Cholestrol counts

I always loved the "atkins ' way of eating, Type O blood so should be high protein. My Dr tried to convince me to go on a statin, since my cholestrol was elevated. I said let me try a high plant based diet, low animal fat, for 4 months and see what happens, I did that and am now waiting to see what my blood work is, (27th appt.) but now have watched "Fathead" on Netflix, which totally denounces the fact that cholestrol is animal based, I know people have said that their cholestrol has gone down on the Atkins, can anyone give me some support of this? I think it's all about moderation, but it's hard to balance .

Unfortunately most doctors have a 'standard of care' that is dictated by law and the insurance company. That 'standard of care' doesn't keep up with the latest scientific research.

Statins are bad news.
Low cholesterol diets are bad news.

If you're worried about heart disease then worrying about your cholesterol won't help. Things to do to help you reduce your risk factors for heart disease include:
-reduce stress
-exercise
-avoid highly refined oils (corn oil, soybean oil, canola oil, etc.)
-increase consumption of saturated fat, esp. from grass-fed ruminants (beef & lamb)
-limit/eliminate foods you might be sensitive too (grains, legumes, dairy, eggs, etc.)
-limit/eliminate refined(denatured) foods (sugar & flour)

And above all, do your own research! You'll hear lots of conflicting information, you have to take charge of your own health.

I'm not a big fan of Dr. Oz but this little clip seems to help people understand the current 'debate' in cholesterol and heart disease.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swrKkwlnSnI

If you really want to be an ambassador of your health I'd suggest reading the information from a nutritional researcher Dr. Chris Masterjohn at his web site http://www.cholesterol-and-health.com/

Thanks, I will check out that website, I do eat only organic veggies and fruit and ethically raised and killed meats, i use coconut oil or olive oil, no processed foods and haven't eaten anything 'white' in 20 years.(or have done my best to not indulge) As for grains, i'm not a big bread eater, when I do ,it's kamut or spelt. Oatmeal is my favourite breaky though. Dairy, i eat yogurt and a little goat milk on my oatmeal.
I do read alot about this cholestrol problem and am as you said getting many conflicting ideas. There are many documentaries made about food and nutrition but only one that i found so far that debunks the theory that animal fat causes cholestrol. I will definitely watch and read what you suggested. Thanks very much.

Sounds like you're doing quite well with your diet! Good luck with everything .

I'd also add that I've found adding starchy vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes, & squash) and homemade bone broths (soup bones, chicken feet, etc.) to my diet has helped my digestion without causing any weight gain.

I'm curious Mike, I looked on the chart with favourable foods, why are nuts and seeds down closer to the unfavourable?

I don't know. Which chart are you looking at?

There is no research showing statins help women. At all.

from the W.A.P.f. http://www.fatsecret.com/diets/member-diet/Default.aspx?dietid=3831766

and yes Katherine, i've been reading many reports and am horrified at the 'side effects' of statins.

I go to the dr's today to get the results of my blood work, it'll be interesting to see what 4 months of a plant based diet will have done to my cholestrol. I'm definitely going to stick to my guns and say no to the statins no matter what.
Back eating organic grass fed meats again and feeling good.

One thing to consider regarding cholesterol levels is a genetic predisposition. I know of someone whose numbers are around 275, she's thin, works out and is a vegan. Her doc is encouraging her to take statins.

My suggestion IMO is to begin with niacin. That is supposed to lower your levels. However, the flush side-effect is wicked. And information I've read says the non-flush isn't as effective.

In the event you feel the need to take the statins, for whatever reason, give a read online about the effect of statins on the body and what it actually does. Then consider taking COq10 or ubiquinol. Interesting articles on CoQ and ubiquinol.

Good luck.

Results: LDL down, HDL up, so he's not pushing the statins, although in a conversation bout them, he still stands by them. Claims there are many studies, one in 2006 that show a significant reduction in heart attacks in women who are taking Statins. So we'll just have to agree to disagree. I won't go on them, don't need to now anyway.

I am taking Co Q 10 and since adding animal products back into my diet i do feel more satiated and alert.

I had a retinolgist tell me not to take elevated levels of niacin as that can cause eye problems. He didn't list which ones, just recommended eating regular foods and not overdose on supplements.

mummydee,

Nuts and seeds are nutritious they just shouldn't form the bulk of your diet unless they are properly prepared through soaking or sprouting.