Guest guest Posted March 2, 2010 Report Share Posted March 2, 2010 Yes I do now my Heart Dr. has me on a med to lower it and it comes in below noraml and they are happy about it. Co-Moderator Phil > From: andrenym007 <no_reply > > Subject: Low Total Cholesterol > > Date: Tuesday, March 2, 2010, 4:11 PM > A little off topic but I was > wondering if anyone knows what causes a low total > cholesterol? Mine has been between 100 and 125 over the last > year and I'm a little concerned. I do have an underactive > thyroid which has caused me to have a sluggish liver I guess > and elevated liver enzymes. They've been normal though over > last several months because of improved diet and weight > loss. Does anybody have low cholesterol? Should I be > concerned? > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2010 Report Share Posted March 2, 2010 A couple of years ago my total cholesterol was 97 and my cardiologist was thrilled. I've since learned that total cholesterol is virtually meaningless in terms of cardiovascular risk. Lipid analysis and research has advanced a lot in the last ten years, but most doctors still rely upon LDL and total as the important numbers. I achieved my low number by eating a fairly low-fat diet,especially saturated fats, and eating a lot of omega-6 fats. My HDL was 42, the highest it had ever been. Back in 1979 when I was in pharmacy school, the rule-of-thumb for a healthy cholesterol 200 + age. That was not changed significantly until the advent of statins,when progressively more potent statins kept pushing the " ideal " levels down. Problem is that statins do not reduce overall mortality and the incidence of side effects are grossly underreported. Keep in mind that a lot of hormones in the body are synthesized from cholesterol. I prefer to take niacin because it's much safer; has no effect on the brain; and improves all lipid parameters much better than statins and it has been proven to decrease mortality. It's also very cheap. In the last two years, I've completely changed the way I eat. My HDL is now 70. My doctor asked me how I did it because that is impossible according to current medical thinking. She's right. ________________________________ From: andrenym007 <no_reply > Sent: Tue, March 2, 2010 4:11:17 PM Subject: Low Total Cholesterol A little off topic but I was wondering if anyone knows what causes a low total cholesterol? Mine has been between 100 and 125 over the last year and I'm a little concerned. I do have an underactive thyroid which has caused me to have a sluggish liver I guess and elevated liver enzymes. They've been normal though over last several months because of improved diet and weight loss. Does anybody have low cholesterol? Should I be concerned? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2010 Report Share Posted March 2, 2010 You got your HDL to 70+ with niacin?  other secrets??? please share.     From: Ed T <eterrys@...> Subject: Re: Low Total Cholesterol Date: Tuesday, March 2, 2010, 3:22 PM  A couple of years ago my total cholesterol was 97 and my cardiologist was thrilled. I've since learned that total cholesterol is virtually meaningless in terms of cardiovascular risk. Lipid analysis and research has advanced a lot in the last ten years, but most doctors still rely upon LDL and total as the important numbers. I achieved my low number by eating a fairly low-fat diet,especially saturated fats, and eating a lot of omega-6 fats. My HDL was 42, the highest it had ever been. Back in 1979 when I was in pharmacy school, the rule-of-thumb for a healthy cholesterol 200 + age. That was not changed significantly until the advent of statins,when progressively more potent statins kept pushing the " ideal " levels down. Problem is that statins do not reduce overall mortality and the incidence of side effects are grossly underreported. Keep in mind that a lot of hormones in the body are synthesized from cholesterol. I prefer to take niacin because it's much safer; has no effect on the brain; and improves all lipid parameters much better than statins and it has been proven to decrease mortality. It's also very cheap. In the last two years, I've completely changed the way I eat. My HDL is now 70. My doctor asked me how I did it because that is impossible according to current medical thinking. She's right. ____________ _________ _________ __ From: andrenym007 <no_reply@group s.com> Sent: Tue, March 2, 2010 4:11:17 PM Subject: Low Total Cholesterol A little off topic but I was wondering if anyone knows what causes a low total cholesterol? Mine has been between 100 and 125 over the last year and I'm a little concerned. I do have an underactive thyroid which has caused me to have a sluggish liver I guess and elevated liver enzymes. They've been normal though over last several months because of improved diet and weight loss. Does anybody have low cholesterol? Should I be concerned? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2010 Report Share Posted March 2, 2010 Last check, after a few months on Niaspan, I am up to 57 HDL.... but I could do better. My diet is closer to Atkin's.... lost a lot of weight while still raising HDL. I like what Ed T had to say. Niacin was the drug of choice before statins became the vogue.... largely driven by big pharma profits. IMO, statins should not be the first choice unless you have had a cardiac event or serious issues already. I think it is a true statement that niacin increases HDL more then any statin. If there is a need to take a statin, you should also take niacin. > > > From: Ed T <eterrys@...> > Subject: Re: Low Total Cholesterol > > Date: Tuesday, March 2, 2010, 3:22 PM > > > Â > > > > A couple of years ago my total cholesterol was 97 and my cardiologist was thrilled. I've since learned that total cholesterol is virtually meaningless in terms of cardiovascular risk. Lipid analysis and research has advanced a lot in the last ten years, but most doctors still rely upon LDL and total as the important numbers. I achieved my low number by eating a fairly low-fat diet,especially saturated fats, and eating a lot of omega-6 fats. My HDL was 42, the highest it had ever been. > > Back in 1979 when I was in pharmacy school, the rule-of-thumb for a healthy cholesterol 200 + age. That was not changed significantly until the advent of statins,when progressively more potent statins kept pushing the " ideal " levels down. > > Problem is that statins do not reduce overall mortality and the incidence of side effects are grossly underreported. Keep in mind that a lot of hormones in the body are synthesized from cholesterol. I prefer to take niacin because it's much safer; has no effect on the brain; and improves all lipid parameters much better than statins and it has been proven to decrease mortality. It's also very cheap. > > In the last two years, I've completely changed the way I eat. My HDL is now 70. My doctor asked me how I did it because that is impossible according to current medical thinking. She's right. > > ____________ _________ _________ __ > From: andrenym007 <no_reply@group s.com> > > Sent: Tue, March 2, 2010 4:11:17 PM > Subject: Low Total Cholesterol > > A little off topic but I was wondering if anyone knows what causes a low total cholesterol? Mine has been between 100 and 125 over the last year and I'm a little concerned. I do have an underactive thyroid which has caused me to have a sluggish liver I guess and elevated liver enzymes. They've been normal though over last several months because of improved diet and weight loss. Does anybody have low cholesterol? Should I be concerned? > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2010 Report Share Posted March 2, 2010 My cholesterol numbers really suck. My GP wanted me to start a statin. I don't want to go that route. I'm seriously considering niacin. Do you use timed released? What's the doseage you use? I've read that the liver enzymes should be watched while on this protocol. I also read that hypoglycemia could be a problem. I'm not into researching this enough to start on my own yet. I'm still relatively new to TRT and want to give this some time before I have my cholesterol numbers rechecked. I believe TRT is supposed to have positive effects on cholesterol levels. > > A couple of years ago my total cholesterol was 97 and my cardiologist was thrilled. I've since learned that total cholesterol is virtually meaningless in terms of cardiovascular risk. Lipid analysis and research has advanced a lot in the last ten years, but most doctors still rely upon LDL and total as the important numbers. I achieved my low number by eating a fairly low-fat diet,especially saturated fats, and eating a lot of omega-6 fats. My HDL was 42, the highest it had ever been. > > Back in 1979 when I was in pharmacy school, the rule-of-thumb for a healthy cholesterol 200 + age. That was not changed significantly until the advent of statins,when progressively more potent statins kept pushing the " ideal " levels down. > > Problem is that statins do not reduce overall mortality and the incidence of side effects are grossly underreported. Keep in mind that a lot of hormones in the body are synthesized from cholesterol. I prefer to take niacin because it's much safer; has no effect on the brain; and improves all lipid parameters much better than statins and it has been proven to decrease mortality. It's also very cheap. > > In the last two years, I've completely changed the way I eat. My HDL is now 70. My doctor asked me how I did it because that is impossible according to current medical thinking. She's right. > > > > ________________________________ > From: andrenym007 <no_reply > > > Sent: Tue, March 2, 2010 4:11:17 PM > Subject: Low Total Cholesterol > > > A little off topic but I was wondering if anyone knows what causes a low total cholesterol? Mine has been between 100 and 125 over the last year and I'm a little concerned. I do have an underactive thyroid which has caused me to have a sluggish liver I guess and elevated liver enzymes. They've been normal though over last several months because of improved diet and weight loss. Does anybody have low cholesterol? Should I be concerned? > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2010 Report Share Posted March 2, 2010 I take 500mg of timed release niacin twice a day and still get a little minor flushing. Once I was in the hospital, they gave me 1000mg of normal niacin. I had to walk around because my face was on fire. It slowly works it way down your body and itches. I think my doctor wanted me on 1000mg twice a day but didn't tell them timed release. I was bright red and looked like I needed a fix. I use these and my cholesterol and HDL are in decent shape. Diet helps the most. http://www.swansonvitamins.com/SWU280/ItemDetail?n=0 Don't get the inositol. It doesn't really help. You need a little flush. ________________________________ From: jim <virtuosa150@...> Sent: Tue, March 2, 2010 8:51:56 PM Subject: Re: Low Total Cholesterol My cholesterol numbers really suck. My GP wanted me to start a statin. I don't want to go that route. I'm seriously considering niacin. Do you use timed released? What's the doseage you use? I've read that the liver enzymes should be watched while on this protocol. I also read that hypoglycemia could be a problem. I'm not into researching this enough to start on my own yet. I'm still relatively new to TRT and want to give this some time before I have my cholesterol numbers rechecked. I believe TRT is supposed to have positive effects on cholesterol levels. > > A couple of years ago my total cholesterol was 97 and my cardiologist was thrilled. I've since learned that total cholesterol is virtually meaningless in terms of cardiovascular risk. Lipid analysis and research has advanced a lot in the last ten years, but most doctors still rely upon LDL and total as the important numbers. I achieved my low number by eating a fairly low-fat diet,especially saturated fats, and eating a lot of omega-6 fats. My HDL was 42, the highest it had ever been. > > Back in 1979 when I was in pharmacy school, the rule-of-thumb for a healthy cholesterol 200 + age. That was not changed significantly until the advent of statins,when progressively more potent statins kept pushing the " ideal " levels down. > > Problem is that statins do not reduce overall mortality and the incidence of side effects are grossly underreported. Keep in mind that a lot of hormones in the body are synthesized from cholesterol. I prefer to take niacin because it's much safer; has no effect on the brain; and improves all lipid parameters much better than statins and it has been proven to decrease mortality. It's also very cheap. > > In the last two years, I've completely changed the way I eat. My HDL is now 70. My doctor asked me how I did it because that is impossible according to current medical thinking. She's right. > > > > ____________ _________ _________ __ > From: andrenym007 <no_reply@group s.com> > > Sent: Tue, March 2, 2010 4:11:17 PM > Subject: Low Total Cholesterol > > > A little off topic but I was wondering if anyone knows what causes a low total cholesterol? Mine has been between 100 and 125 over the last year and I'm a little concerned. I do have an underactive thyroid which has caused me to have a sluggish liver I guess and elevated liver enzymes. They've been normal though over last several months because of improved diet and weight loss. Does anybody have low cholesterol? Should I be concerned? > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2010 Report Share Posted March 2, 2010 Do you use timed released? Not in the traditional sense. There are two " controlled " release products that are often used: Rx Niaspan and OTC Slo-Niacin. Many still recommend immediate relaese Niacin but the other two have good track records, AFAIK What's the dosage you use? Niaspan is up to 2000mg per night. IR niacin is often greater I don't want to go that route. I'm seriously considering niacin. Good choice, why use a sledge hammer when a tack hammer will do. I've read that the liver enzymes should be watched while on this protocol. It is still a recommendation but the serious issue was primarily caused by timed-release niacin I also read that hypoglycemia could be a problem. Glucose level may rise some; generally not an issue from what I have read Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 , thanks for the info. I looked at the link. The source of the niacin is nicotinic acid. There are several sources. This is still confusing to me as to which would be the best. I looked at my multivitamin and the source is niacinamide. I also take a B50 complex that I take, with the source as niancinamide as well. The potencies are far below the 500mg that you're taking. I wonder if it pays to buy a better quality product or if they are all about the same. > > > > A couple of years ago my total cholesterol was 97 and my cardiologist was thrilled. I've since learned that total cholesterol is virtually meaningless in terms of cardiovascular risk. Lipid analysis and research has advanced a lot in the last ten years, but most doctors still rely upon LDL and total as the important numbers. I achieved my low number by eating a fairly low-fat diet,especially saturated fats, and eating a lot of omega-6 fats. My HDL was 42, the highest it had ever been. > > > > Back in 1979 when I was in pharmacy school, the rule-of-thumb for a healthy cholesterol 200 + age. That was not changed significantly until the advent of statins,when progressively more potent statins kept pushing the " ideal " levels down. > > > > Problem is that statins do not reduce overall mortality and the incidence of side effects are grossly underreported. Keep in mind that a lot of hormones in the body are synthesized from cholesterol. I prefer to take niacin because it's much safer; has no effect on the brain; and improves all lipid parameters much better than statins and it has been proven to decrease mortality. It's also very cheap. > > > > In the last two years, I've completely changed the way I eat. My HDL is now 70. My doctor asked me how I did it because that is impossible according to current medical thinking. She's right. > > > > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ __ > > From: andrenym007 <no_reply@group s.com> > > > > Sent: Tue, March 2, 2010 4:11:17 PM > > Subject: Low Total Cholesterol > > > > > > A little off topic but I was wondering if anyone knows what causes a low total cholesterol? Mine has been between 100 and 125 over the last year and I'm a little concerned. I do have an underactive thyroid which has caused me to have a sluggish liver I guess and elevated liver enzymes. They've been normal though over last several months because of improved diet and weight loss. Does anybody have low cholesterol? Should I be concerned? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 Ten years ago, before I started exercising or niacin my HDL was 25. After adding a lot of exercise (10 hours cardio and 5 hours weightlifting a week) my HDL increased to 32. Since I have a very strong family history of both heart disease and stroke, I wanted to reduce my risk as much as possible. My doctor suggested niacin (nicotinic acid) and after three years on it (2 gram twice a day of the immediate-release (IR) form), my HDL increased to 42, roughly a 30% increase which is typical for IR niacin. A year later, I started Androgel and my HDL went back down to 32, although in the next year it did go back up to 42. At that time, my diet was 25% protein, 35% carbs, and 40% fat. In the last year and a half, I've gradually moved to a high-fat (70%), moderate protein (20%), and low carbohydrate (10%) eating plan.  My HDL has steadily increased to between 70 and 75 in that time. My LDL has stayed below 100, and my triglycerides below 50. I've had my cholesterol checked on several occasions when I had not fasted and even then, my triglycerides and blood sugar remained under 100. I also eat at least 3,000 calories a day and don't gain weight. At 53, I'm stronger than I was 15 years ago. Most of the fat (50%) I eat is saturated and the only way I can get the saturated fat percentage up is to add coconut products to my diet. I've learned that eating saturated fat strongly increases HDL while eating polyunsaturated fat decreases it. I've tried taking IR niacin three times a day, and my liver enzymes always end up elevated, so I've decided that twice a day works best for me. I don't consider extended- or sustained-release niacin an option for that reason. My first dose of niacin (500 mg) was unforgettable. I turned beet red over 97% of my body and wanted to scratch my skin off. I learned that taking an aspirin 30 minutes before taking the niacin really helped in the beginning. After taking niacin for six years, about the only reaction I occasionally get is a very, very slight itching sensation around my eyes. There is a major drawback to eating low-carb. Mosy anything with sugar now tastes " too sweet " . About the only fruits I can tolerate are berries. Anything sweeter than that is actually unpleasant. ________________________________ From: Big Biceps <biceps72@...> Sent: Tue, March 2, 2010 8:40:37 PM Subject: Re: Low Total Cholesterol  You got your HDL to 70+ with niacin?  other secrets??? please share.     From: Ed T <eterrysymail (DOT) com> Subject: Re: Low Total Cholesterol Date: Tuesday, March 2, 2010, 3:22 PM  A couple of years ago my total cholesterol was 97 and my cardiologist was thrilled. I've since learned that total cholesterol is virtually meaningless in terms of cardiovascular risk. Lipid analysis and research has advanced a lot in the last ten years, but most doctors still rely upon LDL and total as the important numbers. I achieved my low number by eating a fairly low-fat diet,especially saturated fats, and eating a lot of omega-6 fats. My HDL was 42, the highest it had ever been. Back in 1979 when I was in pharmacy school, the rule-of-thumb for a healthy cholesterol 200 + age. That was not changed significantly until the advent of statins,when progressively more potent statins kept pushing the " ideal " levels down. Problem is that statins do not reduce overall mortality and the incidence of side effects are grossly underreported. Keep in mind that a lot of hormones in the body are synthesized from cholesterol. I prefer to take niacin because it's much safer; has no effect on the brain; and improves all lipid parameters much better than statins and it has been proven to decrease mortality. It's also very cheap. In the last two years, I've completely changed the way I eat. My HDL is now 70. My doctor asked me how I did it because that is impossible according to current medical thinking. She's right. ____________ _________ _________ __ From: andrenym007 <no_reply@grou p s.com> Sent: Tue, March 2, 2010 4:11:17 PM Subject: Low Total Cholesterol A little off topic but I was wondering if anyone knows what causes a low total cholesterol? Mine has been between 100 and 125 over the last year and I'm a little concerned. I do have an underactive thyroid which has caused me to have a sluggish liver I guess and elevated liver enzymes. They've been normal though over last several months because of improved diet and weight loss. Does anybody have low cholesterol? Should I be concerned? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 Ed, Would you be kind enuf to give an example of what you eat in a typical day? Are you following the Atkins diet? Thanks, Rob Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry Low Total Cholesterol A little off topic but I was wondering if anyone knows what causes a low total cholesterol? Mine has been between 100 and 125 over the last year and I'm a little concerned. I do have an underactive thyroid which has caused me to have a sluggish liver I guess and elevated liver enzymes. They've been normal though over last several months because of improved diet and weight loss. Does anybody have low cholesterol? Should I be concerned? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 1. Instant coffee with added unsweetend cocoa and coconut milk powder and a dash of half-and-half (4g Protein, 25 g Fat (20g sat), and 4 g carbs) 2. 5-egg omelet with added bacon, cheddar cheese, and coconut oil. (40g Protein, 50 g Fat (25g sat), and 2 g carbs) 3. Greek strained yogurt with coconut flakes and freeze-dried blueberries (28g Protein, 34 g Fat (28g sat), and 13 g carbs) 4. Lunch is either 5 oz salmon (fresh from Costco) or a 4 oz ground beef patty. (30g Protein, 20 g Fat (12 g sat), and 1 to 5 g carbs) 5. Another cup of instant coffee with added eunsweetend cocoa and coconut milk powder (2g Protein, 18 g Fat (15g sat), and 5 g carbs) 6. Supper is usually meat with a green vegetable, except for Fridays when my wife and I have sashimi. (43g Protein, 22 g Fat (6g sat), and 20 g carbs) 7. Dessert I is a couple of shots of RediWhip. (2 g Protein, 13 g Fat (8g sat), and 8 g carbs) 8. Dessert II is two pieces of extra dark chocolate (2g Protein, 10 g Fat (6g sat), and 12 g carbs) I also take 4 to 5 capsules of fish oil daily. Twenty years ago I was diagnosed with " reactive hypoglycemia " . If I ate enough sugar, my blood sugar would drop like a rock after two hours and I could barely move. I've also studied a lot of research in my spare time (everybody needs a hobby - mine is not dying prematurely of a heart attack or stroke) and most of what I read with regards to nutrition is flawed. Eating " healthy " according to experts added fat and kept my lipid profile less than optimal. Although I have an annual physical with my doctor, I pay out of pocket for my own lab tests in order to obtain more data. It's all well and good to read what others think, but I prefer to see what effect changes in my diet have on me. I'm also fortunate to have a primary care doctor who sees our relationship as a partnership, not a dictatorship. On the other hand, I have very vigorous discussions with my cardiologist about his view of medication and I've pointed out to him that lowering LDL hasn't been shown to improve anything. The drug Zetia from Merck actually proves this. It's not a statin but does lower LDL significantly. The bad news is that it does increase mortality. ________________________________ From: " rjamestemple@... " <rjamestemple@...> Sent: Wed, March 3, 2010 8:25:59 AM Subject: Re: Low Total Cholesterol  Ed, Would you be kind enuf to give an example of what you eat in a typical day? Are you following the Atkins diet? Thanks, Rob Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry Low Total Cholesterol A little off topic but I was wondering if anyone knows what causes a low total cholesterol? Mine has been between 100 and 125 over the last year and I'm a little concerned. I do have an underactive thyroid which has caused me to have a sluggish liver I guess and elevated liver enzymes. They've been normal though over last several months because of improved diet and weight loss. Does anybody have low cholesterol? Should I be concerned? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 lol, I think I'll take that hobby up also. > > From: Ed T <eterrysymail (DOT) com> > Subject: Re: Low Total Cholesterol > > Date: Tuesday, March 2, 2010, 3:22 PM > > Â > > A couple of years ago my total cholesterol was 97 and my cardiologist was thrilled. I've since learned that total cholesterol is virtually meaningless in terms of cardiovascular risk. Lipid analysis and research has advanced a lot in the last ten years, but most doctors still rely upon LDL and total as the important numbers. I achieved my low number by eating a fairly low-fat diet,especially saturated fats, and eating a lot of omega-6 fats. My HDL was 42, the highest it had ever been. > > Back in 1979 when I was in pharmacy school, the rule-of-thumb for a healthy cholesterol 200 + age. That was not changed significantly until the advent of statins,when progressively more potent statins kept pushing the " ideal " levels down. > > Problem is that statins do not reduce overall mortality and the incidence of side effects are grossly underreported. Keep in mind that a lot of hormones in the body are synthesized from cholesterol. I prefer to take niacin because it's much safer; has no effect on the brain; and improves all lipid parameters much better than statins and it has been proven to decrease mortality. It's also very cheap. > > In the last two years, I've completely changed the way I eat. My HDL is now 70. My doctor asked me how I did it because that is impossible according to current medical thinking. She's right. > > ____________ _________ _________ __ > From: andrenym007 <no_reply@grou p s.com> > > Sent: Tue, March 2, 2010 4:11:17 PM > Subject: Low Total Cholesterol > > A little off topic but I was wondering if anyone knows what causes a low total cholesterol? Mine has been between 100 and 125 over the last year and I'm a little concerned. I do have an underactive thyroid which has caused me to have a sluggish liver I guess and elevated liver enzymes. They've been normal though over last several months because of improved diet and weight loss. Does anybody have low cholesterol? Should I be concerned? > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 Just one point here going on TRT getting leveled off and after your body gets back to normal cholesterol levels can get better. Co-Moderator Phil > From: jim <virtuosa150@...> > Subject: Re: Low Total Cholesterol > > Date: Tuesday, March 2, 2010, 9:51 PM > My cholesterol numbers really suck. > My GP wanted me to start a statin. I don't want to go that > route. I'm seriously considering niacin. Do you use timed > released? What's the doseage you use? > > I've read that the liver enzymes should be watched while on > this protocol. I also read that hypoglycemia could be a > problem. I'm not into researching this enough to start on my > own yet. I'm still relatively new to TRT and want to give > this some time before I have my cholesterol numbers > rechecked. I believe TRT is supposed to have positive > effects on cholesterol levels. > > > > > > A couple of years ago my total cholesterol was 97 and > my cardiologist was thrilled. I've since learned that > total cholesterol is virtually meaningless in terms of > cardiovascular risk. Lipid analysis and research has > advanced a lot in the last ten years, but most doctors still > rely upon LDL and total as the important numbers. I > achieved my low number by eating a fairly low-fat > diet,especially saturated fats, and eating a lot of omega-6 > fats. My HDL was 42, the highest it had ever been. > > > > Back in 1979 when I was in pharmacy school, the > rule-of-thumb for a healthy cholesterol 200 + age. > That was not changed significantly until the advent of > statins,when progressively more potent statins kept pushing > the " ideal " levels down. > > > > Problem is that statins do not reduce overall > mortality and the incidence of side effects are grossly > underreported. Keep in mind that a lot of hormones in > the body are synthesized from cholesterol. I prefer to > take niacin because it's much safer; has no effect on the > brain; and improves all lipid parameters much better than > statins and it has been proven to decrease mortality. > It's also very cheap. > > > > In the last two years, I've completely changed the way > I eat. My HDL is now 70. My doctor asked me how > I did it because that is impossible according to current > medical thinking. She's right. > > > > > > > > ________________________________ > > From: andrenym007 <no_reply > > > > > Sent: Tue, March 2, 2010 4:11:17 PM > > Subject: Low Total Cholesterol > > > > > > A little off topic but I was wondering if anyone knows > what causes a low total cholesterol? Mine has been between > 100 and 125 over the last year and I'm a little concerned. I > do have an underactive thyroid which has caused me to have a > sluggish liver I guess and elevated liver enzymes. They've > been normal though over last several months because of > improved diet and weight loss. Does anybody have low > cholesterol? Should I be concerned? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 It's funny we are taking about Cholesterol I seen my Heart Dr. last Fri. my wife went with me and I had to give the Dr. a list of my meds and supplements. He was looking at the list and my wife thought this was a good time to show me all the supplements I take everyday are a waste of money and don't do anything. Every Sun. I get my pills out and supplements and put them in my Pill box's I have 7 one for each day that has morning, noon, dinner and bedtime in each case. She would walk by me every Sun and make a remark or through out a dig about all the supplements I take. Well my Dr. gave here a long talk about how good all the supplements I take are good for my Heart and Homocysteine Cardiovascular levels. Here is the list. ==================================================== Supplements • Ferrous Fumarate 324 mgs 2x’s/day morning and dinner. • Glucosamine HCI 1500 MGS. – Chondroitin Sulface 1200 mgs. 2x/day. • Lovaza 1gm. 1x/day Fish Oil. • TMG 750mg 1pm and 11pm 2 pills a day. • Solary Super Bio C 2 x’s/day 1000 mgs. Total. • l-Arginine and l-Orthinine 100 Capsules, 750 mg, Twinlab 1 at bedtime. • NOW brand ZMA 800mgs 3 at bedtime. • Copper 2mgs 1 at noon. • Dr. Cranton's PrimeNutrients 3/day. • Maca. 1 tsp in the moning and 1 tsp at noon. • Biotics Bio-D-Mulsion Forte Vit. D 2000 IU's per drop I am doing 7 drops a day. • Iodoral Iodine 1 tab / day. • I went with NOW brand for the following supplements do to a high levels on a Homocysteine Cardiovascular and below normal level of Folate RBC labs. • NAC N-Acetyl Cysteine, Selenium, Molybdenum - 600 mg. • B-12 (Brain) Methylcobalamin - 5000 mcg lozenges. 3x’s/week. • Coenzyme B Complex. • P-5-P (Coenzyme B6) 50 mg. • I am taking 800 mcg. Folacal for low Folate RBC. • BioCitrate Selenium - 200 mcg 1x’s / day morning. Co-Moderator Phil > From: Thornton <brianee93@...> > Subject: Re: Low Total Cholesterol > > Date: Tuesday, March 2, 2010, 10:41 PM > I take 500mg of timed release niacin > twice a day and still get a little minor flushing. Once I > was in the hospital, they gave me 1000mg of normal niacin. I > had to walk around because my face was on fire. It slowly > works it way down your body and itches. I think my doctor > wanted me on 1000mg twice a day but didn't tell them timed > release. I was bright red and looked like I needed a fix. > > I use these and my cholesterol and HDL are in decent shape. > Diet helps the most. > > http://www.swansonvitamins.com/SWU280/ItemDetail?n=0 > > Don't get the inositol. It doesn't really help. You need a > little flush. > > > ________________________________ > From: jim <virtuosa150@...> > > Sent: Tue, March 2, 2010 8:51:56 PM > Subject: Re: Low Total Cholesterol > >  > My cholesterol numbers really suck. My GP wanted me to > start a statin. I don't want to go that route. I'm seriously > considering niacin. Do you use timed released? What's the > doseage you use? > > I've read that the liver enzymes should be watched while on > this protocol. I also read that hypoglycemia could be a > problem. I'm not into researching this enough to start on my > own yet. I'm still relatively new to TRT and want to give > this some time before I have my cholesterol numbers > rechecked. I believe TRT is supposed to have positive > effects on cholesterol levels. > > > > > > A couple of years ago my total cholesterol was 97 and > my cardiologist was thrilled. I've since learned that > total cholesterol is virtually meaningless in terms of > cardiovascular risk. Lipid analysis and research has > advanced a lot in the last ten years, but most doctors still > rely upon LDL and total as the important numbers. I > achieved my low number by eating a fairly low-fat > diet,especially saturated fats, and eating a lot of omega-6 > fats. My HDL was 42, the highest it had ever been. > > > > Back in 1979 when I was in pharmacy school, the > rule-of-thumb for a healthy cholesterol 200 + age. > That was not changed significantly until the advent of > statins,when progressively more potent statins kept pushing > the " ideal " levels down. > > > > Problem is that statins do not reduce overall > mortality and the incidence of side effects are grossly > underreported. Keep in mind that a lot of hormones in > the body are synthesized from cholesterol. I prefer to > take niacin because it's much safer; has no effect on the > brain; and improves all lipid parameters much better than > statins and it has been proven to decrease mortality. > It's also very cheap. > > > > In the last two years, I've completely changed the way > I eat. My HDL is now 70. My doctor asked me how > I did it because that is impossible according to current > medical thinking. She's right. > > > > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ __ > > From: andrenym007 <no_reply@group s.com> > > > > Sent: Tue, March 2, 2010 4:11:17 PM > > Subject: Low Total Cholesterol > > > > > > A little off topic but I was wondering if anyone knows > what causes a low total cholesterol? Mine has been between > 100 and 125 over the last year and I'm a little concerned. I > do have an underactive thyroid which has caused me to have a > sluggish liver I guess and elevated liver enzymes. They've > been normal though over last several months because of > improved diet and weight loss. Does anybody have low > cholesterol? Should I be concerned? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 Yes, I've heard this. Poor cholesterol runs in the family though. > > > > > > A couple of years ago my total cholesterol was 97 and > > my cardiologist was thrilled. I've since learned that > > total cholesterol is virtually meaningless in terms of > > cardiovascular risk. Lipid analysis and research has > > advanced a lot in the last ten years, but most doctors still > > rely upon LDL and total as the important numbers. I > > achieved my low number by eating a fairly low-fat > > diet,especially saturated fats, and eating a lot of omega-6 > > fats. My HDL was 42, the highest it had ever been. > > > > > > Back in 1979 when I was in pharmacy school, the > > rule-of-thumb for a healthy cholesterol 200 + age. > > That was not changed significantly until the advent of > > statins,when progressively more potent statins kept pushing > > the " ideal " levels down. > > > > > > Problem is that statins do not reduce overall > > mortality and the incidence of side effects are grossly > > underreported. Keep in mind that a lot of hormones in > > the body are synthesized from cholesterol. I prefer to > > take niacin because it's much safer; has no effect on the > > brain; and improves all lipid parameters much better than > > statins and it has been proven to decrease mortality. > > It's also very cheap. > > > > > > In the last two years, I've completely changed the way > > I eat. My HDL is now 70. My doctor asked me how > > I did it because that is impossible according to current > > medical thinking. She's right. > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ > > > From: andrenym007 <no_reply > > > > > > > Sent: Tue, March 2, 2010 4:11:17 PM > > > Subject: Low Total Cholesterol > > > > > > > > > A little off topic but I was wondering if anyone knows > > what causes a low total cholesterol? Mine has been between > > 100 and 125 over the last year and I'm a little concerned. I > > do have an underactive thyroid which has caused me to have a > > sluggish liver I guess and elevated liver enzymes. They've > > been normal though over last several months because of > > improved diet and weight loss. Does anybody have low > > cholesterol? Should I be concerned? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 WOW. This list of supplements is going to create one long topic of conversation. ADC has a generic " eqivalant " for the Lovaza. Have you ever tried this? Dr. O prescribed my lovaza but it's so expensive. > > > > > > A couple of years ago my total cholesterol was 97 and > > my cardiologist was thrilled. I've since learned that > > total cholesterol is virtually meaningless in terms of > > cardiovascular risk. Lipid analysis and research has > > advanced a lot in the last ten years, but most doctors still > > rely upon LDL and total as the important numbers. I > > achieved my low number by eating a fairly low-fat > > diet,especially saturated fats, and eating a lot of omega-6 > > fats. My HDL was 42, the highest it had ever been. > > > > > > Back in 1979 when I was in pharmacy school, the > > rule-of-thumb for a healthy cholesterol 200 + age. > > That was not changed significantly until the advent of > > statins,when progressively more potent statins kept pushing > > the " ideal " levels down. > > > > > > Problem is that statins do not reduce overall > > mortality and the incidence of side effects are grossly > > underreported. Keep in mind that a lot of hormones in > > the body are synthesized from cholesterol. I prefer to > > take niacin because it's much safer; has no effect on the > > brain; and improves all lipid parameters much better than > > statins and it has been proven to decrease mortality. > > It's also very cheap. > > > > > > In the last two years, I've completely changed the way > > I eat. My HDL is now 70. My doctor asked me how > > I did it because that is impossible according to current > > medical thinking. She's right. > > > > > > > > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ __ > > > From: andrenym007 <no_reply@group s.com> > > > > > > Sent: Tue, March 2, 2010 4:11:17 PM > > > Subject: Low Total Cholesterol > > > > > > > > > A little off topic but I was wondering if anyone knows > > what causes a low total cholesterol? Mine has been between > > 100 and 125 over the last year and I'm a little concerned. I > > do have an underactive thyroid which has caused me to have a > > sluggish liver I guess and elevated liver enzymes. They've > > been normal though over last several months because of > > improved diet and weight loss. Does anybody have low > > cholesterol? Should I be concerned? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 I'm glad my original thread started a good conversation. Phil I couldn't find the post but did you say yesterday that your thyroid went over active because of test? > > > > > > > > A couple of years ago my total cholesterol was 97 and > > > my cardiologist was thrilled. I've since learned that > > > total cholesterol is virtually meaningless in terms of > > > cardiovascular risk. Lipid analysis and research has > > > advanced a lot in the last ten years, but most doctors still > > > rely upon LDL and total as the important numbers. I > > > achieved my low number by eating a fairly low-fat > > > diet,especially saturated fats, and eating a lot of omega-6 > > > fats. My HDL was 42, the highest it had ever been. > > > > > > > > Back in 1979 when I was in pharmacy school, the > > > rule-of-thumb for a healthy cholesterol 200 + age. > > > That was not changed significantly until the advent of > > > statins,when progressively more potent statins kept pushing > > > the " ideal " levels down. > > > > > > > > Problem is that statins do not reduce overall > > > mortality and the incidence of side effects are grossly > > > underreported. Keep in mind that a lot of hormones in > > > the body are synthesized from cholesterol. I prefer to > > > take niacin because it's much safer; has no effect on the > > > brain; and improves all lipid parameters much better than > > > statins and it has been proven to decrease mortality. > > > It's also very cheap. > > > > > > > > In the last two years, I've completely changed the way > > > I eat. My HDL is now 70. My doctor asked me how > > > I did it because that is impossible according to current > > > medical thinking. She's right. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ __ > > > > From: andrenym007 <no_reply@group s.com> > > > > > > > > Sent: Tue, March 2, 2010 4:11:17 PM > > > > Subject: Low Total Cholesterol > > > > > > > > > > > > A little off topic but I was wondering if anyone knows > > > what causes a low total cholesterol? Mine has been between > > > 100 and 125 over the last year and I'm a little concerned. I > > > do have an underactive thyroid which has caused me to have a > > > sluggish liver I guess and elevated liver enzymes. They've > > > been normal though over last several months because of > > > improved diet and weight loss. Does anybody have low > > > cholesterol? Should I be concerned? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 My Drug care pain was paying for it but now I think it's not covered anymore. Hardasnails has a better way to get Omega 3's the fish oils stains my pillow from the oil off my skin a yellow color. I am sick of hearing my wife complain about this. Co-Moderator Phil > From: jim <virtuosa150@...> > Subject: Re: Low Total Cholesterol > > Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 11:46 AM > WOW. This list of supplements is > going to create one long topic of conversation. ADC has a > generic " eqivalant " for the Lovaza. Have you ever tried > this? Dr. O prescribed my lovaza but it's so expensive. > > > > > > > > > > A couple of years ago my total cholesterol > was 97 and > > > my cardiologist was thrilled. I've since > learned that > > > total cholesterol is virtually meaningless in > terms of > > > cardiovascular risk. Lipid analysis and > research has > > > advanced a lot in the last ten years, but most > doctors still > > > rely upon LDL and total as the important > numbers. I > > > achieved my low number by eating a fairly > low-fat > > > diet,especially saturated fats, and eating a lot > of omega-6 > > > fats. My HDL was 42, the highest it had ever > been. > > > > > > > > Back in 1979 when I was in pharmacy school, > the > > > rule-of-thumb for a healthy cholesterol 200 + > age. > > > That was not changed significantly until the > advent of > > > statins,when progressively more potent statins > kept pushing > > > the " ideal " levels down. > > > > > > > > Problem is that statins do not reduce > overall > > > mortality and the incidence of side effects are > grossly > > > underreported. Keep in mind that a lot of > hormones in > > > the body are synthesized from cholesterol. I > prefer to > > > take niacin because it's much safer; has no > effect on the > > > brain; and improves all lipid parameters much > better than > > > statins and it has been proven to decrease > mortality. > > > It's also very cheap. > > > > > > > > In the last two years, I've completely > changed the way > > > I eat. My HDL is now 70. My doctor asked > me how > > > I did it because that is impossible according to > current > > > medical thinking. She's right. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ __ > > > > From: andrenym007 <no_reply@group > s.com> > > > > > > > > Sent: Tue, March 2, 2010 4:11:17 PM > > > > Subject: Low Total > Cholesterol > > > > > > > > > > > > A little off topic but I was wondering if > anyone knows > > > what causes a low total cholesterol? Mine has > been between > > > 100 and 125 over the last year and I'm a little > concerned. I > > > do have an underactive thyroid which has caused > me to have a > > > sluggish liver I guess and elevated liver > enzymes. They've > > > been normal though over last several months > because of > > > improved diet and weight loss. Does anybody have > low > > > cholesterol? Should I be concerned? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 Hey Guys, Not much to add, ...it's a personal choice..., but for 5+ years following my MI (myocardial infarction) at 54, I've been on statins. As has been said, it was a no-brainer since permanent damage to the heart had already been done - leaving me with persistent atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), cardiomyopathy (enlarged), and moderate chronic heart failure (diminished pumping capacity, although the latter has actually improved by 50% after five years of daily morning workouts, and a little improvement in my diet). My total cholestorol, which had been above 250 and even 300 for more than 15 years, has been well below 150 ever since. I've not felt better since college days (even with the low testosterone level)!! I sure hope that beginning TRT this summer won't upset the cardio progress. ...A few years ago, though, my PCP (not a GP, but a Specialist in Internal Medicine) tried to begin a Niaspan regimen to help boost my HDL - which has failed to climb back into the normal range - and also to lower my triglycerides. The Cardiologists squawked immediately (not invented here?) because of potential interaction and side-effect concerns since I was also simultaneously switching from Lipitor and Tricor to Crestor alone (cheaper). My low HDL and elevated triglyceride levels remain. I expect to try Niaspan again soon (one tablet nightly before bed to minimize the effect of flushing). ...My (admittedly uneducated) guess is that the niacin would be a wise choice to improve HDL for a man whose total cholestorol is within range (< 200 or 220). Otherwise, the slightly more 'dangerous' statins are probably warranted. I certainly wish that I had been using Lipitor before my heart attack (the cardiac arterial blockages would have been much smaller, or at least would have occurred much later). .......On another subject, my PCP won't deal with the low T - except to order blood tests. He will refer me to an ENDO or a URO - presumably one who is well-versed in TRT issues. There are no other choices, 'other than the myriad fly-by-night websites' with self-serving interests (I'm sure that he would include the advice given on this board among them). We've heard your warnings about ENDOs, but it doesn't help - because our $1900+ monthly insurance policy won't pay a nickel toward 'treatment' by anyone else. Fortunately, no real symptoms yet, but we're a little worried about loss of bone density and muscle mass, and whatever else may come next. ............... & V, Rochester, NY.............. > > > My cholesterol numbers really suck. > > > My GP wanted me to start a statin. I don't want to go that > > > route. I'm seriously considering niacin. Do you use timed > > > released? What's the doseage you use? > > > I've read that the liver enzymes should be watched while on > > > this protocol. I also read that hypoglycemia could be a > > > problem. I'm not into researching this enough to start on my > > > own yet. I'm still relatively new to TRT and want to give > > > this some time before I have my cholesterol numbers > > > rechecked. I believe TRT is supposed to have positive > > > effects on cholesterol levels. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 No not because of T I started on Growth Hormone shots last Dec. and my Dr. said my Thyroid meds might get to strong. I was on 4 grains of Armour a day now I can't even take 30 mgs with out going hyper my BP goes why up and my heart rate and this makes my panic condition take off and I sweat like a pig and feel so bad all I can do is sit in quit place and not move. And to add to this the new HCG Novarel I got is bad Ferring jobbed it out to a new lab in Canada and it's not right. Doing a small shot of this is going to Estradiol causing me more problems. Co-Moderator Phil > From: andrenym007 <no_reply > > Subject: Re: Low Total Cholesterol > > Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 12:09 PM > I'm glad my original thread started a > good conversation. Phil I couldn't find the post but did you > say yesterday that your thyroid went over active because of > test? > > > > > > > > > > > > A couple of years ago my total > cholesterol was 97 and > > > > my cardiologist was thrilled. I've since > learned that > > > > total cholesterol is virtually meaningless > in terms of > > > > cardiovascular risk. Lipid analysis and > research has > > > > advanced a lot in the last ten years, but > most doctors still > > > > rely upon LDL and total as the important > numbers. I > > > > achieved my low number by eating a fairly > low-fat > > > > diet,especially saturated fats, and eating a > lot of omega-6 > > > > fats. My HDL was 42, the highest it had > ever been. > > > > > > > > > > Back in 1979 when I was in pharmacy > school, the > > > > rule-of-thumb for a healthy cholesterol 200 > + age. > > > > That was not changed significantly until the > advent of > > > > statins,when progressively more potent > statins kept pushing > > > > the " ideal " levels down. > > > > > > > > > > Problem is that statins do not reduce > overall > > > > mortality and the incidence of side effects > are grossly > > > > underreported. Keep in mind that a lot > of hormones in > > > > the body are synthesized from > cholesterol. I prefer to > > > > take niacin because it's much safer; has no > effect on the > > > > brain; and improves all lipid parameters > much better than > > > > statins and it has been proven to decrease > mortality. > > > > It's also very cheap. > > > > > > > > > > In the last two years, I've completely > changed the way > > > > I eat. My HDL is now 70. My doctor > asked me how > > > > I did it because that is impossible > according to current > > > > medical thinking. She's right. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ __ > > > > > From: andrenym007 > <no_reply@group s.com> > > > > > > > > > > Sent: Tue, March 2, 2010 4:11:17 PM > > > > > Subject: Low Total > Cholesterol > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > A little off topic but I was wondering > if anyone knows > > > > what causes a low total cholesterol? Mine > has been between > > > > 100 and 125 over the last year and I'm a > little concerned. I > > > > do have an underactive thyroid which has > caused me to have a > > > > sluggish liver I guess and elevated liver > enzymes. They've > > > > been normal though over last several months > because of > > > > improved diet and weight loss. Does anybody > have low > > > > cholesterol? Should I be concerned? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have > been removed] > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 see this Dr. to hell with your health care plain I had heart bypass sugary do to low hormones. Low T and Growth Hormones will mess up your heart it did mine. http://www.thehiddendisease.com/ Co-Moderator Phil > From: L <lindav1950@...> > Subject: Re: Low Total Cholesterol > > Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 1:01 PM > > Hey Guys, Not much to add, ...it's a personal choice..., > but for 5+ years following my MI (myocardial infarction) at > 54, I've been on statins. As has been said, it was a > no-brainer since permanent damage to the heart had already > been done - leaving me with persistent atrial fibrillation > (irregular heartbeat), cardiomyopathy (enlarged), and > moderate chronic heart failure (diminished pumping capacity, > although the latter has actually improved by 50% after five > years of daily morning workouts, and a little improvement in > my diet). My total cholestorol, which had been above > 250 and even 300 for more than 15 years, has been well below > 150 ever since. I've not felt better since college > days (even with the low testosterone level)!! I sure > hope that beginning TRT this summer won't upset the cardio > progress. > ..A few years ago, though, my PCP (not a GP, but a > Specialist in Internal Medicine) tried to begin a Niaspan > regimen to help boost my HDL - which has failed to climb > back into the normal range - and also to lower my > triglycerides. The Cardiologists squawked immediately > (not invented here?) because of potential interaction and > side-effect concerns since I was also simultaneously > switching from Lipitor and Tricor to Crestor alone > (cheaper). My low HDL and elevated triglyceride levels > remain. I expect to try Niaspan again soon (one tablet > nightly before bed to minimize the effect of flushing). > ..My (admittedly uneducated) guess is that the niacin would > be a wise choice to improve HDL for a man whose total > cholestorol is within range (< 200 or 220). > Otherwise, the slightly more 'dangerous' statins are > probably warranted. I certainly wish that I had been > using Lipitor before my heart attack (the cardiac arterial > blockages would have been much smaller, or at least would > have occurred much later). > ......On another subject, my PCP won't deal with the low T > - except to order blood tests. He will refer me to an > ENDO or a URO - presumably one who is well-versed in TRT > issues. There are no other choices, 'other than the > myriad fly-by-night websites' with self-serving interests > (I'm sure that he would include the advice given on this > board among them). We've heard your warnings about > ENDOs, but it doesn't help - because our $1900+ monthly > insurance policy won't pay a nickel toward 'treatment' by > anyone else. Fortunately, no real symptoms yet, but > we're a little worried about loss of bone density and muscle > mass, and whatever else may come next. > .............. & V, Rochester, > NY.............. > > > > > > My cholesterol numbers really suck. > > > > My GP wanted me to start a statin. I don't > want to go that > > > > route. I'm seriously considering niacin. Do > you use timed > > > > released? What's the doseage you use? > > > > I've read that the liver enzymes should be > watched while on > > > > this protocol. I also read that hypoglycemia > could be a > > > > problem. I'm not into researching this > enough to start on my > > > > own yet. I'm still relatively new to TRT and > want to give > > > > this some time before I have my cholesterol > numbers > > > > rechecked. I believe TRT is supposed to have > positive > > > > effects on cholesterol levels. > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 Is that related to Jaundice? Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile Low Total > Cholesterol > > > > > > > > > > > > A little off topic but I was wondering if > anyone knows > > > what causes a low total cholesterol? Mine has > been between > > > 100 and 125 over the last year and I'm a little > concerned. I > > > do have an underactive thyroid which has caused > me to have a > > > sluggish liver I guess and elevated liver > enzymes. They've > > > been normal though over last several months > because of > > > improved diet and weight loss. Does anybody have > low > > > cholesterol? Should I be concerned? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > > > > > > > > > > > >Â > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 No I have oily skin to start with Dr.s say I am lucky yet on Fish Oil the oil stains my pillow a very light yellow. Co-Moderator Phil > > > From: jim <virtuosa150@...> > > Subject: Re: Low Total Cholesterol > > > > Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 11:46 AM > > WOW. This list of supplements is > > going to create one long topic of conversation. ADC > has a > > generic " eqivalant " for the Lovaza. Have you ever > tried > > this? Dr. O prescribed my lovaza but it's so > expensive. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > A couple of years ago my total > cholesterol > > was 97 and > > > > my cardiologist was thrilled. I've > since > > learned that > > > > total cholesterol is virtually meaningless > in > > terms of > > > > cardiovascular risk. Lipid analysis and > > research has > > > > advanced a lot in the last ten years, but > most > > doctors still > > > > rely upon LDL and total as the important > > numbers. I > > > > achieved my low number by eating a fairly > > low-fat > > > > diet,especially saturated fats, and eating a > lot > > of omega-6 > > > > fats. My HDL was 42, the highest it had > ever > > been. > > > > > > > > > > Back in 1979 when I was in pharmacy > school, > > the > > > > rule-of-thumb for a healthy cholesterol 200 > + > > age. > > > > That was not changed significantly until > the > > advent of > > > > statins,when progressively more potent > statins > > kept pushing > > > > the " ideal " levels down. > > > > > > > > > > Problem is that statins do not reduce > > overall > > > > mortality and the incidence of side effects > are > > grossly > > > > underreported. Keep in mind that a lot > of > > hormones in > > > > the body are synthesized from > cholesterol. I > > prefer to > > > > take niacin because it's much safer; has no > > effect on the > > > > brain; and improves all lipid parameters > much > > better than > > > > statins and it has been proven to decrease > > mortality. > > > > It's also very cheap. > > > > > > > > > > In the last two years, I've completely > > changed the way > > > > I eat. My HDL is now 70. My doctor > asked > > me how > > > > I did it because that is impossible > according to > > current > > > > medical thinking. She's right. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >________________________________ > > > > > From: andrenym007 > <no_reply@group > > s.com> > > > > > > > > > > Sent: Tue, March 2, 2010 4:11:17 PM > > > > > Subject: Low Total > > Cholesterol > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > A little off topic but I was wondering > if > > anyone knows > > > > what causes a low total cholesterol? Mine > has > > been between > > > > 100 and 125 over the last year and I'm a > little > > concerned. I > > > > do have an underactive thyroid which has > caused > > me to have a > > > > sluggish liver I guess and elevated liver > > enzymes. They've > > > > been normal though over last several months > > because of > > > > improved diet and weight loss. Does anybody > have > > low > > > > cholesterol? Should I be concerned? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have > been > > removed] > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have > been > > removed] > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 There is on group of people who definitely benefit from statins. That group is men who've experienced an heart attack. I was on Zocor and niacin for a short while, but my liver protested. My doctor let me choose which one I returned to because she knew I was doing that one way or another. If on a statin, it's a very good idea to also take CoQ-10 since statins intefere with the synthesis of it. CoQ-10 is essential for helping supply the heart muscle with sufficient energy, so it's critical for someone on a statin with heart failure. Merck almost patented a version of its statin with CoQ-10 but I think their lawyers thought it a bad idea. The single biggest factor increasing my HDL is eating coconut oil. Coconut oil is 50 to 55% lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid that primarily boosts HDL. I mix the oil with my omelette mix, use coconut milk powder in my coffee and eat coconut chips as a snack. ________________________________ From: L <lindav1950@...> Sent: Wed, March 3, 2010 1:01:04 PM Subject: Re: Low Total Cholesterol Hey Guys, Not much to add, ...it's a personal choice..., but for 5+ years following my MI (myocardial infarction) at 54, I've been on statins. As has been said, it was a no-brainer since permanent damage to the heart had already been done - leaving me with persistent atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), cardiomyopathy (enlarged), and moderate chronic heart failure (diminished pumping capacity, although the latter has actually improved by 50% after five years of daily morning workouts, and a little improvement in my diet). My total cholestorol, which had been above 250 and even 300 for more than 15 years, has been well below 150 ever since. I've not felt better since college days (even with the low testosterone level)!! I sure hope that beginning TRT this summer won't upset the cardio progress. ...A few years ago, though, my PCP (not a GP, but a Specialist in Internal Medicine) tried to begin a Niaspan regimen to help boost my HDL - which has failed to climb back into the normal range - and also to lower my triglycerides. The Cardiologists squawked immediately (not invented here?) because of potential interaction and side-effect concerns since I was also simultaneously switching from Lipitor and Tricor to Crestor alone (cheaper). My low HDL and elevated triglyceride levels remain. I expect to try Niaspan again soon (one tablet nightly before bed to minimize the effect of flushing). ...My (admittedly uneducated) guess is that the niacin would be a wise choice to improve HDL for a man whose total cholestorol is within range (< 200 or 220). Otherwise, the slightly more 'dangerous' statins are probably warranted. I certainly wish that I had been using Lipitor before my heart attack (the cardiac arterial blockages would have been much smaller, or at least would have occurred much later). .......On another subject, my PCP won't deal with the low T - except to order blood tests. He will refer me to an ENDO or a URO - presumably one who is well-versed in TRT issues. There are no other choices, 'other than the myriad fly-by-night websites' with self-serving interests (I'm sure that he would include the advice given on this board among them). We've heard your warnings about ENDOs, but it doesn't help - because our $1900+ monthly insurance policy won't pay a nickel toward 'treatment' by anyone else. Fortunately, no real symptoms yet, but we're a little worried about loss of bone density and muscle mass, and whatever else may come next. ............. .. & V, Rochester, NY.......... .... > > > My cholesterol numbers really suck. > > > My GP wanted me to start a statin. I don't want to go that > > > route. I'm seriously considering niacin. Do you use timed > > > released? What's the doseage you use? > > > I've read that the liver enzymes should be watched while on > > > this protocol. I also read that hypoglycemia could be a > > > problem. I'm not into researching this enough to start on my > > > own yet. I'm still relatively new to TRT and want to give > > > this some time before I have my cholesterol numbers > > > rechecked. I believe TRT is supposed to have positive > > > effects on cholesterol levels. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 3, 2010 Report Share Posted March 3, 2010 Ed, Where do u get coconut milk powder and chips? I have been using organic coconut oil for a few years now and my blood work is pwefect. Cheers, Rob Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry Re: Low Total Cholesterol Hey Guys, Not much to add, ...it's a personal choice..., but for 5+ years following my MI (myocardial infarction) at 54, I've been on statins. As has been said, it was a no-brainer since permanent damage to the heart had already been done - leaving me with persistent atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), cardiomyopathy (enlarged), and moderate chronic heart failure (diminished pumping capacity, although the latter has actually improved by 50% after five years of daily morning workouts, and a little improvement in my diet). My total cholestorol, which had been above 250 and even 300 for more than 15 years, has been well below 150 ever since. I've not felt better since college days (even with the low testosterone level)!! I sure hope that beginning TRT this summer won't upset the cardio progress. ...A few years ago, though, my PCP (not a GP, but a Specialist in Internal Medicine) tried to begin a Niaspan regimen to help boost my HDL - which has failed to climb back into the normal range - and also to lower my triglycerides. The Cardiologists squawked immediately (not invented here?) because of potential interaction and side-effect concerns since I was also simultaneously switching from Lipitor and Tricor to Crestor alone (cheaper). My low HDL and elevated triglyceride levels remain. I expect to try Niaspan again soon (one tablet nightly before bed to minimize the effect of flushing). ...My (admittedly uneducated) guess is that the niacin would be a wise choice to improve HDL for a man whose total cholestorol is within range (< 200 or 220). Otherwise, the slightly more 'dangerous' statins are probably warranted. I certainly wish that I had been using Lipitor before my heart attack (the cardiac arterial blockages would have been much smaller, or at least would have occurred much later). .......On another subject, my PCP won't deal with the low T - except to order blood tests. He will refer me to an ENDO or a URO - presumably one who is well-versed in TRT issues. There are no other choices, 'other than the myriad fly-by-night websites' with self-serving interests (I'm sure that he would include the advice given on this board among them). We've heard your warnings about ENDOs, but it doesn't help - because our $1900+ monthly insurance policy won't pay a nickel toward 'treatment' by anyone else. Fortunately, no real symptoms yet, but we're a little worried about loss of bone density and muscle mass, and whatever else may come next. ............. .. & V, Rochester, NY.......... .... > > > My cholesterol numbers really suck. > > > My GP wanted me to start a statin. I don't want to go that > > > route. I'm seriously considering niacin. Do you use timed > > > released? What's the doseage you use? > > > I've read that the liver enzymes should be watched while on > > > this protocol. I also read that hypoglycemia could be a > > > problem. I'm not into researching this enough to start on my > > > own yet. I'm still relatively new to TRT and want to give > > > this some time before I have my cholesterol numbers > > > rechecked. I believe TRT is supposed to have positive > > > effects on cholesterol levels. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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