairly significantly. About 3 months ago I got the final warning - a fairly serious heart attack in the office one Friday afternoon, followed by a rather unpleasant stay in hospital and then some time off.

I've since given up sugar (I have a very sweet tooth) and have lost a lot of weight - they now have me on Lipitor plus a whole heap of other things to manage blood pressure and clotting. But other than a constant pain in the left arm, I'm feeling a lot better. Combination of dropping the sugar (mainly in drinks), eating a lot of fruit and salads, and as much walking as I can get in seems to be working for me.

I've been told that I'll be on medication for the rest of my life - hopefully I can at least reduce the amount. I'm also taking fish oil (krill) capsules daily - really don't know if they're giving any benefit or not.

[UncleHo]

G'day Folks :)

Had my first heart atack in 2000,followed that up in 2001 with quad by-pass,cholesterol level was 5.7 but my mother struggled to get down from 14 to 8,father was 3.5 naturally,I have been taking Zimstat40 for several years now,with no side affects,blood pressure is good according to Dr.
I think the fact that I gave up smoking when I had the coronary in 2000 helps, I rarely drink (bus/coach /charter license)and I try to keep below 75kilos,but have put a little on over x-mas.

cheers

[superquag]

I've been on Caduet for a number of years to manage cholesterol, but did not heed the warning signs and ended up overweight - fairly significantly. About 3 months ago I got the final warning - a fairly serious heart attack in the office one Friday afternoon, followed by a rather unpleasant stay in hospital and then some time off.

I've since given up sugar (I have a very sweet tooth) and have lost a lot of weight - they now have me on Lipitor plus a whole heap of other things to manage blood pressure and clotting. But other than a constant pain in the left arm, I'm feeling a lot better. Combination of dropping the sugar (mainly in drinks), eating a lot of fruit and salads, and as much walking as I can get in seems to be working for me.

I've been told that I'll be on medication for the rest of my life - hopefully I can at least reduce the amount. I'm also taking fish oil (krill) capsules daily - really don't know if they're giving any benefit or not.

My cholesterol has always been 'not good', but there is no doubt that my heart problems were caused by a modern diabetes medication. Ask your doctor to point you towards the evidence that you must have lower cholesterol...and why.

Dunno either, but by dropping sugar, decimating carbohydrates, giving factory-oils and foods the flick...not restricting butter / cheese / full-cream milk / yoghurt but generally eating much less.... No artificial sweeteners such as aspartame (never been proved safe) and joining a 24/7 gym 3 weeks ago... and reverting to 'old technology' diabetic medications for my Type 2.
My blood sugar has dropped from double-digits down to almost normal range. 'Normal' for an un-diabetic, not a well-controlled one...

With the amount of fish I'm eating now... my cholesterol balance will be better too. - Proved it years ago, when sardines 3 to 4 times per week plus fish oil capsules did a better job than statins.

Since you're still on a statin, your Cardiologist would have suggested CoQ10 supplement as well. Or should have., Mine does.

I've cut down on my medications all round, and re-adjusted others to suit me, - NOT the pharmaceutical industry... Their profits have diminished along with my (supposedly toooo high) blood pressure... :eek:

I still find it amazing how much has changed with relatively little increase in activity/exercise. - works wonders for Depression as well...

Pity I did't do it a long time ago...

[sashadidi]

Sugar especially in processed foods is your enemy, too much sugar turns to fat and cholestrol.
I had a reading of 8 (family inheritance), now is 4.2 by watching sugar and diet.
Cholestrol is a lot more complex than you think. For a different viewpoint on the debate:
The Great Cholesterol Myth: Why Lowering Your Cholesterol Won't Prevent Heart Disease-and the Statin-Free Plan That Will: Jonny Bowden, Stephen Sinatra: 9781592335213: Amazon.com: Books@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TT46UvCFL.@@AMEPARAM@@51TT46UvCFL

[JDNSW]

I have been on statins for twenty years with no problems. This was after it seemed diet made no difference at all to cholesterol levels. Diet (both now and then) includes oatmeal every day, large quantities of fruit, and does not include any added sugar or salt, any butter or margarine. Junk food maybe once a month, lifetime non-smoker.

My father had his first heart attack twenty years younger than my present age, but died (from melanoma) before measurement of cholesterol became an available test.

John

[Bigbjorn]

My total cholesterol was in the 7's and Crestor has it down to low 3's. No side effects. I take a double dose of Coversyl + for blood pressure. I noted dissension between the medicos as to what is acceptable blood pressure. My GP was quite happy with mine, 130/80's, but the Mater Cardio Clinic was not. They ordered a doubling of the dosage plus a diuretic and now it is consistently 110-120/70's. I rarely drink these days (a major lifestyle change), only use butter or marg. on the two slices of bread per day in my diet, never use sugar, sprinkle salt only on hard boiled eggs, trim as much fat as possible from meats before cooking.

[superquag]

"......Cholestrol is a lot more complex than you think. For a different viewpoint on the debate:"

The Great Cholesterol Myth: Why Lowering Your Cholesterol Won't Prevent Heart Disease-and the Statin-Free Plan That Will: Jonny Bowden, Stephen Sinatra: 9781592335213: Amazon.com: Books


It really comes down to good science... and biased, incompetant stupid science.


Start with a definition of 'Science' and my favourite is
"The orderly arrangement of knowledge to give understanding, clarity, and verity (truth)"

- A white coat adorned with coloured pens has nothing to do it...

This journalist is particularly good at ferreting out slothful science... the implications of which affects every member of this forum. - Especially us well-padded ones...:angel:

Why We Get Fat - YouTube

[olbod]

1 Astrix 100 ( aspro ) daily.
3 Wagner Kyolic Garlic capsules daily ( the new wonder drug ).
Flora proactive.
1 Krill oil daily but 2 on mon, wed and friday, just to be sure.
Each evening an hour or so before bed I have a tin of sardines or herring
eaten with a fork. I now look forward to it.
Uncle Toby's Oat crisp with almond for brekky, no lunch.
No alcohol for last twenty years and dont eat junk food.
Dont use salt except what may be in some processed food.
1 multi vitamin capsule daily.
Limit of around 6 cups of tea and 3 cups of coffee daily, lots of filtered water. Tap water here unfiltered, undrinkable
I have a bag of varied steam vegetables ( microwaved ) daily with whatever else for evening meal.
Rarely eat fruit these days as flavour bred out of most of it to add shelf life
and it is tasteless. I have a good mango tree ( the fruit of this can be sliced and frozen for year round supply ) and get some good homegrown manderines from a neighbour occasionally. I like a few black grapes now and then.
I bought myself a Revitive circulation booster for crissy, already seems to be having a positive effect as my feet and legs are feeling better ?

I weaned myself off all prescription medication 2 years ago and now feel good.

My Doctor says my heart is very strong and I should live to a hundred, bugger that.
Blood pressure and cholesterol and everything else, normal.

Not having a great deal of fun but cant complain.

Robert.

[Judo]

I read this not long ago, which I found interesting and educational.

Heart Surgeon Speaks Out On What Really Causes Heart Disease -- Health & Wellness -- Sott.net (http://www.sott.net/article/242516-Heart-Surgeon-Speaks-Out-On-What-Really-Causes-Heart-Disease)

[Chucaro]

I read this not long ago, which I found interesting and educational.

Heart Surgeon Speaks Out On What Really Causes Heart Disease -- Health & Wellness -- Sott.net (http://www.sott.net/article/242516-Heart-Surgeon-Speaks-Out-On-What-Really-Causes-Heart-Disease)

Interesting view, by the way Dwight C. Lundell, M.D. lost medical license in 2008, I would like to know why..............

[Gooner]

Been on Lipitor for a few years now.
Doc changed me to Crestor recently, had to stop. they are utter poison. Months later, my kidneys still feel very sore. Scattered my thought processes and memory went to hell.

I managed to up my reading from 4 to over 7 in 12 months. Given that I don't drink or smoke, it's either genetics or what I have been shoving in my gob. Going with the gob because I have stacked on the weight too. Buckets of it.

On dads side, my grandfather died at 50 and my aunty died at 40 from heart attacks.

The advice I got recently was 'just eat like your grandparents used to'. That is, buy fresh and often and avoid anything that comes out of a package. I'm on that and no junk food at all. Also juice up all meals for a week or so, got that idea after watching a video of that Aussie bloke who got off all his meds by periodically juicing fruit and veg.

Proof will be in the pudding next month when I get bloods done again.

[Judo]

How interesting....

A Skeptical Look at Dwight Lundell, M.D. (http://www.quackwatch.org/11Ind/lundell.html)

[Chucaro]

Justin, what have made me suspicious is that he come with a controversial book and then he start promoting RealW8 a product in which he have financial interests.
Perhaps I am to cautious but then again we cannot replace our health very easy :(

[Disco44]

Interesting view, by the way Dwight C. Lundell, M.D. lost medical license in 2008, I would like to know why..............

Thanks for that Chuc.That fixed him and his opinions for me.Apparently another snake oil doctor.
John.

[superquag]

How interesting....

A Skeptical Look at Dwight Lundell, M.D. (http://www.quackwatch.org/11Ind/lundell.html)

Yes, I see it as interesting... that the good Doctor was lousy at record-keeping, and could'nt organise a piggy-bank, let alone a business (totally differant from the practice of Medicine) or his personal finances.

Quackwatch is playing the man, not his research/conclusions which are held my other doctors etc.. - and concludes with a personal opinion, delivered as authoritive. I see no reason to give that 'critic' any credence...

Remember, Dr Semmelweis was driven to insanity by his medical colleagues... because he upset the 'Establishment'

- see here for an easily digestible (!) summary.

History of Antiseptics - Ignaz Semmelweis (http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blantisceptics.htm)

[superquag]

Justin, what have made me suspicious is that he come with a controversial book and then he start promoting RealW8 a product in which he have financial interests.
Perhaps I am too cautious but then again we cannot replace our health very easy :(

No, you're not being too cautious... your health is too valuable to be left in the hands of Big Business or incompetant governments.
- Remember, that ALL experts were ignorant in their field, until they started learning. If they can learn, so can you... no matter how long it takes.

Doctors are often uncomfortable with a patient who asks too many questions... imagine how they feel if one or more of their own goes against the herd !

[Chucaro]

Yes, I see it as interesting... that the good Doctor was lousy at record-keeping, and could'nt organise a piggy-bank, let alone a business (totally differant from the practice of Medicine) or his personal finances....................................
As I just find out, Dr Dwight C. Lundell was de-registered because mal practice and not because his financial skills ;)

[superquag]

As I just find out, Dr Dwight C. Lundell was de-registered because mal practice and not because his financial skills ;)


I hope you're not going by the report on Quackwatch... as the person who runs has been found to be a fraud...

Doctor Watch: US court rules that Dr. Barrett is a fraud and FDA front man. (http://doctorwatch.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/us-court-rules-that-dr-barrett-is-fraud.html)

Just as illuminating are the case studies that lead to his de-registration (5 years after he'd retired). - They're all high-risk, elderly, or complicated patients.
Of course these adverse findings and publicity of them - AFTER retirement - had nothing to do with the views he published in his 2007 book.... Or his displeasure with the Investigators.

There's always 3 sides to every story...:eek:

Back to Ean and his original post... Conventional Medicine and drugs have'nt helped, indeed have caused some harm. So continuing along this path is not an option for him.
Maybe a closer look at these 'heresies' will point him in a more effective direction.

[Ean Austral]

Gday All,
Thanks to all who replied,was interesting to read the varying results.
This is mine, I had a bad Cholesterol level of 13.8 and total of over 15 with the good, and it was found because my good wife noticed 1 day that my good eye had changed colour ( I only have 1 eye that has its normal colour, I got stabbed in the eye in a fight many years ago , so its just 1 colour) eye specialist says only seen that once before, go and get a cholesterol check.

I have been on diets of all sorts, heart specialists have tried me on all the normal tablets which my liver rejected, and lipitor my wife actually told me to give up because she said I was going thru womanopause. Best i got it down to was 12.0, I dont smoke, never have, dont drink beer, maybe 1 ctn in my life, only drink softdrink occasionally or with spirits, which is usually just 1 night a week, but for my fishing years was not at all for 10 months of the year. Gave up sugar years ago, so I think I live a reasonably healthy life.

7 weeks ago I started taking 6 fish oil tablets a day, and eat oat wheat bix every day for brekkie, never changed anything else in my daily life, as I eat fish twice a week , and always have, when I was at sea was usually 3-4 times a week. Got tested between chrissy and new years and results came back at total level of 7 and bad cholesterol was 4.9.

I do know that not everyone is the same , and een different doc's seem to have a different view of what is an acceptable level, but for me the fish oil has worked with amazing results..Do I feel any better, hard to say, but I certainly dont seem to feel any different, but if its doing me good on the inside, then thats great.

Once again thanks for the reply's

Cheers Ean

[Chucaro]

I hope you're not going by the report on Quackwatch... as the person who runs has been found to be a fraud...

Doctor Watch: US court rules that Dr. Barrett is a fraud and FDA front man. (http://doctorwatch.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/us-court-rules-that-dr-barrett-is-fraud.html)

.................................................. .................................................

There's always 3 sides to every story...:eek:

..............................................

No, I read the original document :)

Well, perhaps the 3rd side of the story is that research scientist have been trained to do that, research and have the hardware, facilities and funds to do them.
Doctors who are working in their profession do not have the time, facilities and funds to do a comprehensive research.
I rather go by findings of institutions like the Mayo Clinic or Universities instead of the findings of a single professional that base his theory only by his work as a doctor.

[superquag]

....I rather go by findings of institutions like the Mayo Clinic or Universities instead of the findings of a single professional that base his theory only by his work as a doctor.

I suspect you've missed the point, that the "theory" this doctor is supporting, is not exclusively his, it's been around the alternative health world for quite some time. Other doctors have arrived at the same or similar conclusions.

Big, important institutions and organizations have told us for over 50 years what to do, resulting in the obesity/heart disease/diabetic disaster we see around us. Their careful research has'nt worked.

Anyway, Ean has (as a non-professional...) tried a differant dietry approach and provided us with the results.

It works.

I'd rather go with the evidence. :angel:

[Chucaro]

I suspect you've missed the point, that the "theory" this doctor is supporting, is not exclusively his, it's been around the alternative health world for quite some time. Other doctors have arrived at the same or similar conclusions.

Big, important institutions and organizations have told us for over 50 years what to do, resulting in the obesity/heart disease/diabetic disaster we see around us. Their careful research has'nt worked.

Anyway, Ean has (as a non-professional...) tried a differant dietry approach and provided us with the results.

It works.

I'd rather go with the evidence. :angel:

Just because one person or thousands of them have managed to reduc the cholesterol by a diet and increase of omega 3 intake
it does mean that is a strong evidence.
In many cases the increase of cholesterol is genetical and due to a critical enzyme. (familial hypercholesterolaemia)
People with this problem will have high cholesterol even by drinking water only.
Fortunately I can control it a bit by increasing the good cholesterol but not to Ean's level.

[bob10]

Interesting subject, I had high chloresterol, & blood pressure,cut back on beer[ don't drink spirits], cut out sugar & salt, no takeaway food, and the miracle food? Porridge, & multi grain bread.Plenty of fruit, unprocessed nuts, all good. Bob

[superquag]

Interesting subject, I had high chloresterol, & blood pressure,cut back on beer[ don't drink spirits], cut out sugar & salt, no takeaway food, and the miracle food? Porridge, & multi grain bread.Plenty of fruit, unprocessed nuts, all good. Bob

No Bob, it is not all good.... you... stirrer, disobedient, revolutionary..you.Heretic !!!

Don't you know that porridge can't be patented (yet...) and that take-away foods are so incredibly beneficial to health ???
(ok, the health of their owner's bank accounts..:twisted:.)

How will the Big Beneficial Companies make their squillions is you and others like you say such things...????

You must herewith recant your evil, pernicous ways, eat white bread fortified with vitamins, support the wine and beer industries that pay so much in tax and understand that smoking was once endorsed by American Doctors... so it really IS good for you.

Sadly, even the British Medical Journal, once a bastion of the Medical Establishment has published as similar inflammatory article...

Big Pharma lies about statin drugs finally exposed in British Medical Journal (http://www.naturalnews.com/028988_statin_drugs_side_effects.html)

- And think of all those Queensland cane farmers who will suffer from your actions ! Very 'Un-Australian'... :angel::angel::angel: - That it works for you and makes you healthy is beside the point. (of profits...)

:p:p:p James :p:p:p

[Chucaro]

.................................................. .............
- And think of all those Queensland cane farmers who will suffer from your actions ! Very 'Un-Australian'... :angel::angel::angel: - That it works for you and makes you healthy is beside the point. (of profits...)

:p:p:p James :p:p:p

James, I do not blame you for being sarcastic about medicine and money.

Regarding Cholesterol, big pharmaceutical companies and politicians we have only to look at the medicine Policosanol sold in Cuba.
Policosanol is a natural substance derived from sugar cane that is advertised for its lipid-lowering effects as a nonprescription drug. More than 80 placebo-controlled or comparative trials, performed mostly by a single research institute, suggest that policosanol at doses of 5 to 40 mg/d has lipoprotein-lowering effects comparable with statins.
( It is not all lost for the cane farmers :p )

American companies (including Blackmores) with the bless of the USA political and medical authorities have patented the name Policosanol using diferent formula for their "clayton" medicine to try to block a Cuban product.

I have to try again to get the real Policosanol here in OZ, it used to be available by Bioceuticals.

[bob10]

No Bob, it is not all good.... you... stirrer, disobedient, revolutionary..you.Heretic !!!



:p:p:p James :p:p:p

OOPS, is that you, John Paul. [ I know I promised to actually put money in the collection box, instead of old washers off my land rover ], As part of my penance, I promise to drink more beer, but my far distant Scottish ancestors have passed down the secret of life, and I'm obliged , by the ancient law of King Constantine 11, the Pict/ Gaelic King of Scotland, to stand by the tradition. Besides, the Romans left Brittain years ago, [and what did the Romans ever do for us? besides ..........] And, that's no' the way to make porridge.

Ummmm, must say I'm dinky-di, one part of our family goes back 40,000 years, but for some reason we don't talk about them, :D Bob

[awabbit6]

I discovered that my cholesterol levels were climbing when I had a blood test done to confirm another condition.

My doctor gave me a list of foods to eat and those to avoid - all of which are common sense and have already been mentioned. The other thing that he said I must do is to exercise 5-7 times a week for 30mins at an intensity that makes you puff. So the next morning I evicted the spiders from my mountain bike and went for a ride - and I puffed alot! Since then I have tried to ride 5-7 mornings a week.

When I returned to the doctor 6 months later he was extremely pleased with my progress. My cholesterol levels had dropped from "moderate risk" level to "low risk". Not only had my cholesterol levels dropped, but I'd also lost 15kg. The weight loss was a bonus. And without medication.

I am certain that it is the exercise that is the key in conjunction with diet. People that I have spoken to with cholesterol problems all tell me that they have tried everything, then I ask them about exercise. Very few I've spoken to do any extra exercise that really makes them work hard.
Having said that, when I read through the posts in this thread, I noticed that the focus is also on diet. Exercise is equally important!

[superquag]

"... I noticed that the focus is also on diet. Exercise is equally important! ..."


You bet your little cotton socks it is !

I joined a 24/7 gym a few weeks ago, and have become addicted to the rowing machine... :D

To say its been money well spent is an understatement. Has kept the Black Doggie at bay, (or at least de-fanged him...) made me feeeeeel better, more with-it, - along with a few aches, twinges and feeling very weary a few hours later... - But all good. (Bonus is the free shower, -MY Scots ancestry...)

Since I've been a no-exercise person for the last 2/3 of my life, I'm working on getting fit enough... to start getting fit. Whatever, between this and reverting my diabetes meds to 'older technology' Ive almost halved my blood sugar levels. Personally, I'd credit "sweat" with 75% of it.

What works for me is intermittant sprinting. A short, burst around 10 seconds... then maybe do it again after recovering... then maybe again.... Really feel as though I've got my money's worth.

Turns out this is called 'Peak 8' and other similar names. Works a treat to balance triglycerides and HDL/LDL ratios. - Which is far more important than low numbers...

Getting up at 4:30 AM to go the gym has side-benefits too... Wife now has to get up let her dog out for it's 6:00AM leak... and I'm spared the cacaphony of her snoring. ! Plus coming home bright-eyed and bushy-tailed to greet the bleary eyed family....gives you a wonderful dose of self-righteousness.... - Priceless !!!

[CapableCate]

Agree with most of what said so far. See my 10 points below. The one thing that made a significant difference to my other half's levels ie dropped from 6.4 to 5.3 in 8 weeks, is an old fashioned natural remedy that tastes totally disgusting, but is an absolute life saver. I stress this is well worth doing. Have your levels tested before you start, and again when finished, and you & your Doc will be amazed!
What to do . . . Peel 30 cloves of garlic (approx. 2 bulbs), and roughly chop 5 lemons, skin & all. Place in blender if you have one, and blend to as fine as possible. Place mixture in saucepan with 1 litre of water and bring to boil, then turn off and allow to cool. NB If you don't have a blender, you'll need to chop garlic & lemons as finely as possible first. Then when mixture cools, push it through a sieve/strainer.
Take 30ml (one cough medicine measure) every night 1/2 hour before, or after dinner, for 3 weeks. Have an 8 day break, then repeat for a further 3 weeks. It is recommended you do this twice yearly/6 monthly.
What it does is it dissolves the build up of plaque in your arteries, and as an added bonus it strengthens your immune system at the same time, while not suffering any odour at all, as the lemon neutralises that effect of the garlic.
NB We cook this outside on the bbq side burner, as it stinks your house out! So if you don't have one of those types of bbq's, use a portable gas stove outside, which I'm tipping most Land Rover owners would have!!
Also . . .
1. Avoid Cholesterol reducing drugs IF possible without endangering your health, as awful side effects.
2. Start every day with porridge made from scratch with good quality Traditional Rolled Oats, not Quick/Microwave Oats.
3. Add a tablespoon of LSA (Linseed,Sunflower,Almond) meal to porridge & desertspoon of organic raisins. If you must sweeten further, use good quality honey. Try to avoid adding milk by cooking to appropriate consistency. NB LSA available from Health Food Stores, or health food section of major supermarkets. Aldi stocks excellent Organic Raisins.
4. Take minimum 2 x 1000mg/1gm good quality Fish Oil per day, and up to 4. If you can source Krill, even better, although more expensive, but doesn't make your breath smell!
5. Avoid over refined carbohydrates ie white flour products, over processed wheat products.
6. Avoid dairy altogether, and all animal fat, especially red meat. Replace with fish, especially Salmon (preferably fresh fillets), and good quality organic chicken without skin. Can have Goats cheese. Marinated Goat Fetta is a great alternative, especially in salads.
7. Up your intake of good oils, like Avocadoes and Olives.
8. Basically stick to fresh fruit and vegetables, especially salad greens and tomatoes. If exercise difficult, at least try and do a couple of 10-15 minute brisk walks each day.
9. Reduce alcohol intake or cut out altogether if possible. Avoid Beer, and sugar laden mixers like Coke. If you must have Beer, get low carbohydrate one like Pure Blonde, Carlton Dry, or Aldi's Cape Cyan Natural Blonde. If Spirit drinker, use Soda Water as mixer. All other mixers are high in sugar, and even Sodium (salt)
10. Read ingredients on everything you buy, and avoid pre processed where possible, especially if high in sugar, sodium, or animal derived fats. Good quality Vegetable oils are fine.
All the best with it; I'll be interested to know how you get on Ean.
Regards, Cate:-)