What are /r/Cholesterol's favorite Products & Services?

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I'd recommend using an app like cronometer.com to track your eating for a while (1-3 months) and see what your daily macros are. It will give you perspective and show that there are a lot of changes you can make diet-wise without having to take medication. I too used to say/think I ate healthy only to learn that I was ingesting quite a bit of saturated fat per day.

I try to do the following as a general rule, with the top three things being the most important:

• less than 5 g of saturated fat daily
• at least 25 g fiber daily; oatmeal, quinoa, etc.
• less than 25 g of added sugar (fruit is okay)
• less than 150 mg cholesterol daily
• no processed foods
• no sauces or added oils
• no dairy
• eat fish but look out for ones that are high in saturated fats
• eat chicken sparingly
• almost never pork or red meat
• lots of beans and legumes
• lots of vegetables, both fresh and frozen, either steamed or fresh

Good start. I would recommend checking out this book. https://www.amazon.com/Engine-Diet-Firefighters-Save-Your-Life-Cholesterol/dp/0446506699 otherwise look into Keto diet if you want to eat meat.

If you exercise and make diet changes, you can lose weight and lower your cholesterol without statins. You are young so there is time to make changes.

Cholesterol is required in high amounts in the brain. Something like 25% of your total body cholesterol is in your brain. Also, some of the hormones made from cholesterol like estrogen and pregnenolone are good for your brain and memory. Dr. Duane Graveline wrote the book "Lipitor - Thief of Memory" because he developed amnesia every time he started taking a statin, then he looked into all the negative effects on the brain caused by low cholesterol.

Because cholesterol affects a lot more than the heart, it is better to look at the relationship between total cholesterol and <strong>all-cause mortality</strong>. It turns out that if you look at the big picture, and not just heart disease, the best total cholesterol to have is between 200 and 260, which is where most people are at, and they don't really need medication for it. While high cholesterol increases your risk of heart disease, it also lowers your risk of cancer, infectious diseases, and many other things. If you are getting strongly negative ~~side~~ main effects of lower cholesterol, you probably should not lower your cholesterol. Cholesterol is the precursor to many things that are generally healthier in higher amounts, such as Vitamin D, and all your vital hormones like testosterone and estrogen, pregnenolone, progesterone, DHEA-S, etc.

FYI if you are worrier like me and would like to be able to check your levels at home, I recommend this

CardioChek Analyzer Starter... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00408NZRS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

It’s about $180 so somewhat expensive, but to me it was worth it. I’ve found the results consistent with what I received on lab results.

That's a huge difference! Looks like Nespresso was the culprit.

You can ask any questions about glucan right here. I have DM's turned off because I prefer just chatting in the threads.

I started taking Nutrim around a month ago. Haven't measured progress yet but it has good reviews on Amazon and was developed by the ADA I believe. https://www.amazon.com/Nutrim%C2%AE-Serving-Servings-2-month-Supply/dp/B007VQWOB4

I just take 2 servings a day... you have to stir it as you drink, otherwise you'll just end up with powder at the bottom as it doesn't dissolve that good... but it's passable, it's not too bad or anything.

Which other tests did the dr show you? You can just mention it here if you want.

I bought one of these https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08NXFY64Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1

The first time I used it was soon after I had a blood test with a larger sample taken from my arm by a professional (as opposed to a finger prick like you do with this machine). The results were similar.

I love having it. I check my blood once a month and adjust my diet the following month depending on if my results are improving (I can afford to be a bit less strict with my diet if cholesterol is improving).

You may find this book helpful:

The South Asian Health Solution

Here's an interview with author that I found very interesting: https://peterattiamd.com/roneshsinha/

This book may ease your mind!

Your Triglyceride:HDL ratio is very good. You need more tests before you worry about LDL and total cholesterol. I would ask your doctor for an oxLDL test abs hsCRP. If those are good, your diet is low in processed foods, and your weight is okay, I would say you are healthy! My doctor does the Cleveland Clinic heart health test.

See a nutritionist like others have said and toward that goal also log your food for a few months so that you can actually see what you're eating. Use a program like the following to gauge your macros and also sub-categorize things like added sugar, saturated fat, etc.

https://cronometer.com

I thought I was eating healthy for a long time until I did that and realized just how much saturated fat I was introducing into my diet on a daily basis. After doing this for 3 months my LDL went from almost 160 to just over 100, and my total cholesterol went from 234 to 172.

Other over-arching tips:

• Aim for no more than 5-10 gr saturated fat a day (poultry/fish for protein, eat less red meat and pork, no dairy, no added dressings, sauces, etc.)
• Aim for 25 gr fiber or more (oatmeal, quinoa, fruits, vegetables, etc.)
• Aim for 25 gr of added sugar or less (no sweets, no sodas, if you're a snacker do popcorn)

For me, I also cut out things like nuts and olive oil, and I'm eating salmon and avocado less. These are theoretically 'good fats,' but they can be high in saturated fat, and I eat anything with saturated fat sparingly.

Collectively, this has done the trick for me when nothing else did.

For most people, dietary cholesterol will not effect your blood cholesterol. Even if you are "cholesterol responder," I wouldn't eliminate cholesterol so much as cut out cholesterol rich foods. Unless you know you are a responder, I wouldn't worry about it.

Whey protein will lower your cholesterol. If you'd prefer something lower in cholesterol look into whey protein isolate.

https://www.amazon.com/Sports-Nutrition-Protein-Isolate-Unflavored/dp/B0015AQL1Q

Also, look into psyllium husk

I know how you feel. I've always been in perfect health and am the picture of health outwardly but a highish ldl number several times over the past few years (between 130-160) has been my undoing.

My own prior efforts to adjust my diet yielded little to no improvement, and seeking medical advice from a nutrionist didn't go well. So, like you, I reached out to reddit to seek advice and similar stories.

One thing I've done over the past week has been to track my food using cronometer.com. I'm trying to avoid saturated fats and keep other things like cholesterol, carbs, and added sugar as low as possible. By tracking your food to this granular level, you may find, like I am, that you're not really eating as cleanly as you think. There is room for improvement.

With that said, I'm afraid now to even put a tsp of olive oil on salad, so if this is how I'm living, what's better - taking statins to keep ldl low and eating a wide variety of foods, or staying off drugs and having to limit your food to the point where you don't know what you can eat?

You get it from a genetic test e.g. https://www.23andme.com/. It is also known as "the Alzheimer's gene". If you have an ApoE4 allele, like me, that can be the reason for high LDL-C.

I haven’t tried these yet but plan to once my current bottle of Carlson is finished.

Pharmepa Restore, 1000mg Pure EPA Fish Oil, High Absorption rTG Omega-3, Triple Strength, High-Barrier Blister Packaging, Lemon Flavor, 1-Month Supply, 60 softgels https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B007TUK2IE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_R0J3XB00ZNXW4GKDTAAX

Carlson - Elite EPA Gems, 1000 mg EPA Fish Oil, Wild-Caught, Norwegian Fish Oil, Sustainably Sourced, Helps Maintain Healthy Triglyceride Levels, 120 Softgels https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B06XSD83PC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_6AD1HNHA80RXRP1JDG1E

There seems to be a conversion issue here, you can use https://www.omnicalculator.com/health/cholesterol-units

But the 3.09 translates to 119.5. This is considered 'near optimal' under the 2018 guidelines. 'Borderline high' is not until 130.

It would be considered high if you had other major risk factors.

You're right that there's conflicting information but the current guidelines are fairly well researched. Before the 2015 guidelines, being otherwise healthy you would be considered borderline high but the TLDR is that they were overtreating with statins. Now they look at other factors before deciding what a good LDL for the individual is.

Large factors include previous CVD, other coronary artery disease, diabetes, smoking, and high blood pressure. If you're somewhat in-between then they look at a laundry list of other factors before deciding.

Realistically, there are people who need to have LDL lower than yours but those people are at a significant risk for CVD- Some people with high cholesterol will never develop CVD and about 50% of all heart attacks happen to people with normal cholesterol levels.

Organic Amla Powder (Amalaki) | 16oz Resealable Kraft Bag (1lb) | 100% Raw From India | by FGO https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BTNSJ9U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_JGRWNS38NFCN0PP6FH7Y?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1

I see you have posted on r/mumbai so perhaps this book might be helpful: https://www.amazon.com/South-Asian-Health-Solution-Culturally/dp/1939563054

Here is a podcast with the author: https://peterattiamd.com/roneshsinha/

Yeah 100% worth trying. I switched to this diet and it has worked to lower my cholesterol and weight. The other name for this diet is whole food plant based diet. https://www.amazon.com/Engine-Diet-Firefighters-Save-Your-Life-Cholesterol/dp/0446506699

Anyone reading this who wants a good book about this program, check out Engine 2 Diet. https://www.amazon.com/Engine-Diet-Firefighters-Save-Your-Life-Cholesterol/dp/0446506699

The beginning of this year, my cholesterol was 360. So I know what you're going through. Don't worry - there is hope. You'll be okay! You are young and you have caught this early when you can still turn this around and be unaffected.

However, I do want to point out that your cholesterol is quite high. It is definitely something to take seriously.

For diets, check out "Your Best Health Ever"

https://www.amazon.com/Your-Best-Health-Ever-Cardiologists/dp/0692852816/

It's from a cardiologist and has a very simple and practical way of eating that will probably be your best course of action. In short, he advocates for a Mediterranean-type diet with lowish carbs and healthy fats.

Can you eat junk food once a week? Perhaps. The most important thing is compliance - that you actually stick to your eating plan. So if having junk food once a week helps you stick with it, it is probably a net positive. However, the less junk you can eat, the better. Perhaps you can discover some healthier versions of junk food - there are ways to make pizza or burgers or desserts that are much better for you. Perhaps you can eat very small portions of junk food.

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But I do want to say... although this may be unpleasant to think about, I do want to prepare you for the possibility that you will need to go on medication. A cholesterol that high at your age may likely be genetic, and there's nothing you can do about that. I know it is a jolt at your age, but don't worry - you'll be fine.

Every doctor I've talked to has said my high cholesterol is genetic, and there was no need to feel bad. Everyone has their own genetic issues, and at least this is easily treatable. I went on medication - and although it took a little time to dial in what works for me - now my cholesterol profile is stellar, I have 0 side effects, and the medications are generic and super inexpensive.

I used to forget all the time. Tried using an app reminder. Worked ok but sometimes I would acknowledge it was time to take my pill while I was doing something and then forget. A pillbox is the best thing. 7 Day Pretty Pillbox | Wide Weekly Pill Organizer | for Vitamins, Supplements & Pills| Ideal for Travel, The Gym, The Office, Pregnancy | Steele https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BBXK611/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_OwkeFb97YB10B

I think you should call your doctor and get a callback from a nurse.

I actually set a daily alarm when I have new medications like an antibiotic, and I don't turn the alarm off until I actually physically take the pill. Maybe that could help you?

Other people use pill organizers where they can set out each days pills ahead of time and if it's empty they took it. Something like this form Amazon

It seem your LDL-P is high. You want to work on that and maybe re-test it or add a low dose statin.

Regarding your other questions:

> Regarding the fiber pills. If I take these fiber pills before my legumes or oatmeal; In your opinion, do you believe this could have a negative impact on absorption of supplements I take with my meal?

I don't know for sure but in general lipid soluble supplements could be impacted. Can you take the supplements between meals?

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> Regarding this specific probiotic type that I have seen in your other posts and this one. I was looking on Amazon and did not really see much, I will be headed to the refrigerated department at whole foods to look for it there. But I am concerned, if I don't see it on amazon (which I would definitely not get shipped since its 105 degrees F here), I wonder if I will find it at Whole Foods. Do you have any source you use?

Here is a link to Amazon.

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> History: 1 Grandfather died from heart attack at a fairly young age.

You should measure your Lp(a) just in case.

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> Thanks again, I really appreciate your input..

You're welcome! ;-)