Cholesterol

Author
Discussion

StevieBee

Original Poster:

14,185 posts

270 months

Recently had my late 50s MoT and all's good apart from my Cholesterol which according to my GP I would benefit from lowering. It's not at a level that requires medicinal intervention and she's linked me to the NHS guide on it.

Thing is, there's not much on the to-do list that I'm not already doing; don't drink much, not overweight (BMI is spot on), exercise very regularly and eat healthily.

Is it just a case of doing more of these things or are there other methods that have worked for others.


worsy

6,190 posts

190 months

StevieBee said:
Recently had my late 50s MoT and all's good apart from my Cholesterol which according to my GP I would benefit from lowering. It's not at a level that requires medicinal intervention and she's linked me to the NHS guide on it.

Thing is, there's not much on the to-do list that I'm not already doing; don't drink much, not overweight (BMI is spot on), exercise very regularly and eat healthily.

Is it just a case of doing more of these things or are there other methods that have worked for others.
You might just have a genetic issue, but I'd be inclined to look at the "eat healthily" to make sure it is spot on.

Cut down on white bread, even a weekly takeaway (move to monthly) especially Chinese food, swap out spread for benecol etc.

super7

2,110 posts

223 months

I get this stuff...

https://linwoodshealthfoods.com/ingredients/co-enz...

Then chuck it in with cereal, yoghurts, porridge etc etc.

bigpriest

2,057 posts

145 months

Some interesting info here (and knowing your measurements for each type of cholesterol LDL, HDL can help you focus on certain foods)

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/202...

the-photographer

4,006 posts

191 months

StevieBee said:
Recently had my late 50s MoT and all's good apart from my Cholesterol which according to my GP I would benefit from lowering. It's not at a level that requires medicinal intervention and she's linked me to the NHS guide on it.

Thing is, there's not much on the to-do list that I'm not already doing; don't drink much, not overweight (BMI is spot on), exercise very regularly and eat healthily.

Is it just a case of doing more of these things or are there other methods that have worked for others.
You might have a genetics issue and can ask or pay for a test.

Omega-3 supplements will decrease triglycerides (only) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega-3_fatty_acid

Take a mild prescription like ezetimibe to lower it a bit

Ezra

753 posts

42 months

As the GP has just suggested your cholestoral could do with lowering, it doesn't seem urgent so it's a question of achieving marginal gains. Also, one persons idea of 'not drinking much' or 'eating healthily' will differ from another.

Use Benecol spread instead or butter/marg, or a similar yogurt drink, look at increasing cholesterol lowering foods (eg, if you make your own stews/soups, add in lentils/chichpeas), try and get an extra 2000 steps per day or go for a 15 min walk - at pace.

About 15 years ago I was borderline type-2 diabetic. Turned it around in 6 mths by simply making small changes and making them permanent. But, it takes a bit of will power and determination.

Alternatively, there's always statins on a script from the GP - were they mentioned?

StevieBee

Original Poster:

14,185 posts

270 months

Thanks chaps. Much appreciated.

I think I need to delve into the old diet a bit more. I 'think' I eat heathy but I guess that doesn't mean I'm necessarily eating enough of the right things.

Genetics is an interesting one. I'm adopted so have no knowledge of such things.

Ezra said:
Alternatively, there's always statins on a script from the GP - were they mentioned?
Interesting you mention this. The lady that did the original finger-prick test suggested these might be worthwhile. But my GP having seen the full blood test results said they're not.

DaveGrohl

959 posts

112 months

Do you know what your readings were?

StevieBee

Original Poster:

14,185 posts

270 months

Tuesday
quotequote all
DaveGrohl said:
Do you know what your readings were?
If I've read the results correctly, 5.5 (recommended level being 5).



mikiec

346 posts

101 months

Tuesday
quotequote all

reducing saturated fats and increasing fiber are likely to give you the biggest impact among dietary changes , target 30g grams of fiber a day

Ezra

753 posts

42 months

Tuesday
quotequote all
StevieBee said:
DaveGrohl said:
Do you know what your readings were?
If I've read the results correctly, 5.5 (recommended level being 5).
So, it's small changes that are needed not huge lifestyle reversal. My wife had similar back in Apr. We went to France for a month in May, did lots of walking, ate well but healthily, and obviously relaxed with no stress. She had a retest early Jun and everything was fine. Some daily exercise, a focus on fresh/healthy food and limiting stress (not always easy, I know) seemed to work for her.

Steve_H80

444 posts

37 months

Wednesday
quotequote all
There might be lots you can do if it's dietary or lifestyle related, but if it genetic (which mine is) the options are statins or an increased likelihood of an early wooden box.
Do a bit of proper research (not faceache or the tin hat brigade) and do your own risk assessment.

andrewcliffe

1,293 posts

239 months

Wednesday
quotequote all
Mrs C and I have employed the services of a nutritionalist who has slowly shifted us onto a higher protien, higher fibre diet with less potatoes and carbs, reducing bread and switching to seeded wholemeal. She suggested a couple of servings of oily fish.

Mrs C suffers from IBS and other gut reactions, and my target is to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and she's taking an approach that will help both of us.