WAYS TO LOWER LDL CHOLESTEROL

[Laurie Mosher]

  In my profession (Radiology), I've been approached by several co-workers who want to know how to lower their LDL cholesterol. (that's the bad one). Ideally for those who practice Vegan lifestyle, LDL is not a problem. Considering that not everyone has become a vegetarian, last evening my wife & I viewed some of the (many) videos I have on file (3ABN)...Abundant Living(Curtis & Paula Eakins) and Dr. Hans Diehl. Here is what we discovered.

INCREASE Intake of:                                        
                                 
    raw fruits                                                              
    raw vegetables                                                    
    legumes (beans, lentils, garbanzoes, etc)            
    whole grains                                                          
    soy protein                                                            
    tofu                                                                          
                                                                                   
                                                                                     
LOWER  Intake of:
   liver              
  egg yolks
  red meats
  cheddar cheese
  ice cream
  sugar
  fats & oils, especially animal        
  salt

Use natural, unsalted nuts and seeds sparingly
Take brisk walks in fresh air or other aerobic exercise
Drink 8 glasses (8 oz. each) of water daily
Lower stress
No smoking
Maintain ideal body weight

Cholesterol is  found only in animal  products.

[This message has been edited by Laurie Mosher (edited 09-11-2002).]

[JimB]

A fews year back I had my cholesterol checked and what the Dr. found was that my LDL was actually at a "good" level.

However, he said, because it is the ratio of HDL to LDL that really counts I was still at risk because my HDL wasn't high enough. And because my LDL was at "good" count what I really needed to do was to raise the HDL. He said the only way to do this was to excersize.

I was wondering for those who are knowledgable in this area is this true? Is the only way to raise your HDL is by excersize?

[Suzanne]

Thanks, Br. Laurie for the info re: cholesterol. JimB, a quick check of my index produced this info on HDL and LDL cholesterol from Prevention, magazine and other sources.

* In addition to the cholesterol in the diet (found only in meat and animal products), it is synthesized in the liver from all kinds of foods, fats, protein and carbohydrates. The more food eaten the more cholesterol is synthesized and deposited in the blood and lymph vessels. If one overeats and becomes overweight, he/she will have more cholesterol in the body, which affects everything, including the eyes.

* In diabetics, the risk of developing heart disease rises precipitously, increasing by 4 to 6 times. The reason? The disease raises LDL (bad cholesterol), and lowers HDL (good cholesterol) and accelerates atherosclerosis throughout the body. A diet high in fiber and low in saturated fat raises HDL and lowers LDL in the blood. According to the American Heart Association the ratio of HDL to LDL cholesterol is even more important than total cholesterol. Women (don't have the figures for men--sorry!) should strive for LDL levels below 130 and HDL levels over 60--a combination that can be achieved by a healthy low-fat diet, weight control and exercise.

* Coffee raises blood cholesterol levels (LDL) and increases the risk of heart disease.

* Olive oil lower the bad guy (LDL) more than other oils.

* Aerobic exercise raises HDL cholesterol, but cannot override the effect of a bad diet and cigarettes.

* Studies in California and Texas showed that antioxidant vitamins C and E can prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, the type linked to coronary artery disease. Once oxidized LDL can be taken up by scavenger cells that deposit the fatty substance on artery walls. Researchers at the National Institute on Aging, found among participants in the ongoing Baltimore Longitudinal Study on Aging that those with high blood levels of protective HDL cholesterol also had high levels of vitamin C in the blood.

Vitamin C rich foods include citrus fruits, berries and other uncooked fruits and veggies. Vitamin E is found in cold-pressed vegetable oils, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains.

* Over 25 studies show that substituting soy for animal protein in the diet, significantly reduces cholesterol in the system.

* Good nutrition is the foundation of any cholesterol control program.

* Soy lecithin raises HDL cholesterol.

* Vegetarians have one of the best ratios of total cholesterol to HDL levels.

* 2 teaspoons of brewer's yeast daily increases HDL cholesterol.

* Alfalfa, pectin, garlic, fiber and lots of fruits and veggies - all lower total cholesterol levels.

* Sugar dramatically boost the liver's production of VLDL (very low-density cholesterol), an especially dangerous kind.

* Pectin, the fiber in apples, and other fruits, absorbs up to 4 times its weight in cholesterol. It works even better with extra vitamin C.

* Meat eaters top the cholesterol charts--they have the highest levels of all studied. Vegans have the lowest.

* HDL cholesterol ushers it out of body; LDL cholesterol deposits it on artery walls. Vitamin E prevents artery clogging plaque. Zap your plaque with a strict vegetarian diet.

Br. Jim, I hope this helps some,
Suzanne  

[This message has been edited by Suzanne Sutton (edited 09-11-2002).]

[JimB]

Suzannne,

Thanks for the info. It is indeed helpful. I realize that you probably looked some of that up but I'm still amazed at the knowledge you have in regards to health. It is good to have people like you around.

I think knowing where to get the information is half the battle. I have a friend who has her Ph.D. biochemistry and I was talking to her one day and she said that only difference between her and I was that she knew where to look up the needed information.

While that may be a little over simplification I think it has some truth to it.

[Suzanne]

More info on cholesterol:

This is from U.S. News and World Report, Sept. 9, 2002.

A new study shows that almonds push down LDL (the bad cholesterol) and boosts HDL cholesterol (the heart-protective kind).
The report, published in the journal Circulation, showed that raw or dry-roasted nuts, not the one soaked in oil and salt, are quite beneficial.

Almonds, as well as other nuts, are high in monounaturated fats and fiber, which have proven to be of great benefit to the heart.

~Suzanne  

[Sister Marie]

My daughter is heavy and has high cholesterol when she is off the medication to keep it in a good range. We do not use animal products except only once in awhile. No meat at all. But she still has high cholesterol. The dietician said it has to be in her gens, inherited.

But since she has good cholesterol while on the medication the thing that really bothers the dr. and the dietician is that she has high tri-glis-or-ites. (Sorry about that, but I can't even get close enough to look it up and find it.)   They want to get this down and say she has to get off all sugars and even natural suger in juice and fruits.

I hate to complain, but the dr.'s don't seem to know a whole lot compared to this thread. Is there any other information you can give me to help her. She is 36 and is mentally disabled and lives with me.
Thank you!!

* In addition to the cholesterol in the diet (found only in meat and animal products), it is synthesized in the liver from all kinds of foods, fats, protein and carbohydrates. The more food eaten the more cholesterol is synthesized and deposited in the blood and lymph vessels. If one overeats and becomes overweight, he/she will have more cholesterol in the body, which affects everything, including the eyes.

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With Christian Love,
Sister Glass

[theo]

Sister Glass, A high cholesterol level can indeed be caused by genetic factors. I have listed below an address to an article on familial hypercholisterolemia(high cholesterol) It is fairly in depth but it may help you to understand better the genetic componant involved in familial hypercholesterolemia.

http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic1072.htm

theo

[This message has been edited by theo (edited 09-13-2002).]

[Suzanne]

Sister Glass:

I pray that you will find the right health protocol as you deal with your daughter's condition. You seem to be on the right path--vegetarian diet, etc. Here is more info on the subject:

Triglycerides - are fat particles that cling to artery walls and can encourage hard, barnacle-like collections of cholesterol and other debris, called plaque, to deposit there. Many cardiologists consider triglycerides an independent risk factor for heart disease, according to Henry Cabin, MD, professor of cardiology at Yale University School of Medicine in new Haven, CT. "When we see a level of more than 150, we pay attention--and that goes for men and women equally, he notes. Also, some experts believe high triglycerides are more powerful predictors of heart disease risk in women than men, especially after a woman reaches age 50.

Triglycerides are usually higher in folk who are overweight. This can be corrected by limiting the intake of saturated fats (to reduce total and LDL--the bad cholesterol) and refined carbohydrates (candy, white flour and white sugar products, etc.) Plenty of fruits and veggies are a must and don't forget regular exercise such as walking, which can help shed those extra pounds and maintain healthy levels of cholesterol. --adapted from Prevention, Oct. 1998.

Sister Glass, other research, from the Univ. of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, showed that those with blood triglyceride levels above 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/d)--a level traditionally thought safe--were more likely to have a heart attack or die from heart disease (Journal of the American College of Cardiology, May 1998).

Dr. Michale Miller, the study's lead author says triglyceride levels are quite responsive to dietary changes. Increase your intake of soy protein; switch to whole grain breads, and cereals and brown rice; eat lots of veggies and minimize the intake of saturated fat and sweets.

White sugar and fat work together to raise fatty components of the blood more then either alone.

Vance Ferrell, writing in Natural Remedies Encyclopedia, pp. 280-281, has this helpful info on lowering high triglycerides:

* Do not eat candy, sweets, and sugar. Such simple carbohydrates raise triglyceride levels.

* Add more fiber to the diet. A low fiber, high sweets diet is even worse than high sweets alone.

* Lose weight. Even losing 10 pounds can reduce triglycerides in those who are 20-30 pounds overweight.

* Alcohol, decidedly increases triglycerides.

* Exercise is very helpful in lowering triglyceride levels. Studies show that it does this--even when weight is not lowered in the process.

I love to do the research and share health information. I trust that this helps.

~Suzanne~

[This message has been edited by Suzanne Sutton (edited 09-15-2002).]

[Sister Marie]

Thank you Theo for the website. I will print it out and get it read.
Thank you Suzanne for your information also, so much!!!
Most of the things you said to eat and not eat we are doing. We even grind our own wheat for pancakes. No white suger, flower,rice or bread in the house. But we eat out now and then, bad call I am afraid. Also she eats when I am not around so I don't know how much or what. We don't have sweets in the house. When we are out it is so hard to say no to her "all the time." I feel so much like the bad guy. But maybe "all the time" is what I will have to do.?
I thank you for your help.      

------------------
With Christian Love,
Sister Glass

[Sister Marie]

Another note here. I just had my blood checked. I don't have the same problems my daughter does even though we eat mostly the same things. I am not above normal in anything. The only thing off was my white blood cell count and it was not off much.

That makes me feel she indeed gets this in her gens and it must be on her dads side. (he had triple by-pass surgery 12 years ago) I guess people can have problems like this without eating meat, milk, and such things.

------------------
With Christian Love,
Sister Glass

[Suzanne]

Mix Your Veggies With Nuts and Soy

Researchers in Canada have developed a vegetarian combination diet which cuts cholesterol by almost a third in a month's time. The diet includes vegetables, soy milk, soy veggie meat, oat bran cereal, fruit and nuts.

This diet is a drug-free alternative to cutting cholesterol and protecting from heart disease. The folk who followed the diet saw their cholesterol levels drop by an average of 29 percent. David Jenkins, a professor at the Univ. of Toronto, notes that "this opens up the possiblity that diet can be used much more widely to lower blood cholesterol and possibly spare some individuals from having to take drugs." --BBC, December 15, 2002.

~Suzanne~

[Richard Myers]

Cholesterol can be ingested or made by our bodies. It can be made from fats that do not contain cholesterol. If we want to lower our cholesterol, we need to reduce total fat consumption to between 10 and 20 percent. We need to exercise and limit the calories eaten to an acceptable amount (excess sugar is stored as fat).

The counsels we have been given for good health are extensive and rarely are they studied in there entirety. Then, we need to follow them. This requires a living relationship with Jesus. This He is willing to give if we will come to Him just as we are.

Americans and other peoples from developed countries are eating themselves to death. We thank Jesus for the knowledge He has given in the area of health reform. May we cherish it and share it.

Thank you, Sister Suzanne for articles that confirm the truth as we know it.

Richard

[Suzanne]

Br. Richard, thanks for reminding us of the dangers of overeating. People (we) do not like to hear this, but so many are killing themselves with the knife and fork. And the only way we can overcome in this area, as well as in all others is that Christ has first place in our lives. That He is living out His life in each one of us. Then, we will have superhuman strength and power to live the Christian life in all its bearings.

"Christ has made it possible for every member of the human family to resist temptation. All who would live godly lives may overcome as Christ overcame....

"It is necessary to maintain a living connection with heaven, seeking as often as did Daniel--3 times a day--for divine grace to resist appetite and passion. Wrestling with appetite and passion unaided by divine power will be unsuccessful; but make Christ your stronghold, and the language of your soul will be, 'In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us' (Rom. 8:37)."  --Ellen White, God's Amazing Grace, p. 111.

"When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which he holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnaable to the assaults of Satan...."  --The Desire of Ages, p. 324.

Christ in the heart is the answer!
~Suzanne~

[This message has been edited by Suzanne Sutton (edited 02-07-2003).]

[Laurie Mosher]

  Just a "little testimony" from me in regards to the Vegan Diet.

 Even though I was raised in a SDA home during my childhood years,(I was raised on a farm in Nova Scotia),it wasn't until I was through college, and graduated from Radiology (Xray tech)  that  problems hit me.

 Oh sure I had childhood allergies, but nothing like the asthma and other afflictions I suffered later. When I arrived in NS (where I live today) I was on asthma medication to the "tune of 11 pills per day" including Thodur (Which contains Amenophyllin to control my breathing), 'course most of the time the side effects of diziness, and headaches were there, but hey that's the side effects, which at this time were almost as bad as the problem of Asthma.

  With the help of my Cardiologist (family hx-Heart Disease on father's side, and Cancer on Mother's side), I  determined to get myslf "free" from these drugs.

  12 years later and still going, No pills!! My asthma is almost 80% gone, I can sing about 3 notes lower than before (2nd bass), and no longer have to keep clearing my throat when I preach.

  Amazing isn't it! SDA's have  had the Health Message for the last 140 years, and "some of us" are beginning to "catch on". And here I thought it was Israel of Old who were "in a stupor".

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Keep "the" Faith!

Brother Laurie

[JimB]

Apple’s two types of fiber pack a double punch that can knock down cholesterol levels, reducing your risk of hardening of the arteries, heart attack, and stroke. Apple’s insoluble fiber works like bran, latching on to LDL cholesterol in the digestive tract and removing it from the body, while apple’s soluble fiber pectin reduces the amount of LDL cholesterol produced in the liver. Adding just one large apple (about 2/3 of a pound) to the daily diet has been shown to decrease serum cholesterol 8-11%. Eating 2 large apples a day has lowered cholesterol levels by up to 16%!

The World's Healthiest Foods

[Richard Myers]

Amazing!!