Are We Wrong about Cholesterol and Saturated Foods in General?

Jetpck on 09/02/2024 - 10:41
Last edited 09/02/2024 - 11:21

I recently got a blood test done and turns out my cholesterol is too high.

I am in my early 30s. I go to the gym 2 to 3 times a week. Generally eat healthy foods. Don't smoke. I find it hard to justify why my cholesterol is too high.

If any one is interested, my cholesterol results in mmol/L are:

  • Total = 6.7 (too high)
  • Trig = 0.9
  • HDL = 1.6
  • LDL = 4.7 (too high)

GP said my LDL and total cholesterol are too high and I need to watch my diet (eat more wholegrains, fruits, veggies, less meat, less saturated foods, etc).
Edit: I already eat like this. GP couldn't really explain the results and just kind off dismissed it by saying eat even more veggies, even less meat, etc

Everyone I speak to (friends, parents, other doctors) say that high cholesterol (especially LDL) is bad because it results in increase risk of heart disease. I had always thought that having high cholesterol was bad. However, now that my own results came up high I did some research and it seems that high cholesterol is not that bad. A better indicator of increased heart attack risk might be the level of HDL cholesterol (specifically, the Total/HDL Cholesterol ratio).

For example:

Low Carb & Keto: What about Cholesterol?
Your Doctor Is Wrong About Cholesterol
Don’t Worry About “Bad” Cholesterol, Says Dr. Paul Saladino

Going down this rabbit hole, it seems like what we have been taught about in terms of saturated fat is also incorrect. Saturated fat is not as bad as what we have been told.

What is your opinion on saturated fats and cholesterol?
Is the general population's view on saturated fats and cholesterol incorrect?

Health & Beauty

Comments

  • klonky on 09/02/2024 - 15:39
    +1

    Can you give us an example of your typical daily diet,?

    • mmd on 11/02/2024 - 16:26

      +1

      am in my early 30s. I go to the gym 2 to 3 times a week. Generally eat healthy foods. Don't smoke. I find it hard to justify why my cholesterol is too high.

      Define healthy? Bet you OP uses coconut oil to cook and that's super high in saturated fats

  • kealii on 09/02/2024 - 15:58

    I'm no expert but I've been reading this interesting book called Dirty Genes.
    You could have a SNP in your NOS3
    https://www.seekinghealth.com/blogs/education/super-seven-ge…
    Don't supplement to try and fix it initially, should instead maintain healthy diet of of whole fresh foods, avoid processed foods (these foods have a high shelf life), and focus on the nutrients, arginine, calcium, iron, and riboflavin b2.
    Also get good sleep, reduce stress (easier said than done).
    At the gym should do cardio 2-3 times per week.
    Apparently statins are bad and don't work, but that's a rabbit hole I haven't gone down.

  • Nugs on 09/02/2024 - 16:53
    -1

    "Are We Wrong about Cholesterol and Saturated Foods in General?"
    What does Rosemary Stanton say?
    Who is Paul Saladino? American pete evans?
    .

  • mrdean on 09/02/2024 - 18:03
    -6

    The short answer is we've been misled about a whole lot of things, cholesterol being just one of them. It basically originated with the "research" of a guy called Ancel Keys. His work dovetailed nicely with industry interests, specifically the processed seed/vegetable oil corporations. The sclerosis & clogging seen in people with cardiovascular disease is actually the body doing what it can to heal itself from damage. Diet plays a role in this, but not to the extent the mainstream will have you believe, & its not the demonized foods that are responsible. The mainstream will never admit this. Others will try to pin it on stress. This is another factor, but it too doesn't play such a big role. The source of the damage, believe it or not, in the majority of cases, is something we've all taken for granted in our lives. The development of artificial radiation & electromagnetism. Radio waves, radar, microwaves. Things are going to get a hell of a lot worse before they get better. The deluge of sudden cardiac deaths over the last 3 years should NOT be only attributed to the cv injections, although they are definitely a cause.

    • larndis on 10/02/2024 - 08:04

      Data source on cardiac deaths?

      • Randolph Duke on 11/02/2024 - 11:51
        +3

        Are you starting small and going to ask them for research on the radio wave claims next?

        • larndis on 11/02/2024 - 12:56
          +1

          Ok, I might not have read the whole post… but the 'deluge of sudden cardiac deaths' piqued my interest.

  • c64 on 09/02/2024 - 18:13
    +10

    The development of artificial radiation & electromagnetism. Radio waves, radar, microwaves.

    i'd better put on my artificial tin foil hat then

    • mrdean on 09/02/2024 - 18:23

      Buddy, you're gonna need a lot more than tin foil on your head.

  • Mad Max on 09/02/2024 - 18:43
    +3

    Risk levels for cholesterol keep being lowered. If you have a blood test with "acceptable ranges" from 20 years ago you can verify it.
    The lower the acceptable range limits, the more doctors are recommended to prescribe medication. The more they prescribe the more free conferences overseas they get invited to.
    The "scientists" carrying out reasearch and coming up with the "acceptable ranges" are funded by pharmaceutical companies.
    The main drug prescribed for cholesterol is Lipitor.
    Guess who is the owner of the company making Lipitor.
    I give you a clue. Pf…er.
    As usual…follow the money!

  • big1964 on 09/02/2024 - 18:52
    +1

    I have had cholesterol on the high since since my early 40's I now almost 60 and I am still here I do watch what I eat I have had a fibroscan and not got a fatty liver moderation is the key I think.

  • drewbytes on 10/02/2024 - 07:41
    +5

    It's the triglycerides to HDL ratio that is most important. Your tri's are vey low and HDL high, with a ratio of 0.56. Anything less than 1:1 is awesome. I suggest reading 'The great cholesterol myth' book. Plenty of studies show that for older (50+) persons, higher cholesterol is likely to help you live longer, versus if you have low cholesterol. If everything else is OK (blood sugar, blood pressure etc) I wouldn't be concerned about it.

  • OBEY YOUR MASTERS on 10/02/2024 - 08:31
    +1

    Check out Ivor Cummins Podcast

  • funkyblue on 10/02/2024 - 08:44
    +1

    We are wrong. Keto works well for me. https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/keto

  • JimJim on 10/02/2024 - 09:13

    You're neglecting your non-modifiable risk factors in your thinking. The things you and your doctor discussed are called modifiable risk factors, what you can control: your exercise levels, your diet, whether you smoke and drink etc.

    Non-modifiable risk factors are just as important. This is genetics, your gender and age, things you cannot control, but must consider in the context and assessment.

    You can do all the best lifestyle choices in the world and still be screwed over by your genetic disposition or age. This doesn't mean you shouldn't try and stay healthy though.

    • mrdean on 10/02/2024 - 11:53

      Genes react to their environment, internal, external, emotional, spiritual, material. It is not determinism which is what the mainstream would have you believe. Ever since the days of Watson/Crick, this dangerous idea that a gene is what solely determines traits has taken deep roots in the minds of scientists & led us towards the destruction of living things via the invention of clever tools like recombinant dna technology & their progeny.

  • panos on 10/02/2024 - 09:47
    -3

    Believe what you see in you tube, to your detriment. Enjoy your stroke or heart attack…..all for the sake of a tiny pill once a day…..geesus.

    • 7ekn00 on 10/02/2024 - 12:30

      Believe what you see in mainstream media, to your detriment. Enjoy your cancer, stroke and heart attack … all for the sake of simple diet change and a bit of movement once a day … geesus

  • bigbadboogieman on 10/02/2024 - 11:23

    What I've read is that the only way to reduce LDL is to replace it with HDL. Consider Dry Fruits, Nuts, Avocado, Beans, Legumes, Fish, Apples, Pears, etc.

    • 7ekn00 on 10/02/2024 - 12:32

      Try reading a bit wider, reduce LDL better than medication with a packet of Oreos per day:

      https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/14/1/73

      • bigbadboogieman on 10/02/2024 - 15:45

        Well I never suggested medication. Unless you can provide a comparative between Orea and above list….

  • PappaLuigi on 10/02/2024 - 12:05
    +2

    Trust more in the Colonel, follow the way of hot and spicy

  • Assburg on 10/02/2024 - 12:32
    +2

    OP, I was in the same boat as you when I got my first cholesterol tests back and I wanted to be combative too… but figured I'd follow the consensus before charting my own course.

    1. Started doing 2-3 hours of aerobic exercise a week and replaced gym with HIIT.

    2. Reduced my snack intake significantly (even "healthy" snacks like dried fruit or muesli.

    3. Started trying to spend significantly more time on my feet - utilising the standing desk at work, walking to cafe of a weekend morning etc.

    3 months after implementing this 90% of the time my cholesterol levels reduced significantly and t-levels had boosted to upper limit of age bracket (which I didn't expect given reduced fat intake and no more heavy lifting).

    But, ultimately, I feel 100% better and energetic all the time.. give it a go before deciding a few not yet generally accepted reports know better than the entire medical community's consensus.

  • zionbiggestfan on 10/02/2024 - 14:49
    +1

    It's frustrating when a healthy lifestyle doesn't seem to reflect in blood test results. High cholesterol, particularly LDL, increases heart disease risk. Despite your efforts, genetics or other factors could be at play. Discuss further with your GP and consider consulting a specialist. Balance both HDL and LDL cholesterol. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise, and weight. Stay proactive in managing cholesterol levels with regular monitoring and communication with your healthcare provider.

  • zine21 on 10/02/2024 - 14:53

    Few things you're missing with this
    - the impact of your own genetics (can run in the family but lack of it doesn't mean there isnt something in your own unique combination of genes thats pre-disposing you to higher levels of cholesterol - eg if its a recessive trait and both of your parents are carriers, then it won't be visible in them but someone who has 2 recessive alleles will inherit said trait).
    Also most medical studies and recommendations that is practiced is based on general average. So it applies to many but doesn't mean it will apply to all. so theres likely something else contributing to your cholesterol than just diet. It could also be what you drink(alcohol), it could be associated with your liver and how its processing things, theres many factors to consider.
    So unfortunately for you, it just means you have to be a bit more cautious given theres something about you thats pre-disposing you to it.
    If you feel you are careful with your diet, then increasing your HDL consumption can actually be helpful. SO instead of just subtracting, think of what else could be added to your diet to get the "good cholesterol"

  • Dabbler68 on 10/02/2024 - 15:07
    +7

    A few years ago, I had a few undesirable blood levels .. high cholesterol, poor HDL/LDL ratio, triglycerides … 7 outside desirable range from memory. Reading and watching numerous articles like those mentioned by the OP I went on a Keto style diet. Not full keto, but avoided the high carb stuff completely (no bread, rice, cereal or potatoes for example). Allowed the occasional sinful meal. Minimal change to physical activity.

    Next blood test, 6 of the 7 markers had returned to within the normal range. The 7th was cholesterol and that had improved.

    Since then I have kept carbs intake low and feel a lot better for it. Grain products are at the bottom of the food list.

    As far as saturated fats intake, I don't understand why we would be the only animal on the planet that avoids the fattiest parts of the kill. Nature designed us through evolution to include meat in our diets, and often the primary food source. It makes no sense at all that we should avoid the most nutritious parts.

    • Aureus on 10/02/2024 - 15:47
      +1

      It makes no sense at all that we should avoid the most nutritious parts.

      Having a heart attack and dying in your 60s or 70s has very little impact on passing on your genes. Our bodies have evolved to be resilient while we are younger, at the cost of our health when we are older.

      Saturated fat does increase cholesterol (LDL and HDL). Pretty strong evidence of that. The impact forms an "S" curve. So there is no bad health impact of eating saturated fat up to a threshold, then a big spike for higher consumption and then it levels off. So people who eat high levels of saturated fat, will not get higher cholesterol levels when eating even more saturated fat.

      Not saying you need to change your diet at all, obviously it is working for you.

    • mickrb30 on 15/02/2024 - 22:56
      +1

      totally aggree,
      when keto, only strictly ate pure natural foods with no additives
      carbs, sugar, processed foods eliminated , no exercise or dieting fasting
      results
      lost close to 20kg without even trying
      all aspects bloods improved dramatically, all in healthy range
      high blood pressure lowered to normal ranges
      was diabetic before, know doc says i no more a diabetic according to my tests, he cant believe it
      overall feel extreme more energetic, happier, heather , huge difference
      having small amounts of carbs is ok,

  • pennypacker42069 on 10/02/2024 - 15:53
    +5

    Saturated fat and cholesterol are healthy for you, nutrition science has been corrupt for decades.

    • liongalahad on 10/02/2024 - 17:25
      +1

      good luck

      • pennypacker42069 on 11/02/2024 - 20:13
        -1

        I think the people taking dietary advice from 1960s misinformation need the luck lol

  • Camelface on 10/02/2024 - 16:36
    +2

    I guess you are from Asia, or more likely from Indian subcontinent. Unfortunately, the Australian risk scales are catered for big, fat caucasians. In the UK they have better ways of assessing the risks, taking the nationalities and origins of the individuals into consideration.

    Based on you cholesterol levels, you probably should start taking statin.

    • champakbhoomia on 11/02/2024 - 23:03

      +1 , i found it hard way. see my comment below.

  • mrvaluepack on 10/02/2024 - 17:17
    +1

    Everyone i know seems to have "high" cholesterol as well. Fat, thin, built, all shapes and sizes. How can everyone be unhealthy and be that unlucky? Something tells me the data on healthy limit levels are incorrect.

  • Ozari on 10/02/2024 - 17:34
    +1

    I remember reading an article on cholesterol which said something like….”inflammation, caused by “something”, resides on the inner walls of your arteries. Cholesterol then covers these inflammations…which is the body’s response to hold back this inflammation. Naturally too much cholesterol will block your arteries and the consequences. Cholesterol can also break away partially or completely.” paraphrasing….If only I could find out what is causing this inflammation in the first place….

    • NEGATIVEVIBESONLY on 13/02/2024 - 15:19

      inflammation….. are caused by…
      eating oxidised food, i.e. vegetable oils
      eating fake foods, i.e. ultra processed food, Impossible Foods: Meat made from plants etc.
      eating a diet with high omega 6, i.e. vegetable oils, margarines, animal that is grain fed
      smoking cigarettes
      chronic high levels of glucose in the bloodstream, i.e. you eating more calories than you actually can burn off.

  • bs0 on 10/02/2024 - 17:39

    Tell us your typical day to day diet OP

  • scooba on 10/02/2024 - 18:21

    What nationality and background are you?

  • CptnObvious on 10/02/2024 - 18:44

    My cholestrol dropped significantly as soon as I stopped eating red meat, as well as the fortnightly bag of chips that I didn't think was too bad.

    • Guerilla89 on 10/02/2024 - 19:14
      +1

      There is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. HDL helps to clean up LDL, LDL is what gets stuck in the wrong places. You should worry more about the ratio of HDL to LDL than just overall cholesterol numbers. You should also worry more about how much your arteries are actually calcifying.

  • Guerilla89 on 10/02/2024 - 19:11

    Have a read of this:
    https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dietary-cholesterol-doe…

    I think the best way to think of cholesterol is to think of it like white blood cells. When you have high white cells, you basically have an issue somewhere. Just lowering them isn't going to fix the issue. Same thing with cholesterol, when you have high cholesterol your body is trying to deal with inflammation. Throwing out the cholesterol doesn't fix the inflammation that will ultimately cause your heart attack.

    Also I wouldn't worry too much about what you see on YouTube, just think critically of what you see and check the studies otherwise it's just hogwash.

  • belongsinforums on 10/02/2024 - 20:17

    Yes the doctors are all wrong but you are right

    • idonotknowwhy on 10/02/2024 - 20:42

      Yes the doctors are all wrong but you are right

      He literally linked to a doctor who says not to worry about cholesterol though? lol

        • Mistredo on 10/02/2024 - 21:54

          What's your point? Just because one doctor was fake all YouTube/TikTok doctors must be fake too?

          • belongsinforums on 11/02/2024 - 00:38
            -1

            @Mistredo: what's your point? a doctor said that cholesterol is as real as jesus so now protein isnt real too?

            • idonotknowwhy on 12/02/2024 - 10:03

              @belongsinforums: That wasn't a doctor. It was a fake-doctor. OP linked 3 videos.

              1. Dr. Sten Ekberg - Unfortunately, this seems to be a fake doctor as well (Chiropractor). Having a look at his other videos, sometimes he's correct, sometimes bullshit.

              2. What I've Learned - Not a doctor, but doesn't claim to be, just some random youtuber.

              3. Dr. Paul Saladino - Real doctor who agrees with OP.

              So the third one, is a real doctor who agrees with OP, therefor not all doctors say OP is wrong. There's another real doctor called "Dr. Cywes" who also agrees with OP.

  • E C on 10/02/2024 - 20:26

    I haven't seen it mentioned so I will just say, get a second opinion when you can and explain your concerns. There are stress tests and stuff you can do along with ECG/EKG to help put your mind at rest regarding your heart. Hopefully - you are fit as a fiddle and can continue doing what you are doing, maybe chuck a statin in to your routine and see if it changes anything? Also - if it turns out to be a bad thing, aren't ya glad you caught it early?

  • Thaal Sinestro on 10/02/2024 - 21:20
    +3

    Olive oil and fish oil, both lipids, decrease my cholesterol. Fats aren't bad (in the old days diets like the Pritikin vilifed all types of fats).

    There have been long term studies of people taking cholesterol lowering statins, and for the vast majority of people they don't decrease mortality. People are just flushing money down the toilet while lining Big pharma's pockets. The only people who benefit from statin therapy are those with extremely high cholesterol.

    So, basically, you have nothing to worry about. Life is dangerous. No matter what you do, you are still going to die. Just try to get as much enjoyment from life as possible; don't fret over your health; it just makes you unhappy.

  • petepumpkin on 10/02/2024 - 23:13
    +1

    They're just trying to sell you statin pills - they probably get a cut from the deal.. I don't trust them doctors

    • Nicoletta on 11/02/2024 - 09:49
      +2

      GP handed my husband a shiny statins brochure before he'd even tried modifying his diet. Does make you wonder!

  • jlwjlg on 10/02/2024 - 23:45
    +1

    are you on Keto?
    I Watched a Harvard Medical Student perform an experiment on himself eating 12 Oreos daily to lower his cholesterol.
    He's on Keto. His cholesterol is high. He said any carb e.g. potatos, will have the same effect. But I suppose if you increase your carb intake, you no longer on Keto.

  • Wilson Wallace on 11/02/2024 - 09:31

    How much do you weigh if you don't mind me asking? What's your height?

  • Nicoletta on 11/02/2024 - 09:47
    +1

    My husband tried the standard cholesterol-lowering diet on doctor's advice - less saturated fat, more fruits and veggies, avoid eggs, cholesterol-lowering-margarine etc - and it didn't work. He saw a naturopath and tried a different approach - eating lots of eggs, avocado, salmon, nuts, coconut oil etc - and managed to lower it. I think its one of those conditions that a one size fits all approach doesn't work on. It depends on the underlying cause - we eat basically the same diet and my cholesterol is fine and his is elevated. Must be something in the genes!

    • Aureus on 11/02/2024 - 11:15
      +2

      Some eggs are fine to eat even with raised cholesterol, our bodies do a good job of controlling cholesterol production, but there is a small increased risk if you eat a lot of eggs.

      Eating foods like avocado, salmon and nuts are actually highly recommended. I am surprised the doctor didn't advise your husband of this. You don't just want to eat less saturated fat, but also replace that fat with healthy unsaturated fat. Also nuts have phytosterols, which is the ingredient in cholesterol-lowering-margarine that lowers cholesterol.

      Coconut oil is a bad idea and I recommend you DYOR on that one. Some people say coconut oil is heart healthy because it contains medium-chain triglycerides, but the truth is coconut oil only contains a small amount of these triglycerides. Coconut oil actually raises cholesterol more then any other plant based oil. Better to replace with EVOO instead.

      • idonotknowwhy on 12/02/2024 - 21:21
        +1

        No idea why you're being down-voted. What you're saying is all correct. Coconut oil, and even the refined MCT oils, raise triglycerides in the blood markers too, since not all MCT's are converted to ketones.

  • Vomo on 11/02/2024 - 12:02

    Mine was high like that too and I eat whole foods, lots of veggies and avacado. Try switching to light milk, less butter, less full cream yogurt, less streaky bacon. You can still eat rump steak, salmon, any chicken but not deep fried. Avoid deep fried.

    I got it down by 0.5 with a few simple changes, no stress. As being said you are predisposed so it’s harder. But listen to the doctor, there’s also a risk of stroke

  • deepdag on 11/02/2024 - 14:04
    +1

    Hi OP,
    Have you considered your stress levels? Meditation to reduce stress could make a big impact.

  • quikchip on 11/02/2024 - 15:12

    Good thread, thanks for bringing it up (not your cholesterol).
    I'm in late 30's, male, short (160cm) but quite muscular genetically (75-80kgs).
    I was living overseas for a few years and went to the gym 5-7 days a week, weight training, very fit (75kgs) and was doing keto diet and 3 day fasts. I did a blood test. Results came back at:
    Total cholesterol- 7.3
    Triglycerides- 1.3
    HDL- 0.7
    LDL- 6.1

    I came back to Sydney 2 years ago, working full time so go to gym 2-4 days per week, eat sugar and everything, gained some weight (80kgs), results came back at:
    Total cholesterol- 7.5
    Triglycerides- 1.2
    HDL- 1.0
    LDL- 6.0

    Drs are trying to get me on their meds, no thanks. I'm in the same boat as you and don't believe the hype about cholesterol.

    • May4th on 11/02/2024 - 17:02
      +2

      Will you believe the hype about stents and bypasses when you need them?

    • Camelface on 11/02/2024 - 19:48
      -1

      You should take meds.

    • ChupaCabra on 14/02/2024 - 11:10

      You might not be eating enough soluble fibre. Try oats each morning and remove fried foods/soft drinks as a start. I was 7.1 and came down to 5.7 in less than 3 months.

  • BarginBrah on 11/02/2024 - 15:41
    -2

    Don't listen to your GP. You knowing you're fit and healthy. Eat good food. Eat meat. workout.

    No one has more interest in your own health than you. Doctors can only use general, non specific care and info. It's just plugging things in and seeing what the script says.

    Edit. Look up a brah called. 'raw egg nationalist' might be of interest to you.

  • Shamdog on 11/02/2024 - 16:05

    I'm 2 weeks into the carnivore diet. I'm torn between the conventional dogma that high LDL cholesterol is bad and the new, increasingly popular theory that cholesterol is not a holistic metric to measure the likelihood of heart disease. I'll redo my bloods in 3 months to see how it's all tracking.

    • Aureus on 11/02/2024 - 17:32

      Carnivore is a fad diet. No strong evidence that it is healthy. Only really influencers pushing this diet. apoB (which includes LDL) test is still the best indicator of risk of cardiovascular disease.

      If you want to go low-carb, there is a small amount of evidence showing that combining Keto and Mediterranean diet could give you the best of both diets. That is basically low carb, but avoiding too much saturated fats.

      • Shamdog on 11/02/2024 - 20:58
        +3

        Maybe. Maybe not. I wouldn't call it a fad diet, just a diet that hasn't had the benefit of time to undergo the required "studies". In the absence of any studies all feedback has been anecdotal thus far. From the dozens of people I've spoken to, it's all been positive, especially for weight loss and autoimmune conditions.

        I'm trialling it for three months so we'll see if it works or not. I'm optimistic. Otherwise, I agree, keto/Mediterranean seems like the most sustainable long term.

        • Aureus on 11/02/2024 - 21:04

          It is true that we don't have a lot of data, but unless our understanding on nutrition is completely wrong there are too many issues with this diet to be healthy. But yeah I imagine you would lose a lot of weight on it. Good luck with it.

  • tissue on 11/02/2024 - 17:52
    +4

    Long post but here goes. Had 2 uncles on fathers side die in the late 50s-early 60s, all large around the waist much like my own father. White anglo background. Getting my annual skin check my skin doctor said that I will die from heart disease like most people with my background and should do more about that rather than so focused on skin cancer. Stats are around 70% of white anglo males die of heart disease – both pre and post COVID (for those anti-vaxxers here).

    Have been getting 6-monthly blood tests for the last 5-6 years and can note:
    - Diet alone in my circumstances could reduce it by ~10-15% (nowhere near enough)
    - Diet and exercise got this down around 20-30%. (not enough)
    - Research I did was that some of the supplements might boost this by another 5-15% at best.
    - None of this was enough to get my familial hypercholesterolemia to within the acceptable levels.

    Did a Calcium Score (zero) and Stress Tests (good enough) but its all genetic. Only thing that fixed my results was a statin. Cheap statin. $4/month.

    My father is now nearly 70 years old and has been on a statin for almost 50 years. None of his brothers were, which is probably the best thing he has ever done.

    For others playing along at home, here are the targets if you are HIGH RISK:
    Total Cholesterol – below 4.0
    Triglycerides – below 2.0
    HDL – above 0.9
    LDL – below 2.0

    Statins have managed to get my total/tri/HDL/LDL results from:
    Previous – 5.8/1.2/1.27/3.53, to
    Current – 3.4/1.1/0.96/1.94

    Before or after statins I am still extremely low risk on all calculators, but I find it cheap insurance to potentially live another 10+ years from relevant family history.
    For another view – listen to the Cholesterol Conundrum podcast from Dr Ross Walker. Link here for transcript: https://www.fxmedicine.com.au/podcast/cholesterol-conundrum-…

    I started looking into the supplement he recommends, and should have asked my cardiologist about it, but the general advice I have had is:
    - Doesn’t matter what your issue is, diet and exercise improve everything
    - My experience was to always go for the fish option at every chance (e.g. going out to dinner)
    - Taking a daily statin is cheap insurance with limited side effects if you get the right one
    - Calcium scores aren’t that relevant as it cant check every artery in your body
    - Additional testing (e.g. ApoA/ApoB testing or small-LDL) may help to improve your diagnosis but more likely wont add any weight behind it. If your cholesterol is high, knowing that from your additional testing that it is familial doesn’t change the outcome or treatment required.

    • champakbhoomia on 11/02/2024 - 23:05

      What statin is $4/month :-\ I'm paying like $19

  • tonsta on 11/02/2024 - 18:03

    You need more MSG in your diet.

  • deek on 11/02/2024 - 18:16

    Good podcast on cholesterol, using recent scientific studies.

    https://youtu.be/1vhu02_MRjA

    The two people giving the podcast are a naturopath and a chemist, so they're in the field. Could be worth a listen if you want to know the latest research on this topic.

    • Aureus on 11/02/2024 - 19:45
      +1

      A naturopath and a chemist are not at all in the field.

      • deek on 12/02/2024 - 12:59

        Don't be so quick to be dismissive. Have a listen to the podcast. They're both extremely knowledgeable on processes that happen in the body.

        Naturopaths come from a position where the body can be treated through diet and exercise, not drugs. As such, they need to be keenly aware of how the body works.

        The chemist in the podcast appears to have studied in biological chemistry. He has intimate knowledge on the actual chemical processes happening in the body.

        As such, both are definitely in the field. Both also use scientific studies from reputable sources to back up their positions. They're not just spouting opinion.

        • Aureus on 12/02/2024 - 14:57
          +1

          Medical professionals also think that conditions can be treated with diet and exercise. Naturopaths do provide some common sense medically proven advice, but they also love pseudoscience. They aren't actual medical professionals. Homeopathy isn't real.

          The chemist is still not in the field. Maybe you could say he is close to the field, but hangs out with naturopaths.

          • deek on 14/02/2024 - 16:37

            @Aureus: That's true. More medical professionals are recognising diet and exercise as treatment for various conditions. Though many are still resorting to drugs as their default solution. Opinion not backed up by study, but by anecdotal experience.

            Also true that naturopaths do believe in some weird stuff. That's fine. The podcast I linked to doesn't go on about homeopathy, but actual scientific studies. Have a listen. They do back up their reasoning with research.

            The chemist knows a hell of a lot more than most naturopaths and doctors, combined. If he's not considered in the field, then the field is sadly lacking.

  • RiseAndRuin on 11/02/2024 - 18:27

    I wouldn't be surprised if your GP also told you to have less EVO oil.

  • kaleidoscope on 11/02/2024 - 18:33

    Are We Wrong about Cholesterol and Saturated Foods in General?

    Yes.

    Is the general population's view on saturated fats and cholesterol incorrect?

    Yes, very

    What is your opinion on saturated fats and cholesterol?

    Been experimenting on high protein/ high fat diet for year+. Results speak for themselves. Will never go back to eating balanced diet with plenty of whole-grains and veggies propaganda 💪. I don’t calorie count or eat in moderation, just good old 2 meals aday and no snack / garbage food in between.

  • frostman on 11/02/2024 - 20:21

    Generally eat healthy foods

    What does that mean?
    Anyone here that gave you the slightest advice based on that is a total tool, you may as well ask your 10 year old sister.

    Ive been in the gym for 15 years and the stories i've heard are shocking, people have varying misconceptions on what healthy is, from; eating bacon, eggs and hash browns for breakfast thinking this is hitting goals, to over-carbing up and asking why they have gyno.

    Go see a Sports Dietitian, and list out your weekly meal intake on a paper and let them assess it,
    Cholesterol varies per each person, I know people that eat steak/red meat almost daily and their T Chol is hovering at ~5.2 (not that T Chol on it's own is a sole indicator of health)
    Our bodies produce Chol varying and gets rid of it varyingly too, no person's specific diet with their 5.0 Chol is going to work on you.
    However one thing to note, high LDL + Trig is a recipe for disaster, i've a friend that did a triple by-pass at age 30 because his arteries were clogged with sh*t.

    The only advice I can give you stranger; is exercise more, sweat more, less alcohol, and hydrate. Intermittent fasting helps too. That's it.
    Diet advice, should be left to the said job I mentioned above once they do a thorough assessment of your 'body type'.

  • ChupaCabra on 11/02/2024 - 22:08
    +1

    I just went through the same thing OP. I'm 32, fit and my cholesterol was 7.1. I did a quite extreme diet and got it down to 5.7 in 3 months (~20% drop and almost all of that was LDL). My exercise regime didnt really change as I already gym 3-4 times a week with cardio. Perhaps added slightly more cardio. Anyway brief points below:

    -Fibre, fibre, fibre… Eat oats daily (quick oats, rolled or steel cut it honestly doesnt matter for cholesterol). Add in some chia seeds and goji berries for extra fibre, antioxidants and flavour. I also put some honey on. Super quick and great for cholesterol.
    -Avoid any fried foods. Roast veggies are fine but dont put olive oil/butter/etc on them.
    -Avoid cooked butter & oils where possible. This one is a bit of a pain as you cant always do it. Uncooked olive oil is actually pretty healthy and fine though.
    -Don't have any soft drinks / cut high sugar processed foods.
    -Avoid red meat (I had like once a month). Stick to chicken breast & turkey if you want to be optimal with your meat. Fish is usually fine too however do your research on the types of fish that are good for cholesterol. Fish also can have nice healthy fats.
    -Eat nuts unroasted/unsalted variety. Cashews are great in stir fries. Walnuts are easy to eat as a snack.
    -Eat fruits. Again great fibre.
    -Add raw Cacao (not chocolate) into your diet. It is delicious in a smoothie / with a protein shake. Proven to lower cholesterol

    Finally with all your diet changes take a good multi vitamin just in case you miss something else your body needs. I noticed with above diet that my B vitamin levels dropped and also that I needed to add more healthy fats into the mix. So more avo and nuts.

    • 7ekn00 on 14/02/2024 - 09:46

      Still D3, K2 and A deficient - they are fat soluble vitamins ;)

      Lack of K2 will actually raise your calcium scores and increase risk of heart disease

      • ChupaCabra on 14/02/2024 - 11:18

        Yeah exactly good fats are important for your vitamin absorption. Personally wasn't low in any of the above just noticed that B was lower.

  • BuDWiZe on 11/02/2024 - 22:44
    +2

    Steer clear of vegetable/seed oils
    Use real butter and animal fats. Dont deep fry shit. Ev olive oil from reputable source also seems to be good but raw not cooked with. Then see your results change after a few months

  • champakbhoomia on 11/02/2024 - 22:59

    So I was diagnosed exactly in same circumstances in my 30s. Same advice from doctor - to manage via goo diet etc… been doing that for many years on and off but Cholesterol was poorly or average controlled. Fast forward, 40s - have calcified arteries and LAD 60% blocked by the stupid cholesterol build up.

    Don't do what I did, take good control or start medicine. In my case, it was genetically high apparently.

    • 7ekn00 on 14/02/2024 - 09:48

      It's reversible, I have done it in my 50s

  • IgG on 11/02/2024 - 23:15

    Question: did you fast for long enough prior to the blood test?

  • matt-ozb on 11/02/2024 - 23:17

    what weight are you? maybe you are overweight.

    are you losing weight at the moment? my cholesterol was high during a heavy cut to get ripped, but normal a few months later.

  • R4 on 12/02/2024 - 00:02

    My experience:

    Many years ago I had a health scare and got to see a cardiologist a few times. My cholesterol was fine at the time ( and still is). He told me that you can only reduce cholesterol by diet by a small amount. To really reduce it you need medication. By all means change your diet, but it may not have the affect you're looking for.

  • Ruddaga on 12/02/2024 - 00:43
    -1

    Has to be genetics man.

    I've eaten crap my entire life yet every time I get a blood test or check my blood pressure, always is great.

    Mind boggling.

    • AlienC on 12/02/2024 - 05:44

      Same here it's weird.

      I have eaten both healthy and unhealthy.

      Nothing really changed so i just said fk it.

  • AlienC on 12/02/2024 - 05:44

    Stress is the main killer so don't stress
    Just relax more

  • Cheesysmiles on 12/02/2024 - 09:27
    -1

    Possible that your high LDL could just be due to your genetic predisposition?

  • maverickjohn on 12/02/2024 - 10:04
    +1

    It most certainly is bad for you. I used to work as a cardiology nurse educator and can tell you so many athletes/gym frequentwrs coming in with heartattack due to high cholesterol (talking ldls and triglycerides here.)

    • 1Kenobi on 12/02/2024 - 11:25
      +1

      Does Avocado really help cholesterol?

      • maverickjohn on 12/02/2024 - 12:01

        Can't answer that.. best to talk with a nutritionist / dietician.
        I would assume yes, that despite avocado having high cholesterol it also has high fibre. And high fibre diets generally are favourable for reducing cholesterol. (Metamucil for example doubles as a cholesterol lowering agent.)
        We normally start them on a hmg coa reductase inhibitor

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