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I had a cholesterol test 6 months ago, and it was right on the border of being high. My hubby and I are looking into purchasing life insurance now that we have a toddler (should have done this a few years ago!).
We both have to have an exam (blood work) to get the best rate for life insurance, and I'm afraid if my cholesterol is still high, we will pay a significant amount more ($50/month more!).
Any tips on how to lower cholesterol quickly?! I've been exercising regularly 2-3 times per week and eating a high fiber diet. Any/all tips appreciated!
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Anon,
Thank you so much for weighing in here. It's always good to hear about positive results with something like lowering cholesterol, even if it was trial-and-error along the way. How much has your cholesterol dropped, and how much do you attribute it to your healthier diet and exercise regime?
November 24, 2009 - 9:18amThis Comment
No thanks! It's very concerning to me when I see comments that say "you should get prescribed XYZ drugs...", without knowing more about a person's health history, and/or asking them if they've considered it. As I indicated, I do not have high cholesterol currently, it is on only "borderline", and as a prescribing medical doctor would know, there are many other variables that doctors must consider, prior to a medication being prescribed; there is not a "one size fits all drug".
Statins are very effective drugs at lower cholesterol, but most people realize that there are certain conditions that are helped by certain drugs. "Almost" having a condition rarely justifies someone being told they "should" get a drug. (Also, as a Moderator, I removed your link for affordable life insurance; please do not use this site to sell products).
If anyone is interested in learning about statins, I read some great information and will post it here (click on orange link).
June 25, 2009 - 11:41amThis Comment
The Mayo Clinic had some great information on this!
1) Eat soluble fiber: at least 10 grams per day.
* If you eat 20% of your calories from walnuts, you may reduce your LDL ("bad" cholesterol) by 12%! 20% of calories from walnuts is only about 2 ounces
Other soluble fiber foods: kidney beans, apple, pears, barley, cooked oatmeal, oat bran
2) Eat foods fortified with plant sterols, and reduce your LDL by 10%! Some orange juice, margarine and yogurts are fortified, and would only need 8 ounces a day to see the (up to) 10% decrease in LDL.
3) Omega-3 was already mentioned: found in fish, as well as ground flaxseed and extra virgin olive oil.
4) Lower intake of saturated fat, especially trans fat (found in store bought cookies, cakes and crackers). Trans fat is a double-whammy: increases "bad" LDL and decreases "good" HDL!
You may want to avoid egg yolks during the 2 week period, and stick with egg whites only. If you drink 1% or 2% milk, try drinking skim milk.
Exercise is good, but only moderately helps cholesterol...diet is more important!
February 1, 2009 - 8:47pmThis Comment