The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Book Reviews
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 06/22/2010
Book Review: Fat and Cholesterol are Good for you - Dr. Uffe Ravnskov
I first read "The Great Cholesterol Con" by Dr. Kendrik but I wasn't too impressed with his joking tone (I suppose many people will love it but for me this subject is too important to lose too much time with jokes!). And I found the message a bit confusing. After researching a bit further I found "Fat and Cholesterol are good for you" and the title is so controversial that I had to read it. My interest in cholesterol and fats came from the fact that a while ago I found coconut oil in a health shop and thought that I should only use it on my skin as I believed that saturated fats were very bad for your health. Then Bill from the Philippines suggested I start cooking with it but I needed to read more about the subject before adding it to our daily menu. Cholesterol is a subject I knew nothing about although I know that mine is on the high side. The only thing you usually hear about it is that it is something bad which will shorten your life, something to be afraid of. Well, in the meanwhile I know that this is not true especially for me as a woman.
I find it a pity that this book is badly edited. Even if the author had to publish it on a small budget maybe a friend could have had a look through... but the message is there! At times all the studies were a bit much for me but I can't say that they are not interesting. What I found very weird, coming from a country considered Mediterranean was the Mediterranean diet used in one of the studies which included margarine made with rapeseed oil while everybody knows that in Mediterranean countries people cook mostly with olive oil. And also the fact that people were encouraged to eat poultry instead of pork. People in Mediterranean countries do eat quite a bit of pork, beef and lam.... this goes to show that these studies are often based on errors and therefore their conclusions can't be taken seriously!
I can't agree with the author when he says that many people realize that statins are toxic. I know quite a few elderly people on statins or similar drugs who show all the symptoms of their side effects but who have no idea of what is going on. Very sad that our health is used for financial gain and not many doctors seem to care about what happens to us. Weather we live a miserable life or die it doesn't matter, we are just a statistic and a way to get rich even quicker!
This book demystifies a lot of concepts which exist in our society about the dangers (or not) of cholesterol and the author, having done a thorough research, presents his point of view in a scientific way. He also explains thoroughly how studies are misinterpreted in order to fit the directors' goals and how badly studies often are set up. He is also very clear about the financial links between the directors' and the pharmaceutical industry who as a rule finance the whole thing anyway.
Too bad that people are still being misled but then aren't we being misled on a lot of important subjects anyway? I want to read more about the use of coconut oil and the benefits for one's health but for the time being I am convinced that we have made the right choice and I don't think that I will let any doctor lower my cholesterol! After all women with higher cholesterol seem to be the ones who live the longest! But... wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to go to your doctor and be able to trust him with your wellbeing instead of having to dig around and try to find the truth yourself?
Butter
Posted by Pat (Athens, Al, Usa) on 06/13/2010
Don't know if it's true or not... but recently my Mother told me that margarine is one molecule short of being plastic! I think the more natural butter would be a safer choice between the two... but depending on what you might be using it for, try coconut oil. Just a thought.
Butter
Posted by Elizabeth (Fullerton, Ca) on 06/12/2010
I don't know who to ask... Where would I post a question about which kind of butter is best to buy? Whether it is real or substitute....
EC: Since we don't have a butter page, we're posting this on the high cholesterol page!
Iron
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 05/01/2010
Don't be too hung up on cholesterol levels. Things don't seem to be as they make you believe they are. I have just ordered a book because I want to read more about it. Be careful because lowering your cholesterol too much seems to be harmful. Especially for older people, there are researches showing that lowering the cholesterol can have bad side effects. Right now I don't know what to think but I want to read more just in case one day a doctor wants to put me on medicines. One should be able to trusts doctors on all matters concerning our health but unfortunately that is not possible!
Iron
Posted by Alice (San Antonio, Tx) on 05/01/2010
★★★★★
iron and cholesterol
I have been taking two 47.5 mg iron tablets per day for about 2 months. I started taking iron because my blood was just below the acceptable level for helmoglobin when I went to give blood two different times. I have been on cholesterol medicine for about 10 years. These medicines had brought my cholesterol, when fasting, from average of 323 down to 270 on Jan 13, 2010. After the first month on the iron, my cholesterol (non-fasting, taken at the blood bank)was 242 on March 10, 2010. When I gave blood the next time, April 23, 2010, my cholesterol (non-fasting, taken at the blood bank) was 207. Since I eat a meal just before giving blood, I have no doubt that my cholesterol would be below 200 when fasting.
Low Ldl and Hdl Remedies
Posted by Ree (Moneta, Va) on 04/27/2010
My son, who lives in another country has been having health issues for a while. Doctors ran many tests and concluded that his cholesterol is extremely low- both his good and bad. They found nothing specific wrong and no treatment advice. Normally very strong and active, he now seems to get one flu/virus after another- his immune system stays very low. Do you have any thoughts or suggestions on this? I never heard of this condition. Thank you.
Good Cholesterol
Posted by T (Maryland, Usa) on 04/03/2010
Annie, if by "high thyroid" you mean hyperthyroid (overactive), then DO NOT take coconut oil as the other poster suggested. The last thing you need is something that will stimulate the thyroid.
Good Cholesterol
Posted by Yelena (Santa Cruz, Ca) on 04/02/2010
I think coconut oil will be a great solution to your problems. 2-3 tb spoons a day should be good. Try eating it with your bread or crackers, or mix it into smoothies, or just have it as a desert. It is just yammy!
Red Yeast Rice
Posted by Carolyn (Northwest, Oh) on 03/31/2010
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I also experienced leg cramps while taking red yeast rice. However, I found that switching to taking it in the a.m. and not the afternoon or p.m. made a huge difference. I don't even get cramps every day now.
I am pro Red Yeast because after taking it about a year, my total numbers dropped 50 points! From 289 to 233 and my ratios all improved (they were good before, now even better). Not much change in diet other than that. I take just ONE 600 mg capsule per day.
Baking Soda
Posted by Steve (Austin, Texas) on 02/27/2010
Word of caution, it's not "just" angina. Angina is a symptom that the heart is not getting enough oxygen and is usually caused by a significantly blocked artery (usually 90% or more). Immediate medical treatment is required to relieve the blockage.
If you ever experience Angina (tightness or pain in the chest along with numbness or pain down the underside of either arm) which is most often brought about during periods of physical activity, you need to immediately go to the Emergency Room.
EDTA Chelation
Posted by Sheryl (Gold Coast, Australia) on 02/26/2010
Hi, I have just found this site and am finding it very interesting, I have high cholesterol,but I have never heard of 'chelation'. What is it please?
Sunny Days
Sheryl
Good Cholesterol
Posted by Annie (Chicago, Il) on 02/19/2010
Thanks for this site but can any one tell me how to bring up my good cholesterol. i have between 25 and 29. i am told women must have at least 50. i am 61 year old black woman with a miriad of complains including high blood preasure whose medication has given me a yellowing of the skin on some parts of my face. i also have high thyroid which is now almost in remision after treatment. i have refused to go on medication for two years and i think my doctor is getting fed up with me. i used the cabage leaves treatment only last night and my sore knee and elbow feel better! please me with the good cholesterol. thanks and god bless
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sathiananthen (Singapore) on 02/14/2010
★★★★★
I have been taking ACV for almost some time now. Reason high cholesterol and so on. My reading taken on the 23/10/09
Cholesterol 7.73, Trigleycerides 1.33, HDL-C 0.94, LDL-C 6.19 and Chol: HDL Ratio 8.22 all in mmol/L measurment. I went on an offensive method thats ACV 2 cap full, Lemon 2 teaspoon and 1 teaspoon of honey with pipping hot water drinking slowly.
Current result taken on 07/01/2010
Cholesterol 4.63, Trigleycerides 1.55, HDL-C 1.05, LDL-C 2.88 and Chol: HDL Ratio 4.41 all in mmol/L. For me it works well but in term of loosing weight I don't see much. I introduced ACV to my Manager who has the same problem and never once see his result pass from the test. After my advise and taken for 3 or 4 weeks on daily basics last week result out shine my report.
Those with high cholesterol please try but please check with your doctors advise. I tried after reading from the net on the benefits. One important thing I was on medication too for cholesterol (Lovastatin). My managers report was the thing which confirm of ACV coz he never see a better result in all his testing.
Thanks, Sathia
EDTA Chelation
Posted by Robert Henry (Ten Mile, Tn Usa) on 02/01/2010
★★★★★
Hi Ya'll doin, Thought I had the bull by the tail on a down hill drag, but it appears that is not the case. As a few of you know, I have been a reader and a contributor for a couple of years. I was late at this health stuff but hit it hard for the last five years. At 73, I and having and anti aging doctor and a chelation doctor, I decided to go get a jowl lift soes I could match up with my good lookin spouse of 50 years. At my age the anastegeologist was nervous and and wanted to do another EKG. It was not good, and they shut down the procedure and shipped me off to a cardiologist. This guy is gov approved.
He said he had not been sued in 32 years because he only does what the AMA approves. It pissed him off that I had
been referred by a high dollar cosmetic surgeon who was going to make me pretty. It pissed him off that I had been doing Chelation so I did not have to mess with his type. He gave me a lecture on why we should just age normally and not let an anti aging Doctor modify our hormones and blood work soes we don't get all these old age diseases. He then proceeded to give me a satin drug for Cholesterol without blood work nor asking me what my tests were. How 'bout that for science ? My Cholesterol is 156 with a 57 HDL and a 99 LDL. Tests that most 73 year olds would pray for.
I went back to my Chelation Doctor, a Thoracic Surgeon, who got tired of cutting off folks arms and legs in the early 90's and found chelation. I am back into EDTA Chelation. In my group last Thursday, I asked who they were using as a cardiologist? None... done done that and the procedures only lasted a few years. This is by-pass and stints, etc.
They rely on chelation to keep them perkin. Anyways, I's searching Earth Clinic for any help. Know to do Magnesium, ACV, Cayenne and breathing stuff. Just know that most doctors are only interested in their next vacation trip to Europe.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Potpourri (Portland, Maine) on 01/17/2010
I have been taking 2 tbsp of acv in water every morning for about 8 years. My cholesterol has been consistently around 260-278 for the past three years, up from 220-230's. Should I take more? I don't want to go on medication. and my 'good' count is too low now. It all worries me.
Baking Soda
Posted by Paul (Nashville, Tn) on 12/24/2009
high cholesterol remedies
just to update my cholesterol. went and had my blood work done and my cholesterol is in normal range. my total cholesterol was 159, HDL=47 and LDL=93. the doctor recommended i stay on 40mg of my medicine but i'm lowering it to 20mg and raising the pantethine to 450mg twice a day and keeping with my diet. i'll be getting my cholesterol checked at the end of january.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sue (Perth, Western Australia) on 11/30/2009
For those of you worried about your cholesterol, type cholesterol myths into your search engine, and prepare to be surprised.
Red Yeast Rice
Posted by Carolyn (Hobbs, Nm Usa) on 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
Red Yeast Rice
Posted by Patricia (Hartsville, Sc) on 10/14/2009
★★★★★
High Cholesterol: My bad cholesterol was over 200. After taking one 1200 mg. of red yeast rice tablet in the morning and one in the evening for 3 months, it dropped to 170 and my good cholesterol rose. I saw a report on this on the national news health watch segment. They reported that is does as well or better than statin drugs.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dean (Kennesaw, Ga) on 10/10/2009
I have been on cholesteral meds for the past yrs and I am done! I'm going in for blood work next week..while still on the meds...after that, going to stick with the ACV for 3-6 months then test again... Also I have stopped taking acid reflux over the counter drugs and using ACV - will be back in 30 days to give the acid relux update.
Baking Soda
Posted by Maria (El Paso, Tx) on 09/27/2009
Phyllis, I wanted to share my cholesterol story with you. My total cholesterol was well over 251. The doctor was threatening me with yet another prescription medicine that I would have to take for the rest of my life. I was determined to avoid that and get off my blood pressure medication in the process. I began to take Milk thistle for the cholesterol. In just three months, I was able to lower the total cholesterol to 189. I must mention that I did in fact change my diet. I avoided bread, sugar, potatoes; began eating more vegetables and protein. I managed to lose 15 lbs, and my blood pressure medicine as well.
I would also like to share that this site has been very helpful to me, my grandchild (egg whites and fever), and my husband avoided a 2nd heart attach by putting cayenne pepper under his tongue whenever he was feeling ill. We ended up in the hospital, but the doctor stated that the episode was only an angina, not a heart attack and no evidence of damage to the heart. Thanks earth clinic, for all the education that you have provided me.
Maria from El Paso, Tx
Baking Soda
Posted by Rena (Mineral Bluff, Georgia, USA) on 09/27/2009
Hi Paul from Nashville. This will be a very telling experiment, in theory it should work. Thanks for keeping us posted. You can help a lot of people with this information, Peace, Rena.
Baking Soda
Posted by Paul (Nashville, Tn) on 09/27/2009
hey phyllis, I don't know about the baking soda but i've been trying to get off my cholesterol medicine, have gone from 80mg to 40 mg and hopefully get off it altogether. the biggest thing for me was a diet change. I'v stopped eating fried foods & fast food. started eating alot of fish & steamed vegies. I started taking a supplement called pantethine, you can take up to 1200mg a day, i've been taking 600mg a day. i've been getting blood work done every 3 months. i'll be going sometime next month to see if my numbers got any lower. i'll let you know, good luck.
Baking Soda
Posted by Phyllis (Weldon, Calif. U S A) on 09/27/2009
I cant find anywhere on this site about baking soda water bringing down high cholesterol numbers. Does anyone know about this? Does baking soda water do this? And if so whats the recipe ? I will not take prescriptions. Please help. I already had one heart attack and dont want another. Thanks so much. Phyllis
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Alan (Oldham, Lancashire) on 09/06/2009
★★★★★
Update to previous publication: Apple Cider vinager, Recent blood test results back have shown excellent results (doctors words) previously 10.8 now 4.2 triglycerides, previously 6.2 cholestrol now 5, also lost 1 stone of weight but must start doing execise (not). A slight modification on the recipe i dont have the apple, i have increased the purple grape slightly with the cider vinager because what was not explained to me is i have boarderline diabetes and cholestrol taking the apple may increase my sugar level also since my blood test i have lost a futher 1lb in weight, over 5 months anyone trying these recipes good luck
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Brrr1106 (Grand Forks, Nd) on 09/01/2009
Wondering if those who have experienced such luck with taking ACV for cholestrol have also made dietary and exercise changes as well. If so, please let us know this as they factor into the success. It would be good to know what the total program is so one can gauge the success.
Omega 3
Posted by Marie (St. Louis, Mo) on 08/22/2009
My triglcerides are high so my doctor put me on omega-3-acid perscription not over the counter. a friend told me about evening primrose oil for thyroid. tell me will the omega help the thyroid and will it hurt to take these two items together? thanks.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Zeina (Abu Dhabi, Uae) on 08/18/2009
Deffenetly ACV helps not just with cholesterol but also v.good results with high blood pressure. congrats and wish u all the best
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Carrie (Eau Claire, Wi) on 08/16/2009
Ted...I read that if you get rid of the Candida overgrowth it will help with the cholesterol..because of the mycotoxins..and the excess cholesterol is there to protect you from the mycotoxins to not damage the organs...I believe that overgrowth of yeast is the reason behind disease..but it all begins with improper digestion due to certain foods such as dairy, wheat, soy and corn. Also, with acidic foods that keep the PH not where it's suppose to be at letting candida take over...and also, because of the chlorine in our drinking water that kills off our beneficial bacteria that can't then keep candida at bay..I had serious issues with candida...and found that ph balancing helped that drastically and to watch out for sugar..my diet is plain and simple and it is working for me..I have cured my allergies, ovarian cysts, hemorhoids (sp?)...and am now realizing that by taking depakote for 30 years was preventing vit D absorbancy I feel leading up to my gum disease now..I feel that I have been unhealty since a child and I am in my 40's now...why didn't the doctors tell me I needed to supplement with vit D..it upsets me...also had chronic fatigue recently and am recovering...and it was not fun..the doctors could not help me..I am recovering because I found out that vit D and calcium are imp, and ph balance, and to rid of sugar of the diet which I had such a craving for for so long due to a terrible yeast overgrowth in body..I feel that the fatigue was because of the yeast...and once I cleared this..things started to turn around..I now make better choices for myself, and it feels good to know that you can heal yourself just by changing your diet to alkaline keep it simple...rid of sugar..drink good water,,,rid of chemicals...I realize that it starts with proper digestion and if I had this as a child I wouldn't have had seizure issues and allergies, constipation and eczema...I can't believe that I finally understand what is going on here...well, all that I have done for myself is working for me...and I no longer am on any meds....just trying to save my teeth now..will see what happens as I continue to oil pull and use your advice on what to do for gum disease. Ted do you have any comments on the things I feel have been working for me?..
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dena (Yonkers, New York) on 07/23/2009
I am commenting on this message regarding ACV along with the garlic and water. I am on medication for type 2 diabetes, cholesterol and high blood pressure medication. I know that all of these medications can and will play havoc with your body. I am definately going to try this and hopefully it will take me off all meds. Thank you for this advise.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Alan (Oldham, Lancashire) on 06/28/2009
Having read a vinegar book i was later diagnosed with both boarder line diabetes and high cholestrol remembering the recipe i tried to reduce my cholestrol problem by use of ACV
the recipe is as follows:
2 cups of black grape juice
1 cup Apple Juice
1/2 cup ACV
mix, chill and drink 1/2 to 1 cup before your largest meal every day.
best to use concordia grapes they have the best tanin level. a good apple juice not consentrate gives fibre and the ACV. (dont use shop bought ACV for salads). unable to find a good local supplier i used ACV from a equine supplier fit for human consumption
my benifits are reduced weight, more energy, reduced lathergy and finding i also dont have 3AM hot sweats no more, just waiting for a blood test results for my cholestrol fingers crossed. Hopeful male
High Cholesterol Readings
Posted by Janet (Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada) on 06/25/2009
What reading is too high.. in Cholesteral?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by La Vern De Wilde (Fort Collins, Colorado) on 06/15/2009
Thank you greatly for reporting the wonderful preliminary results of high cholesterol in the 300's and down to 180, what an encouraging reversal!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by La Vern De Wilde (Fort Collins, Colorado) on 06/15/2009
The 32% drop in triglycerides is a great success and the kind of success you are seeking.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by La Vern De Wilde (Fort Collins, Colorado) on 06/15/2009
Congratulations on such a success with ACV in both the cholesterol and weight categories!!!
Thyroid Meds
Posted by Brian (Fort Worth, TX) on 06/02/2009
★★★★★
low thyroid increased my total cholesterol to 756 and my tryglcerides to 461, after taking armour thyroid my total cholesterol went down to 261 and tryglcerides to 358.
Flax Seeds
Posted by ND (Mumbai, India) on 05/16/2009
can the flax seed be chewed instead of grinding it into a powder?
General Feedback
Posted by Hal (Redlands, Ca.) on 05/11/2009
vascular concern: I read a study that when the blood is highly oxygenated, the LDL, ( bad cholesterol), can produce more plaque that sticks to the sides of the vessels. If you have plaque build up issues, you should be concerned with this side effect. What do you think?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by K.Lynn (Mt. Healthy, Ohio) on 03/15/2009
I just read your post for acv+h20+garlic. Is there any reason I could'nt use a glass(ball) jar to soak overnight? thank you.
Oatmeal
Posted by Dan (Malaga, Spain) on 03/04/2009
★★★★★
Cholesterol: I have been eating oatmeal/porridge for breakfast with honey and Brazil nuts for three months. My total cholesterol has droppped from 251 to 199, my triglycerides from 305 to 72. My HDL is 58 and my LDL is 127. I also take a cove of garlic every day and ACV and honey from time to time. However, the cholesterol drop was as a result of the oatmeal. I'm a 46 year old man, quite thin and do almost no exercise. Hope this helps.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Wendy (Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin) on 02/26/2009
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar: I have for many years (20 or so) taken daily 1tbs 3 times daily of the following home remedy. I do not get sick (sinuses once in a while) but almost never a cold. it helps with my arthritus, my hdl and ldl are good. and it help keep my blood sugar numbers down. a chiro gave it to me.
take one head garlic, chopped
1 cup cider vinegar
1 cup bottled water
- soak over night ( plastic container)
- in the a.m. add 1 cup bottled water
- take 1 tbs 3 times a day (i usually follow it with 6 oz of juice)
i swear by it.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sandra (Trenton, Florida) on 02/25/2009
Responding to the person who damaged her liver with the cholesterol med. To help this you may want to use milk thistle. We use several capsules each day as my husband is on several meds they say he can not live without but they do some damage to his liver. Now we have found no damage since taking the milk thistle. (spelling???)
