High Cholesterol

I just found out my cholesterol is 263. I am only 30! I do have a family history but it usually occurs at an older age. I don't eat fried foods, I am not a huge red meat eater (although I eat it more than I used to because I am anemic) and not big on chips and oily foods. I am pretty active as well. I have a nutritionist appointment in 6 weeks but I want to do something in the meantime. Any suggestions of foods I should eat/stay away from. My doctor said gluten free may be the way to go. I guess I just need some ideas, I am freaking out a little bit.

Re: High Cholesterol

I would start by watching your intake of animal products. If you drink milk, drink non fat, limit your red meat intake, grill or bake your meats don't fry or sautée (vegetables as well). Limit use of oils and butter. Also watch your Trans fat intake. Trans fat lowers your good cholesterol (HDL) and rises your bad (LDL) unlike saturated fat (which is sill bad, but it only raises your bad). Look for partially hydrogenated oils in the ingredients (if it is an ingredient then there is Trans fat in it and you should stay away even if the label claims 0g Trans fat). Work on getting your HDL up, exercise (lose weight if you have to). Eat FIBER! Fiber helps lower cholesterol.

Family history and your genes play a huge factor in cholesterol. Someone may exercise, eats right and still have high cholesterol.

BTW- I wouldn’t worry about staying away from gluten, that would make no sense regarding cholesterol!

Re: High Cholesterol

Do you know your breakdown of LDL and HDL. If you have a high HDL (good) that can also raise your total cholesterol level up. It's more about the ratio.

Re: High Cholesterol

Thank you so much for responding! My good cholesterol was pretty high 100. I am going to try to be more lablel concious. I have stomach issues and pretty bad anemia so it is kind of a challenge. I am not a big dairy person and I can't eat fried foods so I won't have a problem doing that. I am going to up my fiber intake and start reading those lablels! I think I am also going to start a food journal so I have something to bring to the nutritionist. The whole thing really scares me. Thank you again for the advice!

Re: High Cholesterol

Hmmm, if your HDL is 100 which by the way is awesome, that is most likely why your total cholesterol is up. A high HDL is positively associated with a decrease risk of heart disease. Good luck with your Nutritionist- please make sure whoever it is is appropriately credentialed :)

Message edited 8/11/2010 8:19:30 PM.

Re: High Cholesterol

If you have a family history of high cholesterol then it can effect you at any time....not just when you get older. Since I have a family history they started checking mine at around 20.

Also since you have a family history you may only be able to control it minimally with diet. My fathers is high and his diet has no change on it...its just his genetics.

There are certain food that help to lower it and Ill have to dig out the list and get it to you.

Re: High Cholesterol

Thank you very much ladies. The nutritionist is a recommendation from my GP and is affiliated with her practice. I am going to look into it anyway just in case. Allison I would appreciate anything you can give me. Thanks again!!

ETA I have a follow-up blood test in 4 months. If the diet change doesn't work my doctor said we will have to discuss medications. She did say because I am so young, have a decent diet and am pretty fit that it is a big possibility that it is genetics but she wants to explore diet before having to put me on anything. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I don't have to. I am on enough as it is.

Message edited 8/11/2010 9:13:03 PM.

Re: High Cholesterol

Also watch your carbs. Carbs turn to sugar, sugar to fat. . .blah blah blah. Egg whites too are better than whole eggs.

I would try to avoid medication as long as possible - even after your 4 month recheck. Seriously, I think you should be given more than 4 months to bring your cholesterol down 63 points.

Re: High Cholesterol

here are some of the lowering foods....my sis did a bunch of research and once she gets back from vacation i'll ask her for what she has


1. a handful of walnuts or almonds
2. omega3 fatty acids (salmon)
3.oats (oatmeal) I think this is not instant though
4.dark grapes