I Am Doing A Low-carb Diet And Have High Cholesterol.?
I did not have it checked before I started. I am 31 y.o and my total cholesterol is 257. I do believe that I should eat as a hunter/gatherer (low carb) Should I continue and eat leaner and recheck my cholesterol in a month?
Did you only just start the low carb diet? I have read many times that cholesterol goes up initially and then goes down.
Heres a quote from Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution 2002 edition, page 111:
“In fact, the most common question I’m asked when I tell a patient what I expect them to eat is “But won’t my cholesterol go up?” I have no hesitation in answering, “It will probably go down.” And in cases where your total cholesterol goes up, what you will most almost invariably find is that your HDL (good) cholesterol goes up more then your bad (LDL) cholesterol does, thus improving the all important HDL/LDL ratio.
Typically, triglycerides plummet within the first month on Atkins, then HDL begins to rise. In some cases, LDL will rise. If it does, ask your doctor to test for the subtypes of LDL to determine whether it is the low-risk type of LDL or the high-risk type that has risen. Low risk LDL, large fluffy lipo-protein A, is so designated because it doesn’t cause plaque to form in the arteries. Research has shown that high fat diets will raise beneficial low-risk LDL.”
He also mentions elsewhere in the book that sometimes if triglyceride’s drop dramatically, cholesterol rises.
Just remember, there is a huge shadow over how much cholesterol really matters (especially if female) yet universally everyone agrees on the importance of lowering triglycerides. Carbs raise triglycerides, pure and simple. Here is a page I have been working on, I am still adding research but there is lots there: http://www.apinchofhealth.com/resources/…
You might be interested in the one titled, Reducing the serum cholesterol level with a diet high in animal fat.
the body produces cholesterol in the liver so the total cholesterol value is mainly genetic (60-70%). the diet only plays a small role in the total cholesterol value and has a much bigger effect on the HDL:LDL ratio which is more important in terms of health. a high fiber intake of 30 grams daily will help to decrease the total cholesterol value. consume all natural complex carbs like beans, oats, lentils, barley, whole grain rice, etc. and plenty of veggies for various forms of fiber. consuming plenty of unsaturated fats from sources like olive oil, safflower oil, pumpkin seed oil and assorted nuts and seeds. basically plant fats will increase the amount of the good carrier of cholesterol called high density lipoproteins or HDL and decrease the bad carrier of cholesterol called low density lipoproteins or LDL. technically there is no such thing as good or bad cholesterol it is the carrier of cholesterol that differs. for women decreasing the saturated meat consumption for soy does wonders for improving the HDL:LDL ratio
You should eat fish and lean meats and you will not have a problem. Stay away from the mayo too. The south Beach diet book (phase 1) has really great recipes and is heart healthy.
Low fat, complex carbs, and high fiber cereals is the key. Forget Adkins. It works in the short run, but you can’t sustain that. Just a fad.
You gonna exercise any?
Your cholesterol will respond quickly to a low fat diet. Other important fats, like triglyceride, ldl, hdl, much slower. Hdl (the good cholesterol) for instance, requires exercise and lots of it
to get up.
Good luck.