[BingeAndPurge]

I just got some test results back today. Everything checked out OK except for my cholesterol. I don't understand it, but if I had to guess I would say maybe red meat is the culprit. Maybe eggs. I do not have the cleanest diet in the world, but sat and trans fats are things I take very moderately. My fiber intake has been low lately, but I really do not know much in this area. Any input is appreciated.

So, my result is a total of 239 mg/dl, whatever that means. The paper says I should be under 200. Just how high is this?

Like I said, my training principles haven't been the strictest lately, but I am working on it. Would a little tweak fix this?

Thanks in advance for responses.

[jmh80]

First - I'd say add cardio.
Also, add soluble fiber.

If you wanna try the supp. route, you can try Red Yeast Rice + CoQ-10.

Actually, there is a good writeup about cholesterol on the "Safe Cycling..." thread.
Check that out.

[william3162]

First thing you should understand is that about 80% of the total cholesterol is produced by the body. So you should review past lipid panel tests to compare. Also the HDL/LDL ratio is a more important parameter to look at than the total cholesterol. So my recommendations are the following:

1. Add cardio several times a week

2. Take fish oil

3. Red yeast rice ( Take this one cautiously since it might have the same detrimental effects in liver enzymes as prescribed statins). But it is very efffective.

4. Sesamin (it is well documented the benefits it has on the lipid panel). Using just 500-1000 mg/day will help you with your lipid panel would not hinder significantly you gains. One my favorites!

5. I you use any prohormone or steroid make sure you have Nolva as part of the PCT. Try to reduce the contact with aromatase inhibitors.

6. Eliminate coffee. It contains cafestol which has negative effects on LDL.

7. Add vegetables to your diet. This have falvanoids that might help ypu improve also.

8. Increase fiber intake: My secret is OATMEAL!

[BingeAndPurge]

I'm a coffee freak, I had no idea. That's prob. it more than anything else.

[jmh80]

Doubtful Binge.

[bioman]

I'm a coffee fiend and had pretty similar numbers. I brought them down about 50 points with a nightly dose of psyllium husks, morning oatmeal, fish oil and flush free niacin. IMO, RRY is for more serious cholesterol problems that don't respond to these milder methods.

[BingeAndPurge]

OK, I'll take your word for it, jmh. Sorry if I'm freaking out a bit, but I just never expected this. I always worry about diabetes, but not my freaking cholesterol. My wife's response was "Cholesterol? With the way you eat?"
Anyway, I do drink a shitassloadful of coffee. I'm talking a pot or more on any given day, and if not that it's green tea, sugar free Rock Star, or splenda Coke. I'm guess these are good subs, though? The cardio I'll give you and need to start running again anyway for APFT. Not on PH's or AAS'. I already mentioned my recent lack of fiber, but veggies are a regular in my diet.

Also, I guess I'll schedule an appointment with my doc to get a better read on this because I really want to know just how high this is.

[jonny21]

Originally Posted by william3162

First thing you should understand is that about 80% of the total cholesterol is produced by the body.

Sorry, but I believe you are over estimating. Although, it can vary on the individual and is regulated in part by dietary intake and by serum cholesterol levels. Don't forget, a % of the cholesterol synthesized de novo will be stored as bile and not circulating.
Some sources state < 1/2( http://www.indstate.edu/thcme/mwking/cholesterol.html )

while some state >2/3 (Advanced Nutrition & Human Metabolism) but this one is based on the thought that only half of the cholesterol consumed gets absorbed and based on average intake.

Some of the MD's I work with feel that its is ~40%, but to be honest I don't think most have any clue. They just say **** to make themselves sound right.

Now my .02

Avoid saturated fats, add EVOO (polyunsaturated fats may lower LDL but do not preserve HDL), filter your coffee, soluble fiber (oatmeal as mentioned)

If I am wrong please correct me, always looking to learn.

[bioman]

Overall, it's not that bad of a number. They keep lowering the "acceptable" cholesterol range and there's even talk of making it below 180..which is absurd and unhealthy I think.

Adding some more fiber, cardio and niacin will drive those numbers down fast.

[jonny21]

Originally Posted by bioman

... flush free niacin

unfortunately, the flush free does not help.

[jmh80]

Bio - you wanna talk unhealthy?

The last few bloodtests I've had have been right at 100 ng/dl total cholesterol.

[bioman]

Johnny- Are you sure about the flush free? I've been giving that a lot of credit for lowering my numbers. I was already using the fiber and fish oil and had high numbers.

JM- That's some scarey stuff. I loose my marbles in a big way when my numbers go way down from methyl use.

[yeahright]

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol/CL99999

Go to the Mayo clinic website and read-up. They even grade supplements by effectiveness. 239 total is pretty high but it would be helpful to know the HDL/LDL split. Your HDL should be above 40 and your LDL should be as low as you can get it. It's the ratio of these two types of cholesterol that is the greatest predictor of heart disease.

Awhile back I had a total of 268 (HDL 42, LDL 226)....so I was basically on my way to an early grave. With Psyllium husks, oatmeal, fish oil and increased exercise I knocked 74 points off my LDL and added 5 points to my HDL in 6 months).

Take your situation seriously but don't panic. You can take charge of this.

[jmh80]

Bio - those are my total cholesterol numbers naturally.

[jonny21]

Originally Posted by bioman

Johnny- Are you sure about the flush free? I've been giving that a lot of credit for lowering my numbers. I was already using the fiber and fish oil and had high numbers.

Pretty sure it is just the nicotenic acid form of B3 that has lipid lowering effect i.e. Niaspan.