How to reduce LDL Cholesterol?

[Beaveheart]

On 8/22/2023 at 8:26 PM, Steve5380 said:

 

Good question.  The answer is NO.  Acid reflux happens when we eat food close to bedtime,  and we take the horizontal position with a full stomach that is making its digestion with acids.  The earlier you eat dinner and so the more time passes before you go to bed,  the less chances to have acid reflux.  It also can happen if one takes a SIESTA right after a huge lunch.

 

 

If you drink your lemon juice with turmeric with vinegar,  do it with a straw so you ingest it back in the mouth and not in the front where your teeth are,  because the acid may slowly damage your teeth.

That makes sense. Thx

[Derren]

With the load of information out there on the net, it can be really confusing. I think it's better to err on the safe side.

It's good to work towards bringing down your LDL levels, preferably through diet and lifestyle modification such as:

1. Eat a diet rich in a variety of vegetables and fruits. 
2. Cut down on salt and sugar intake. This is probably the best thing you can do.

3. Minimise eating processed foods and trans fats. 
3. Cut down on saturated fats. There is some controversy about the link of saturated fats to heart disease, but most studies seem to support the link.

4. Eat more unsaturated fats e.g. nuts, seeds, oily fish

5. Be physically active throughout the day. Make sure you stand up and move for every 2-3 hours of sitting. 
6. Exercise regularly. Aim for moderate intensity aerobic exercise at least 120 mins a week. That works out to about 20-30 mins a day 5 times a week.

7. Resistance-train twice a week. Building muscle improves your metabolic health.

8. If you have a genetic condition for very high levels of LDL then you should be on statins or some drug

 

[Steve5380]

On 8/31/2023 at 10:08 AM, Guest guest said:

Thought once you have clogged arteries or heart blockages, it cannot be reversed. The only thing that can do is not to worsen the clogged.

 

I saw vitamin that have K2 and D3 together in one tab, maybe i go buy such vitamin to eat, hopefully would reduce calcium deposit on blood vessels.

 

Anyway, it seems like i am eating many different type of supplements. Wonder if it is overload for my body and bad for my health instead.

 

Yes, we can overdo it with supplements.  But K2 + D3 is not going to be a problem.  The upper limits for K2 and D3 are very large.  

[Steve5380]

Yesterday I had my yearly checkup with a different primary care physician.  He could not find anything wrong with me.  Except... he found my LDL a bit high.  I replied that my Triglycerides and HDL are very good, which are the important values.  But no.  He insisted:   Seven years ago I had a Doppler Carotid test that revealed a little plaque. My doctor at the time suggested a low dose of statin plus a baby aspirin,  which I never took.  This new doctor, which I like because he is quite thorough,  insisted that having show a little atherosclerosis ( I dislike this word ) in the carotid raises a flag that I can have it overall.  And "it does not get better over time"...  and it could have progressed with age...  and... it could add a 20% mortality over 10 years...   So well,  instead of arguing with him I accepted a prescription for some low dose Lipitor.  I don't have a copayment, so I will pick it up from the pharmacy and store it.   But to take it is MY decision and no one else's!  At my request he ordered another Doppler Carotid test, and the result of it will influence my decision.  I doubt that I will take the stuff.   I already have a super healthy diet,  exercise,  and I will add to my supplements an extra 50mg (low dose) of Niacin which is helpful in this case. 

 

A 20% mortality over 10 years at 80 is not too bad, ha ha.  I am curious what this somewhat older traditional doctor will put pressure on me to do in the future. But I am diplomatic and after arguing a little I will say yes,  even if afterwards I don't follow up or throw the pills in the trash.  

[ERFAbangBear]

I read somewhere you could try drinking more green tea. (In human models, researchers associated higher green tea consumption with lower LDL cholesterol levels. In animal models, EGCG lowered certain enzyme concentration levels and decreased LDL cholesterol levels.)

 

[DrFhill]

One common misconception spread by general physicians all over the world to sell more statins.
It's Triglyceride and HDL that we should focus on.

[Guest Facts]

3 hours ago, Steve5380 said:

Yesterday I had my yearly checkup with a different primary care physician.  He could not find anything wrong with me.  Except... he found my LDL a bit high.  I replied that my Triglycerides and HDL are very good, which are the important values.  But no.  He insisted:   Seven years ago I had a Doppler Carotid test that revealed a little plaque. My doctor at the time suggested a low dose of statin plus a baby aspirin,  which I never took.  This new doctor, which I like because he is quite thorough,  insisted that having show a little atherosclerosis ( I dislike this word ) in the carotid raises a flag that I can have it overall.  And "it does not get better over time"...  and it could have progressed with age...  and... it could add a 20% mortality over 10 years...   So well,  instead of arguing with him I accepted a prescription for some low dose Lipitor.  I don't have a copayment, so I will pick it up from the pharmacy and store it.   But to take it is MY decision and no one else's!  At my request he ordered another Doppler Carotid test, and the result of it will influence my decision.  I doubt that I will take the stuff.   I already have a super healthy diet,  exercise,  and I will add to my supplements an extra 50mg (low dose) of Niacin which is helpful in this case. 

 

A 20% mortality over 10 years at 80 is not too bad, ha ha.  I am curious what this somewhat older traditional doctor will put pressure on me to do in the future. But I am diplomatic and after arguing a little I will say yes,  even if afterwards I don't follow up or throw the pills in the trash.  

A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a blood clot. This blockage can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle, leading to various symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and discomfort in the upper body. High LDL cholesterol is one of the risk factors for developing conditions that can lead to a heart attack.

 

It's concerning that individuals as young as 30 in Singapore may be experiencing cardiovascular issues. Lifestyle factors, such as diet, physical activity, and stress, can contribute to heart health. Regular check-ups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and managing risk factors like cholesterol levels are crucial for preventing heart-related issues, even at a younger age. If you have specific concerns, consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable.

 

If you're not a healthcare professional, avoid letting overconfidence lead you to believe you are one. Your journey isn't complete until you return home, so it's essential not to speak prematurely.

[Sweetie Pie]

8 hours ago, Steve5380 said:

Yesterday I had my yearly checkup with a different primary care physician.  He found my LDL a bit high.    I had a Doppler Carotid test that revealed a little plaque.  This new doctor, insisted that having show a little atherosclerosis  in the carotid raises a flag.  And "it does not get better over time"...  and it could have progressed with age...  even if afterwards I don't follow up or throw the pills in the trash.  

Argghhh.....mortality.  You are probably fighting a spiritual war against principality.  Time to consider spiritual healing instead, like taking communion and.....PRAY!!  

[Steve5380]

12 hours ago, Guest Facts said:

 

It's concerning that individuals as young as 30 in Singapore may be experiencing cardiovascular issues. Lifestyle factors, such as diet, physical activity, and stress, can contribute to heart health. Regular check-ups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and managing risk factors like cholesterol levels are crucial for preventing heart-related issues, even at a younger age. If you have specific concerns, consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable.

 

If you're not a healthcare professional, avoid letting overconfidence lead you to believe you are one. Your journey isn't complete until you return home, so it's essential not to speak prematurely.

 

The same happens to young people in America, and it is sad.

 

We should avoid overconfidence, which is often an attribute of young people who think they are indestructible, and use the resources of established medicine which is helpful in most cases.  But like overconfidence is bad, so is overreliance in medical doctors with white coat and stethoscope around the neck.  There is clear evidence that profit is a large driving force in medicine.   Our best protection comes from learning and investigating the works of our body from different sources, especially if we or a beloved one have a health condition, of which we should become borderline "experts".  Both in Singapore and America we have this fantastic tool that is the Internet, which can answer the many questions we should have like a cyber-servant.    

[Guest guest]

17 hours ago, Steve5380 said:

 

Yes, we can overdo it with supplements.  But K2 + D3 is not going to be a problem.  The upper limits for K2 and D3 are very large.  

What do you mean by upper limits for K2 and D3 are very large?

[Steve5380]

1 hour ago, Guest guest said:

What do you mean by upper limits for K2 and D3 are very large?

 

It means that it is very difficult to overdose on these vitamins.  While K2 is safe below 40mg/day, and D3 levels of 30,000IU are still safe, the supplements you find are much lower than these, so you are safe.

[Derren]

On 11/10/2023 at 7:28 AM, DrFhill said:

One common misconception spread by general physicians all over the world to sell more statins.
It's Triglyceride and HDL that we should focus on.

 

ApoB is a more accurate biomarker of cardiovascular risk than LDL. Do consider requesting the doctor to order this test in your next checkup.

[Sweetie Pie]

1 hour ago, Derren said:

 

ApoB is a more accurate biomarker of cardiovascular risk than LDL. Do consider requesting the doctor to order this test in your next checkup.

Instead of LDL, blood clots and arterial problems can be primarily caused by excessive calcium and blood glucose going rogue in the blood stream.  To identify LDL as the only culprit is missing the forest for a tree. 

[Guest guest]

2 hours ago, Sweetie Pie said:

Instead of LDL, blood clots and arterial problems can be primarily caused by excessive calcium and blood glucose going rogue in the blood stream.  To identify LDL as the only culprit is missing the forest for a tree. 

Maybe you are right. I have mild heart blockage, and i always eat light and yet i do not understand why i have blockage. Could be due to excessive calcium.

[Steve5380]

10 hours ago, Sweetie Pie said:

Instead of LDL, blood clots and arterial problems can be primarily caused by excessive calcium and blood glucose going rogue in the blood stream.  To identify LDL as the only culprit is missing the forest for a tree. 

 

What have forests and trees to do in this topic about cholesterol?  Does cholesterol grow on trees?

[Steve5380]

I have found this video on YouTube that deals with statin drugs, one of the champions of modern pharmacology! There is this idea that cholesterol runs away from statins.

 

 

I don't know much about this "Dr." Mason.  Is he a regular M.D.?  He seems to be quite progressive in holistic medicine...  but aren't traditional M.D.s the only wise and almighty?

 

Dr. Mason wants to scare me away from lectins.   But... my new doctor, an experienced elderly man with white coat and stethoscope,  has warn me that without statins my "omnipresent atherosclerosis" can kill me.  In any case, my inclination is to avoid the side effects of statins.  And I think that the best way for this is to avoid taking them.  

 

 

8 hours ago, Guest guest said:

Maybe you are right. I have mild heart blockage, and i always eat light and yet i do not understand why i have blockage. Could be due to excessive calcium.

 

There is some trustworthy information that the best way to avoid harmful deposits of calcium is to take the combination of vitamins K2 (the MK-7 variety) and plenty of D3. This not only reduces calcification in blood vessels, heart valves, but also in articulations, which may cause arthritis pain. And it directs the calcium to the bones as needed.

.

Edited November 11, 2023 by Steve5380

[Guest Guest]

5 hours ago, Steve5380 said:

 

What have forests and trees to do in this topic about cholesterol?  Does cholesterol grow on trees?

5 hours ago, Steve5380 said:

Dr. Mason wants to scare me away from lectins.   But... my new doctor, an experienced elderly man with white coat and stethoscope,  has warn me that without statins my "omnipresent atherosclerosis" can kill me.  In any case, my inclination is to avoid the side effects of statins.  And I think that the best way for this is to avoid taking them.  

 

Might have missed some points ... but what are the side effects of statins that caused you to avoid taking them? Thx!

[Sweetie Pie]

10 hours ago, Steve5380 said:

 

What have forests and trees to do in this topic about cholesterol?  Does cholesterol grow on trees?

Human are the tree of life.  Not familiar to you?

Edited November 12, 2023 by Sweetie Pie

[Steve5380]

6 hours ago, Guest Guest said:

Might have missed some points ... but what are the side effects of statins that caused you to avoid taking them? Thx!

 

It's simple:  just google "side effects of statins",  and the computer will tell you.

 

1 hour ago, Sweetie Pie said:

Human are the tree of life.  Not familiar to you?

 

No.

[Sweetie Pie]

🤬

Edited November 12, 2023 by Sweetie Pie

[Sweetie Pie]

10 hours ago, Guest Guest said:

what are the side effects of statins that caused you to avoid taking them? Thx!

First thing came to mind it is bad for the liver and once your liver is damaged, other side effects will follow. 

3 hours ago, Steve5380 said:

 

No.

Pity.  Somone must has kept you in the dark since young. 

[Guest Guest]

42 minutes ago, Sweetie Pie said:

First thing came to mind it is bad for the liver and once your liver is damaged, other side effects will follow. 

Pity.  Somone must has kept you in the dark since young. 

Thanks Sweetie Pie 😘 ... at least you made an effort to answer me. Will for sure ask Dr. Google later. 🙏

[Guest guestVitamin]

21 hours ago, Steve5380 said:

I have found this video on YouTube that deals with statin drugs, one of the champions of modern pharmacology! There is this idea that cholesterol runs away from statins.

 

 

I don't know much about this "Dr." Mason.  Is he a regular M.D.?  He seems to be quite progressive in holistic medicine...  but aren't traditional M.D.s the only wise and almighty?

 

Dr. Mason wants to scare me away from lectins.   But... my new doctor, an experienced elderly man with white coat and stethoscope,  has warn me that without statins my "omnipresent atherosclerosis" can kill me.  In any case, my inclination is to avoid the side effects of statins.  And I think that the best way for this is to avoid taking them.  

 

 

 

There is some trustworthy information that the best way to avoid harmful deposits of calcium is to take the combination of vitamins K2 (the MK-7 variety) and plenty of D3. This not only reduces calcification in blood vessels, heart valves, but also in articulations, which may cause arthritis pain. And it directs the calcium to the bones as needed.

.

Vitamins K2 and D3 really so good? Any medical evidence?

[Steve5380]

1 hour ago, Guest guestVitamin said:

Vitamins K2 and D3 really so good? Any medical evidence?

 

Yes, they are very good.  Especially the vitamin D,  which is ESSENTIAL.  Maybe in tropical Singapore you can get much of it from the sun. But even so it is advisable to supplement it.  5,000 IU/day of D3 is a good dose, or if still deficient, 10,000IU is not unreasonable.  It should be taken with plenty of food, it is fat-soluble.

 

For information on how essential vitamin D is, you can google "deficiency of vitamin D" and get plenty of expert opinions.  You can also watch this video on a YouTube window:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz7u92mifPI

[Sweetie Pie]

11 hours ago, Guest guestVitamin said:

Vitamins K2 and D3 really so good? Any medical evidence?

Not good for your wallet and many supplements in the market have standard statements written on their bottle "This statement has not been evaluated by FDA...blah blah blah....and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases...blah blah blah..."   Taking different supplements is like purchasing an entire range of colors from an acrylic paint to paint an orange on a white canvas.   Some supplements are water soluble that enter your mouth and then you pee them within the same day.  Not very necessary to spend on them, in my opinion. 

 

People, if you eat healthfully, you don't need supplements, and if you fast, your body can still make the nutrients it needs to survive. One bottle of multivitamins is the only safest and most economy supplement you will need in your purse.  Even though it's a tiny dose,  it is sufficient to help prevent development of possible cancer cell in the body.   Any shortfall wil bel sufficiently made up by the foods you eat daily (meat, seafood, vegetables, fruits, and nuts).

 

I don't want to say anymore, wait you guys say I "HAO LIAN". 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Steve5380]

1 hour ago, Sweetie Pie said:

 

People, if you eat healthfully, you don't need supplements, and if you fast, your body can still make the nutrients it needs to survive. One bottle of multivitamins is the only safest and most economy supplement you will need in your purse.  Even though it's a tiny dose,  it is sufficient to help prevent development of possible cancer cell in the body.   Any shortfall wil bel sufficiently made up by the foods you eat daily (meat, seafood, vegetables, fruits, and nuts).

 

I don't want to say anymore, wait you guys say I "HAO LIAN". 

 

 

I won't say "HAO LIAN".  It is obvious that you are living in the past.  

 

In the past, human food was grown in fields that were not depleted of nutrients, animals were eaten that grew on these fields full of natural nutrients.  TODAY we have McDonalds, and an immense collection of highly processed foods in the stores.  So to eat healthful is still possible, but there is less of "the good" in the healthy food, and the most natural ones are getting every time more expensive.  And, unbeknown to you,  you may be eating a lot of food that has been genetically modified.  Bon Appetit  

 

"One bottle of multivitamins" sounds like a comfortable way to take care of the issue,  because the "multi" may indicate many.  How many, thousands?  The bottle has perhaps hundreds of capsules, but all of them have the same low number of vitamins, in amounts that may be too low.  So...  don't be lazy,  and care for many individual vitamins in amounts you decide,  not what some pill maker decides to put in his capsules. 

 

And "if you fast",  the body will ultimately run out of the nutrients it needs to survive,  unless you are a plant and live from the air and the sun light.   

.

Edited November 13, 2023 by Steve5380

[SGFitness]

I've heard that eating more oats can help reduce cholesterol.

Otherwise getting more exercise be it resistance training or cardio can help too.

[Sky894]

Strength training...grow more muscles n intermittent fasting. Lift weights with parts of body in gym for abt 20min. Then jog at ard 10-12km/h on treadmill for 15min +, empty stomach b4 breakfast.

 

That will kickstart your body to go into fat burning state. More muscle mass also help to convert the LDL to HDL. Low density lipoprotein has higher proportion of fatty acids. Lipoprotein = fat + protein...main form of fat transported in blood. When muscle breakdown fat, the lipoprotein has lower fat content hence become high density (HDL).

 

HDL will go ard the body to collect more fat...it's a reversible reaction/ carrier system in the body to transport fat ard the body. Fat must bind to protein to be soluble in blood which is aqueous (mostly water).

 

Hope the above makes sense to you. I am giving advice which I follow myself to keep LDL in check.