Lowered my Cholesterol, Yea!!!!!!!

[LUVMyBirman]

About two years after surgery I started presenting with elevated cholesterol. Shortly after starting Inderal. Not being an overweight individual...this was shocking. Guess you can't judge a book by it's cover. Seems as if I was the product of genetics.

Just opened my results from my bloodwork this week. My combinded number is in the low 180's. Down from 230. No medication. Stopped drinking coffee in the AM. Added a high fiber/grain breakfast. One glass of red merlot every night too. And if it's a weekend, maybe two

Just wondering if anyone has had success without medication?

I am telling ya, that coffee may be the culprit. In more than just cholesterol. My migraines have been at an extreme minimum too.

 

[labguides]

<,I am telling ya, that coffee may be the culprit>.

Recently, I attended a nutrition lecture -- caffeine was mentioned as one of the causes of elevated cholesterol.

A high dosage of Zocor keeps my DH's cholesterol low. But.. he quit drinking caffeine sodas. Will be interesting to see if his next cholesterol test shows lower cholesterol. He would like to be able to reduce his dosage of this med.

 

[Karlynn]

Great news Gina! Is your high cholesterol genetic? I wish caffiene was the culprit for mine, but I haven't had caffiene in 23 years. Exercise did lower mine while on a statin. Did you encorporate exercise too?

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Hi Karlynn,

Yes, mine is genetic. Since school let out for the summer...did not have time to get back to Curves. While working out at Curves I never really lost much. Levels were still elevated. Did notice some muscle tone and shrinking in a few areas.

I am active in other ways....we are able to walk to some activites. Very physical outside, gardeing, etc. That has just about come to a hault now Don't think I am going to go back to Curves. Highly considering purchasing a treadmill.

The Gazelle gym looks interesting. Wonder if it works?

 

[geebee]

2 pieces of equipment I use that I have found to be fantastic. The Gazelle Glider for low impact aerobic exercise and the Pilates JP Performer for stretching and muscle strength. I gave up going to the gym because there "just never seemed to be enough time." I use both machines every day and, along with some small diet changes, have lowered my cholesterol from 265 to 190. I gave up caffeine except for an occasional diet coke if I am out to eat since most places don't have the caffeine free diet coke that I drink.
With Inderal and less caffeine I have reduced my migraines also (both the number and severity).
I am not overweight either so the doctor thinks my high cholesterol is genetic also.
I think caffeine is more of a culprit than we even know.
Smiles,
Gina

 

[Lorraine]

Gina Congratulation!

That's wonderful! Coffee huh? I don't have high cholestrol for which I'm glad. I do drink coffee too but only 1/2 and 1.2 and then only two cups in the morning.

I'm glad to see your numbers come down! Keep up the good work!

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Hi Geebee 'Gina'

Happy to hear all is working well for you!

Thank you for the info on the Gazelle and pilates. I do have the DVD's. But never got around to it. At the time....it was much easier to get to Curves. Life changes and it never seems to happen.

Keep up the good work! Isn't it exciting to see those numbers go down We also grilled lean meats all summer. Better grades from Whole Foods. That might have had something to do with it. If you think about it....all of that 'fat' drains off to the bottom.

 

[geebee]

I really miss Whole Foods

I really miss Whole Foods

I just moved back to Ohio from California and one of the things I miss the most is Whole Foods. I haven't found one in Southern Ohio. Maybe I should open one. They just opened a Trader Joe's which is "sort of" a substitute but nothing really beats Whole Foods. I was at a dinner last night where I was telling everyone about WF and they were all drooling at the thought of all that wonderful and healthy food in one place. I also really miss California Pizza Kitchen which is, believe it or not, a somewhat healty pizza place. I have heard there is one in Columbus so I will have to drive the 100 or so miles some day.
Yes, success is sure great. I have put on the few extra pounds one gets as one is over 50 so the machines help me to stay toned and still look good in my clothes. It is nice that there is home equipment that is not so expensive and really works.
Take care and keep smiling,
Gina

 

[Sherry]

Hello, Red Hat Girl Congrats on your good numbers. I just recently had my numbers checked, and my total is still in the 190's (which isn't terribly alarming, but I'd like to get it down), but my doc did comment that my HDL's (good cholesterol) were fantastic (88 with the range being 40-59). I too drink the nightly glass of cabernet, plus, something else that I read in Prevention magazine last summer: I make a point of eating a handful of Diamond walnuts (unsalted) every day. (I have been buying the big bag in the cooking aisle at Sam's.) According to the article, this is yet another non-drug method of possibly bringing your numbers down. Just a thought.

I'm still thinking about the various comments on caffeine and migraines. (Gina, I know we discussed this over breakfast in Golden.) This is going to have to be the year that I ditch that habit. It's going to be hard, but anything that will get these occular migraines under control and perhaps improve my cholesterol readings is definitely worth a shot. I think I'll attempt it over Christmas break.

 

[geebee]

Sherry,
Just remember to cut back on caffeine gradually or you'll have rebound headaches that will be awful (talk from experience).
Smiles,
Gina

 

[McCln]

Gina

Gina

Get that treadmill. I got one three years ago, and I will probably will use it more this winter. I will also be going to a gym near my job that will help some. But when you can't get to the gym, treadmill and some weights will help. Get 5 pound weights to work the upper body. You will do just fine. And if all fails, walk in a mall. You are indoors and out of the cold. Take care and have a great Halloween.