Oatmeal
★★★★★
Oil Pulling
★★★★★
Ironically I started OP a couple of weeks before my quarterly blood cholesterol profile which was shockingly lower than it has been in spite of being on Lipitor for years! For the first time in my adult life, total cholesterol dropped below 190 (down 30 points) and LDL below 100 (down 25 points), making me a huge believer in OP. I don't intend to change the Sunflower oil to another unless those numbers go back upwards in a future profile.
Additionally, my teeth are whiter without wearing away enamel, postmenopausal hot flushes have decreased in frequency and intensity, and my morning coffee afterward OP is delicious LOL
EC: More about oil pulling here: https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/oil_pulling.html
Omega 3
Omega 3
★★★★★
Orange Oil
(Gippsland, Australia)
09/13/2011
(San Francisco, Ca, Usa)
12/03/2011
To Mark from La Jolla, If you get an Organic Orange, wash it well, trim off the blossom end and the stem end and discard them (unseen pests can reside there), chop the orange up unpeeled and throw the whole thing in the blender with some pure distilled water, there will be Orange Essential Oil in the resulting blend.
The essential oil of the orange fruit resides in the orange-colored zest of the peel.
Regards, Linda
Plant-Based Diet
★★★★★
In July, my husband's doctor was concerned because his cholesterol (specifically, the "bad cholesterol") was elevated AND his calcium cardiac test revealed significant blockages in all of the main arteries in his heart. My husband has a bad heart history in his family.
His doctor said, "I can write you a prescription for statins or you can go vegan, gluten free, sugar free." The doctor said that would be the diet that could potentially reduce the plaque in his arteries.
So, my meat and potatoes husband went gf, sf, vegan. (He didn't have to give up potatoes! ) This is about how I eat anyway, due to Alpha Gal Syndrome. It was more motivating to make interesting meals for more than just myself.
Anyway, labs this week were the proof in the pudding!
In six months, his total cholesterol went from 182 to 122!
In six months, his LDL went from 121 to 65!
I am very proud of him.
We did not repeat the calcium cardiac score yet due to the significant amount of radiation exposure with that, but these numbers plus the other health benefits are motivating him to stay on this diet.
Some other things to note, which may have helped to improve his numbers -
He eats oatmeal every day for breakfast. Oatmeal is supposed to be good for cholesterol.
He eats raw baby carrots with guacamole or hummus with his lunch 5 days a week. Carrots are supposed to be good for cholesterol.
He uses a monkfruit sweetener in his coffee. He also uses oatmilk as a cream alternative.
My primary oil to use is olive oil. We also use some plant butter.
I make so many lentil recipes, his potassium is actually a tad elevated. (Lentils are a good source of potassium! )
I have made many, many recipes from a food blog - minimalist baker. They have been a lifesaver - fast recipes with not a ton of ingredients - and delicious. She even has a df, gf biscuit recipe that is amazing.
My husband's blood pressure is doing much better on this diet and he has been able to cut his blood pressure med in half and still has better readings than he did 6 months ago on the full dose! He may be able to get off this med completely.
He does eat fish and chicken and bread once in a while, mostly when we go out and he does partake in celebratory meals like weddings and holidays - he just tries to be moderate with portion sizes.
Oh, and he lost 50 pounds total without any effort beyond the effort of staying on the diet!
I am thankful for his perseverance. I want him to be around a long time. :)
~Mama to Many~
(somewhere, europe)
01/23/2022
BRAVO!!!! Lucky you!!
(Georgia)
01/29/2022
Super! Happy for both of you!
(Tn)
01/29/2022
Mama to Many,
I would add Vitamin K2 to his regimen. It was researched a few years ago.. it is the mineral mover of the body...Moving excess minerals from arteries and into the bones. Study showed...To get enough one would need to eat 30# of broccoli per day. It is sometimes packaged with D. Less than 10$ for 3 months supply..
(TN)
11/20/2022
★★★★★
Hi!
It's been 10 months since my report on my husband's success with a plant-based diet for his high cholesterol.
Since then, he has introduced a more regular use of chicken and turkey (mostly added to curries! ), an egg here and there, and fish (salmon) a couple of times a month. He drinks a glass of wine with dinner once in a while and has an occasional beer. He is still gluten free and sugar free and eats no dairy or red meat or pork. I would call it a plant-based diet still, but we were not sure what the changes would do to his cholesterol. He still consumes oatmeal and raw carrots most days.
He had bloodwork done last week. His cholesterol is down to 114! HDL is still 65. Doctor was thrilled. His blood pressure is even a bit lower, and he got the go ahead to try going without medication for a while and see what happens.
His decades of ibs-d symptoms are also pretty much gone. I believe dairy was the problem all along.
I also had bloodwork done and my cholesterol is 110. HDL 48. I eat pretty much the same as my husband, minus the beer and wine and carrots. (I don't like beer, wine gives me a headache, and carrots are hard on my jaw.)
Any special diet is easier to do with someone else! When we go to pot lucks I often bring a Massaman Curry and rice, our favorite, and now a favorite of some of our friends.
Happy early Thanksgiving, you all!
~Mama to Many~
(Colo)
02/20/2023
Great info! Mama, I'm curious to know what you think - I have high cholesterol (runs in the family but grand/parents have lived to 87-101) and blood sugar. After heart palps, doc recommended calcium test but noticed your husband was concerned about the radiation. I had a few c-scans & mri for a surgery last year, and another due this month. Not sure more radiation from the calcium test would be wise (mammogram also due). Being already thin, removing meat and eggs will take me down to 100# or less... but don't want statins or a heart attack. Thanks!
Progesterone, Vitamin D
(Bop, Nz)
05/09/2012
For those with Vitamin D deficiencies, have you tried Cod Liver Oil? It's the highest form of Vit D apart from the sun and since it's natural, you could do no harm taking this oil - capsules would eliminate having to taste it!! Also good for re-mineralising teeth I've heard and am about to start it for just that reason.
(Manganui, Northland, New Zealand)
05/09/2012
Psyllium Husk Powder
★★★★★
Red Yeast Rice
| 5 star (7) | 58% | |
| 3 star (2) | 17% | |
| 1 star (1) | 8% | |
 (2) |
17% |
★★★☆☆
So three months ago, I found out I have a high total cholesterol of 229. My LDL was 165. I am 51 and I am active only as a mom and one who does pilates four days a week. I call myself a vegan slash pescatarian slash vegetarian low on the dairy though slash turkey or chicken maybe once every two week. Put it like this people were shocked when i told them i had high cholesterol. Anywho my nurse practitioner decided to have me tested for this genetic disorder. My brother actually has the genetic disorder that makes his cholesterol high so he's on statins. Well i refuse to get on that medication because i understand the side effects are not good but to each his own and no judgment here. Not at all. My nurse practitioner put me on fish oil and red rice yeast to treat my high cholesterol but check this out before being put on red rice yeast my a1c was good. It was 5.4, but after three months on red rice yeast my a1c which has never been high shot up three points 5.7. I am wondering if this red rice yeast caused my a1c to rise. I heard prescription statins do the same thing. I meet with my practitioner this week and will ask her if this is a side effect of red rice yeast. If it is i want to get off. I have already started adding more carido to my exercise routine and cut those carbs out i know are not good for me but they taste so good even if theyre organic and used with good ingredients. Okay so what are your thoughts on red rice yeast and the possibility they elevate your a1c? I have a gut feeling it has increased my a1c. Also, my three month check up my total cholesterol went down from 229 to 209. My LDL went down from 165 to 140. So it appears it is working but I also believe changing my diet and doing intermittent fasting 16:8 has helped too. I appreciate any comments and i look forward to reading them. Bye
Hi KAYJAY,
You are correct in thinking that red yeast rice may be raising your HbA1c. Red yeast rise is essentially similar to the statin drug Lovastatin/Mevacor as discussed here :
Here is a relevant quote from the article :
Red yeast rice contains chemicals that are similar to prescription statin medications. One of these, called monacolin K, has the same makeup as the drug lovastatin (Mevacor). Doctors prescribe statins to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Statins are noted for increasing HbA1c as discussed here in this Cleveland Clinic article :
https://www.ccjm.org/content/90/1/53
Here are some very relevant article quotes :
- The weight of the evidence suggests that statin use is associated with an increased risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus, but the magnitude of the effect has varied across studies, including differences between randomized controlled trials and observational studies.
- The risk is generally greater with high-intensity statin therapy and higher statin doses. However, many other variables are also involved, including prediabetes, genetics, central obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, lifestyle, and other medications, most notably glucocorticoids.
- In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, statin use is associated with a small increase in hemoglobin A1c, and this effect may be greater with atorvastatin than with other statins. However, the benefits of statins in preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease outweigh their adverse effects on glycemic control.
It is hard for me to understand how the potential risk to start diabetes is an acceptable side effect of statins given the many health dangers associated with diabetes.
You might be interested in reading my article regarding Nattokinase, high cholesterol and atherosclerosis here as a potential alternative to red yeast rice :
https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/high-dose-nattokinase-for-atherosclerosis.html
In my opinion, cholesterol is a poor marker for atherosclerosis, which statins are supposed to help prevent.
To make matters worse, this 2020 article suggests that statins can potentially contribute to atherosclerosis :
Here are some relevant quotes from the article :
- Statin therapy is associated with higher coronary artery calcium scores and increased macrophage Rac1 (Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1) activity in patients.
- Statins disrupt the complex between Rac1 and its primary inhibitor RhoGDI (Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor), in macrophages, leading to Rac1 activation and Rac1-dependent IL-1β (interleukin-1 beta) expression.
- During experimental atherosclerosis, statin therapy leads to macrophage Rac1-dependent increases in IL-1β and atherosclerotic plaque calcification.
Art
Red Yeast Rice
Have always had good numbers on almost all health related things. Played 4 sports and when I couldn't anymore due to an injury, I took up walking some years ago. Now at 69, still walking 4-5 miles every day, I find myself with high cholesterol and triglycerides. Most of that is genetic, but I didn't expect it as I thought I could get around it by walking.
Tried red yeast rice about 2 weeks ago and developed extreme pain in my left thigh. Of course I have stopped taking it, but in the meantime I am almost unable to sleep because of the pain, going on about 5 days now.
Once I get moving the pain fades into the background and it seems to occur when I am laying down. I guess I'll go back to ACV which fixed my acid reflux a few years ago. Does anyone have an antidote to Red Yeast Rice?
Alan M.,
Red yeast rice has the active component Monacolin K which is chemically identical to the active ingredient in the statin drug Lovastatin :
Here is a relevant quote :
' Red yeast rice products may not be safe; some may have the same side effects as certain cholesterol-lowering drugs, and some may contain a potentially harmful contaminant. '
Lovastatin is known to cause muscle pain and muscle damage :
https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/lovastatin-oral-tablet#important-warnings
Here is a quote from the article :
' Serious muscle damage warning: Using lovastatin raises your risk of serious muscle problems. These problems include myopathy, with symptoms that include muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Myopathy can lead to rhabdomyolysis. With this condition, muscle breaks down and can cause kidney damage and even death. If you have unexplained muscle pain or weakness, stop taking lovastatin right away and call your doctor. '
Another option might be lecithin granules at two tablespoons / day. It can be thrown in a small glass of water without mixing and just drink it down or it can be sprinkled on foods, desserts or added to smoothies.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3065734/#:~:text=Lecithin is capable of reducing, nervous system and brain activities.
Here is a relevant study quote :
' One-two months before the treatment beginning, blood samples were collected for total lipids and cholesterol fractions analysis. The results showed a reduction of 40.66% and 42.00% in total cholesterol and of 42.05% and 56.15% in LDL cholesterol after treatment for one and two months, respectively. A significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations was observed during the first month of treatment, suggesting that the administration of soy lecithin daily may be used as a supplemental treatment in hypercholesterolemia. '
Art
Alan M.,
I forgot to answer your question about what to take for the muscle pain. CoQ10 has been shown to alleviate the muscle pain :
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.118.009835
Here is what they concluded :
' CoQ10 supplementation ameliorated statin‐associated muscle symptoms, implying that CoQ10 supplementation may be a complementary approach to manage statin‐induced myopathy. '
It may be more beneficial to use CoQ10 in a soft gel form for best absorption.
Art
Red Yeast Rice
Red Yeast Rice
★★★★★
When my cholesterol was checked 08/26/2015 it was higher than it's ever been. My total cholesterol was 353 LDL 263 Triglycerides 163. This report did not even show my HDL.
The first month I didn't do anything and continued drinking coffee.
The second month I started taking Red Yeast Rice Complex that also had CoQ10, Policosanol, Pantethine and Plant Sterols. I took 600 mg twice a day. My cholesterol was checked again on 10/24/2015. My total cholesterol was 276 HDL 73 LDL 183 and Triglycerides 87.
The third month I quit drinking coffee and continued taking this dosage for about another two weeks and then took 600 mg once a day until the bottle was gone.The beginning of the third month I also started a Terrain Modification program where I am only drinking nutrient dense liquids through out the day and eating one meal per day that is mostly raw. I just had my cholesterol checked again on 12/04/2015 and the total cholesterol was 239 HDL 87 Triglycerides 128 and LDL was 126.
My cholesterol ratio went from 6.2 down to 2.7 in just a little over three months.
Red Yeast Rice
★★★★★
(Hobbs, Nm Usa)
10/14/2009
★★★★★
Response to Patricia. Yes the red yeast rice works better than the statin drugs and it is all natural. Much better for the body. But be sure you take at least 200 mg. of COQ10 with it because red yeast rice takes COQ10 out of your body. Besides COQ10 protects the heart. My husband has been doing this for years and his doctor can't believe how good his cholesterol levels always are.
God Bless,
Carolyn
(Plymouth, Ma)
08/18/2018
Can you tell me the brand of red rice yeast you took? It looks like in the USA the statin ingredient that you need is taken out. The FDA doesn't want competition for big Pharma. I am looking for one that is made outside of the USA. Or a way to make it yourself. Maybe Ted can find one outside of USA. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Have very high hereditary cholesterol and refuse to take statins. My blood pressure has always been perfect; and there is no family history of heart problems but I am tired of Dr's telling me I need statins.
Check out Whole Food Plant Diets,, your heart should be fine on it...
(Philippines)
08/20/2018
Hi Susan...I used to be able to buy red yeast rice when I was living in Luzon in the Philippines but have since moved to Cebu. There are also several other effective ways to help reduce high cholesterol. Here is a short list of recommendations for you:
* Take Ted's protocol to reduce high cholesterol.
* Take Chanca piedra(CP) tea on its own three times a day or supplement CP capsules(500mg) three times a day with meals. Chanca piedra safely lowers cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, reduces blood sugar, protects the liver and does so much more for your health.
* Take niacin (100mgs to 500mgs three times a day always with meals). If the niacin flush is too much for you then just reduce the dosage. Niacin acts to unclump sticky blood(it does this electrically) to help reduce blood pressure safely.
And here's a video by Dr Joel Wallach on the causes and cure for high cholesterol problems:
Red Yeast Rice
★★★★★
(Flagler Beach, Fl)
09/27/2010
Cholesterol can easily be lowered, in fact your body will normalize all functions if you just transition to a plant based lifestyle and alkalize to 7.365. Cheating sets you back a long way so no cheating. The food must be seasoned properly or it won't taste good and taste is the attraction to liking the food of course. We are health ministers and we know what it takes to be healthy. Be patient you didn't get that way overnight and it won't go away over night. But it will go away if it isn't normal.
Red Yeast Rice
★★★★★
(Hale, Mi)
05/19/2013
I've read a few of the posts on red rice yeast and I would like to comment as an RN. First, keep in mind that if you have the misfortune of having hypercholesterolemia, you must continue treating it. Your LDL may lower with treatment but will return to high # when you stop treatment. Secondly, to the gentleman who doesn't want to lower his # below 200? I will see you in my CCU unit someday when you have a heart attack because your cholesterol was too high! Don't forget about the HDL! (Good cholesterol) it is just as important! It helps to eliminate the "Bad" LDL. Omega-3 fatty acids! 2-3 grams daily.
(USA)
05/20/2013
I disagree. I got my cholesterol down using red rice yeast, but I'm keeping it down by watching my diet. I no longer take something for it. Years back I was on zocor but it had horrible side effects (not due to zocor, says dr). I exercise, eat a variety of fresh vegetables, use coconut oil, eat fresh fish often--and it stays down with a good ratio of ldl/hdl.
(Dayton, Ohio, Usa)
05/20/2013
Protecting yourself against heart disease requires far more than just simply lowering your cholesterol levels. In fact, 50 percent of the people who are hospitalized with heart attacks have normal cholesterol levels, and 25 percent of people who develop premature heart disease have no traditional risk factors at all. Maybe elevated cholesterol isn't the real cause of heart disease in the first place.
Trillions of dollars are spent on cholesterol lowering drugs (statins) and heart disease is still the leading cause of death. What is wrong with this picture?
(Hampshire)
09/05/2018
@Tinydancer: I agree, read the book The Great Cholesterol Myth, it makes perfect sense to me. High Cholesterol does not mean heart disease. My cholesterol is sky high but I will never take statins, I know lots of people on them, I work with the elderly, and all of them have horrible side effects. I am considering the Red Yeast Rice but am a bit dubious.
Go with your gut feeling, doctors are not keen on alternatives and generally won't even listen.
