Want so share some lipid panel results

[SassyLassie]

Hi, well, I just got my most currant lipid panel results, here they are, taken March 26, 2009:
Cholesterol: 205 (normal is under 200, borderline is 200 to 240)
Triglycerides: 135 (normal is anything under 150)
HDL: 47 (for women, it should be over 50, men over 45)
LDL: 131 (This can vary between normals being 60 to 160 depending on other risk factors, however, the desirable range is under 130)

Now, according to some doctors, most of these are too high, but, according to others, like my chiropractor and some naturopaths, they are fine.

Here are the same readings when taken in January of this year:
Cholesterol: 216
Triglycerides: 152
HDL: 47
LDL: 139

I did not like these at all, but, still, this one doc was not too concerned.

Now, here is what has me baffled, take a look at the readings taken in August of 2008, they are awesome:
Cholesterol: 176
Trigs: 72
HDL: 42
LDL: 120

I had one doc say the cholesterol was too low, but, my other ones loved it.

Anyway, what do you all think could be the reason for the climbs? I am not doing anything different. I did stop my Iodoral for awhile because the doc told me to, I am back on it now though, just started last week. Also, for a while, I stopped all vitamins and minerals as they make me so sick, and it was after that , that I had the highest readings, (the January ones) I have started them again, and now, the March ones are a little better. I find it hard to believe though that dropping just a few B vitamins could make this difference, I was still on my Red Yeast Rice and my liquid fish oil the entire time.

I am curious as to what any of you might think, my doctor is not concerned as I stated, but, I am curious, she had no answers, just said it was due to anxiety and stress, I guess, like I said, I really have not changed much regarding what I am taking and eating, but, I am under lots of stress now.

[Barb135]

Who ME - getting old - not on your life..........  Personally, I never cared for a BMW, but the BM sounds pretty good most days!!!  lol

Thanks Paxiled - I'm still trying to figure it out.  Only meds I take beside levothyroxin and cytomel for thyroid and a vitamin B12 shot every 2 weeks, is 1/2 of a lotensin every day for BP - got to cut that in 1/2 after I quit smoking a couple yrs ago.  At least I should get an A+ for THAT??  

Are you still not losing even though you aren't on paxil anymore?  

[deepdiver]

When I was young I wanted a BMW now I want a BM :>)))))

[Paxiled]

Could be hormonal, could be medication.  When I was on Paxil I gained 50 pounds and couldn't lose, and I exercise like crazy.  Could be we're all getting old!

[Barb135]

Yeah, I agree it's weird that my pcp would STILL want me to go on Crestor even after my levels came back into the normal range.  Makes me wonder if he works more for the drug company than he does for me.  

Regarding the weight??  I put on about 30 pounds prior to being dx'd with hypothyroidism/Hashi's and nothing has worked yet to get it off.  I eat well (I agree not less) - lots of protein, fruits, veggies, etc.  I quit eating sugar a long time ago and eat whole grain breads, etc.  My job is physically demanding and I generally end up walking several miles a day (I do wear a pedometer), plus whatever other physical activity comes up.  In addition to that, I work out most days after work for at least 30 min or do more walking since I have 2 active dogs as well.  Some days, I put on as much as 8-10 miles.  

I'm sure one day, I'll come up with the right "combination" for losing the weight, but in the meantime, it's very frustrating to not even be able to budge an ounce.  

Thanks for your input and if you have any suggestions, please feel free let me know.  

[Paxiled]

One other thing.  It is possible to have too little cholesterol.  Cholesterol is necessary for the body to produce hormones, get things where they need to go, etc.  But some is helpful and some is unhelpful.  But if your cholesterol is normal, no, of course you don't need to take anything.  Red yeast rice is very mild, so it's probably not a problem, but Crestor?  If your cholesterol is normal?  Weird.

[Paxiled]

Only one way to keep weight off, and that's eat better, exercise more.  Notice I didn't say eat less, I said eat better.  There are a million diets and weight loss products, but other than speed none have been proven to work over time.  Only permanent changes in way of life do.  Find the foods you do best on, cut down on the obvious no nos like simple sugars and the wrong kinds of fats, and up your burning of calories.  Then stick with it.  Very hard to do, which is why everyone's peddling miracle diets and products.

[deepdiver]

May Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease by Lowering Cholesterol
ModuChol™: Heart Disease and Cholesterol Facts:
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S., with elevated blood cholesterol as one of the most prevalent risk factors for both men and women. Foods containing at least 0.65 grams per serving of plant sterol esters, eaten twice a day with meals for a daily total intake of at least 1.3 grams, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. A daily serving (two capsules) of ModuChol™ supplies 1.3 grams of plant sterol esters. ModuChol™, taken daily, may reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol.
What is ModuChol™ and How Does it Lower Cholesterol?
ModuChol™ consists of plant sterol esters, clinically proven to help reduce harmful LDL cholesterol levels, a major indicator for heart disease. ModuChol™ contains 0.65 grams of plant sterol esters in each capsule.

ModuChol™ uses an innovative vegetarian Li-Cap or liquid capsule making the liquid contents readily absorbed. Plant sterol esters compete with dietary cholesterol, so when ModuChol™ is consumed with food, less cholesterol is absorbed by the small intestine, thus lowering harmful LDL. This cholesterol reduction may mean a reduced risk of heart disease.

Is there any Clinical Research to Support the Benefits of ModuChol™?
Yes, the effects of plant sterol esters on cholesterol lowering have been extensively researched over the past fifty years and have consistently demonstrated an ability to lower cholesterol levels. Research began in the 1950s, and there have been numerous clinical studies to demonstrate that increased intake of plant sterol esters inhibits the intestinal absorption of bad cholesterol and decreases the total blood and LDL cholesterol. (Brit J Nutr 2002;88:479-488 and Amer J Clin Nutr 1999;69:1144-50)

[Barb135]

Thanks for your response.  I'll look into the vitacost.  I've seen several other posts that refer to it so it must be good.  My doctor ok'd the red yeast rice.  

What is "Moducare ModuChol"?  Just curious.  

I'll get my levels checked again in July at same time I get thyroid testing done again.  Since the last tests were back in the normal range, I'm hoping they will continue to stay down.

Any thoughts on the weight loss?  I saw what you posted on WL&D about the 5 things that work.  I've tried most of them with no luck.  Maybe I did something wrong.  

Again, thanks for your help.  

[deepdiver]

Barb,If your DR. says it's ok start with Nature's Plus Herbal Actives Red Yeast Rice
and see if it works keep us updated. I suggest buy from www.vitacost.com
best prices. Just keep the item below on your shoping list for now don't buy yet.

Moducare ModuChol

[Barb135]

Hi everyone.  Is this a private party or can anyone join?  I promise to call you whatever you tell me to - well, so long as it's nice.  lol

I have a question about cholesterol too.  I was dx'd with hypothyroidism in Jun 08 and my cholesterol had jumped way up prior to being dx'd.  My doctor admitted that the high levels were more than likely caused by the thyroid issue but he wanted to start me on Crestor right away.  

I had never had a cholesterol problem before and and the levels weren't THAT high, so I refused, thinking that if the problem was caused by thyroid, why wouldn't it be solved when the thyroid levels got balanced?  

Well, I also had to see a cardiologist in Dec and he was not worried at all about my cholesterol levels, even though they were slightly over the limits.  He suggested that I talk to my pcp about taking red yeast rice.  My pcp agreed although he didn't like it - he REALLY wanted me on Crestor for some reason.  The last blood work I had showed my levels all within the normal range and he still thought I should go on Crestor.  

My question is: even though my levels are back within normal limits, would there be a benefit in taking the red yeast rice to make sure it stays down? Is there a problem with taking red yeast rice if you don't have a cholesterol problem?  Or is there something else I should be taking instead?  I certainly don't want to go on prescription meds when it isn't necessary and apparently, getting my thyroid levels in line brought the cholesterol back in line.  The cardiologist also thought that my levels would stay down if I lost about 25 pounds (gained due to the thyroid thing), but I have not had any success in doing that, in spite of my efforts at diet and exercise.  

Any thoughts?

[deepdiver]

Ray J it is!!!

[Paxiled]

Wow, that's expensive!  It's just fermented rice, how hard can it be to absorb?  On the other hand, your naturopath has a better education than I do on this stuff, we hope.

Deep, can I call you Ray J?

[SassyLassie]

I will definately remember these brands for the Red yeast Rice. The main reason I have only used Thorne is because my Naturopath says this is the easiest to assimilate and since I have difficulties in that area anyway, I have stayed with it. But, heck, if the others are just as good, I might as well give them a try. My brand is really expensive, it is around 32.00 for 120 capsules. It has 600 mg of the Red Yeast Rice, I take 3 a day.

[deepdiver]

You can call me Deep, you can call me shallow, you can call me Brian!
But don't call me late for lunch!! and make it MR. (JUST A JOKE) AS PER PlateletGal :^)))

[Paxiled]

I personally use a combination by Solaray of guggul, an ayurvedic herb for lowering cholesterol, and red yeast rice.  I like the brands recommended by Deep (I've shortened his name).  Only thing I'll mention about brands like Thorne, which are only sold by professionals, is that they often contain cheap ingredients and not the most absorbable forms of nutrients.  They are popular with professionals like naturopaths because you can't buy them anywhere else.  That being said, I know nothing about Thorne, the one I'm most familiar with is Standard Process, and I don't particularly like them.  The Nature's Plus brand mentioned by Deep is a very good brand, they independently test every batch of vitamins they sell, and won't sell to Whole Foods!  Unfortunately for the garlic, it also hasn't held up well in recent double blind studies on lowering cholesterol, but it's so good for so many things you can't go wrong.  Probably the best company for it is Eclectic Institute, but I buy the cheaper stuff from Kyolic.  Deep's is a good one, but I'm a bit afraid of standardized stuff, it's approaching a pharmaceutical model.  I use some, but I don't think I'd use standardized garlic, it's got too many different active ingredients, nature made it perfect, why play with it?

[SassyLassie]

Thanks both deep diver and Paxiled.

Paxiled, no, I am not on any anti-depressants, or any drugs for that matter. I remember by doctor told me that Red yeast Rice was the original Statin, but, it was safer because it had not been ruined by the pharmaceutical companies. I take a great antioxidant, it is not a pill nor is it synthetic. It is called "Fruit Anthocyanins" formulated by Dr William Mitchell, ND, a co-founder of Bastyr university. It is awesome, full of organic fruit with no sugar, I call it a "tasty supplement" You mix 1 teaspoon in 4 ounces of pure water. YUMMY. It is an organic concentrate of: Red Grape, Elderberry, Blueberry, Red Raspberry, Aroniaberry, and pomegranate.  Also, I drink a delicious glass of Pomegranate juice a day, I love it, it is organic too, no sugar, just pure juice, it is by Langors.

Deep diver, I have taken the Nicotonic acid, actually, it was a brand by "Thorne" and I will try to spell it, it was called "Inositol Hexanicotinate" that was a few years ago, it did seem to help. Right now, my Red Yeast Rice is from Thorne also. You see, my Naturopath prescribes lots of supplements from this company, and the Bastyr University highly endorses it too. However, I will remember the brands you told me about. I have been checking out the Vitacost site, it is terrific, the prices are the best.

Thank you again to both of you for your help, you guys are awesome, really a wealth of knowledge, I tell you, some Naturopaths should be so intelligent.

[deepdiver]

for your cholesterol, Moduchol, Natures Way Niacin (Nicotonic Acid) HAVE YOUR DOCTOR CHECK YOU WHEN YOU'RE ON NIACIN (LIVER), Natures Plus Red Yeast Rice, Natrol Quintessence Standardized Pure Garlic,  Pomegranate, Himalaya Herbal Healthcare Arjuna.
I could keep going on but try  , Moduchol, Natures Plus Red Yeast Rice, Natrol Quintessence Standardized Pure Garlic, Natures Way Niacin (Nicotonic Acid)
Buy the Brand name products that I am suggesting! If you go to www.vitacost.com and in the search put in the complete name for each product.
I find their prices can't be beat. P.S. don't buy any other brand!!!!!

[Paxiled]

The latest double blind studies don't look good for policosinol.  I personally stopped taking it.  Sassy, are you on any antidepressants?  Paxil raised my LDL, which is why I started with the guggul, red yeast rice, and policosinol.  However, none of your cholesterol studies look particularly bad to me.  The one thing I would do is get your HDL up, and maybe triglycerides down, but just some, not a lot.  Deep is right, as long as you have plenty of antioxidants in your diet, mainly green vegetables and such, you'll be fine.  By the way, red yeast rice is a statin, a natural one; it was the study of natural statins by a Japanese researcher that led to the discovery of the drugs.  And inflammation is a much greater predictor of heart disease than cholesterol, so your good homocysteine levels are great.  You sound in the pink to me.  Good job.

[SassyLassie]

I have never taken a Statin and I refuse to do so. I do take Red Yeast Rice, and it has helped.

I read all you wrote and it is outstanding, I have taken almost all you haver recommended, and for over a year, I took the Policosanol in the amount prescribe, it did absolutely nothing, so, we changed over to the Red Yeast Rice. For awhile, I was around 264 in my cholesterol, and it has lowered it from there. I was just concerned as to why it went up from the August readings, to the higher ones in January, I am pleased to see it dropping again according to the March draw. Cholesterol has always been an issue with me, so, I do need to watch it.

I will say, that my fibrinogen is great, as is my high sensitivity CRP and my homeocysteine.

Thanks again for your informative response.

[deepdiver]

For example, the substance policosanol, a waxy extract of sugar cane, has been shown to safely lower cholesterol just as well as the statin drugs, but without
any toxicity whatsoever The antioxidants, especially flavonoids such as green tea extract, grape seed extract (OPCs), quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol (found in artichoke extract and ginkgo biloba), prevent cholesterol from oxidizing, which is the only reason cholesterol causes hardening of the arteries in the first place.
Un-oxidized cholesterol is perfectly harmless even when elevated. These flavonoids are all available as supplements and in a diet high in vegetables.
Vitamin C, E (as mixed tocopherols — not artificial E), the carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, etc.), D, K and the mineral magnesium also strongly protect
against arteriosclerosis Below are the purported beneficial effects of the statin cholesterol-lowering drugs:
➔ Reduce LDL cholesterol levels
➔ Reduce triglyceride levels
➔ Reduce total cholesterol
➔ May reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease
➔ May protect brain from stroke damage
➔ Are antioxidants
➔ Have anti-platelet effect (anticoagulant)
➔ Have purported anti-cancer effects
Sounds good, right? Extensive studies both in people and in experimental animals have shown conclusively that policosanol not only had the same benefits but also often exceeded the statin drugs in its effects. And here is the bonus: There are no reported complications or side effects, even with massive doses
(over 500 times the therapeutic dose) of policosanol Now let us take a look at the special beneficial effects of policosanol not seen with statin drugs.
Significantly elevates HDL cholesterol. (Statins either have no effect or only barely elevate it. In fact, Statin drugs are contraindicated in those with low
HDL levels.) Powerfully prevents oxidation of LDL cholesterol Not only is safe for the liver, but also has been shown to protect the liver against even powerful toxins
Substantially reduces the extent of brain injury following strokes Has better anti-platelet properties; even more impressive when combined with an aspirin
Dramatically improves symptoms of intermittent claudication of the legs (caused by poor blood supply to the legs)  Lowers fibrinogen levels (This is an independent
risk factor of heart attacks; that is, even if you have perfectly normal or low cholesterol levels, elevations in this factor can significantly increase your
heart attack and stroke risk.) Lowers glucose levels (This is especially beneficial to diabetics. Statins can increase blood glucose, bad for diabetics.)
Shown to lower blood pressure in hypertensive people (Statins have no effect.) Prevents changes in blood vessels associated with coronary artery disease
Produces a 45 percent improvement in clinical coronary heart disease patients Dramatically reduces damage to heart following heart attack
Extensive testing shows no carcinogenic effect (Doesn’t cause cancer.) So, we see that policosanol can do everything the statin drugs can do while also offering important protective effects statins do not have, the most important being significantly elevated HDL cholesterol levels. HDL is the so-called “good cholesterol” that studies have shown to be so important in preventing heart attacks and strokes. Of equal importance is the fact that policosanol can accomplish these things without side effects or complications. In fact, as we have seen, it protects the liver from damage from other drugs and toxins. The big question is why hasn’t the public been
told about this safe alternative? After all, these peerreviewed studies have appeared in very prestigious journals. You guessed it — money and its influence
on the medical elitists who disseminate the information to practicing doctors. Policosanol is inexpensive and can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription.
The most effective dose for policosanol is 20 mg a day. Higher doses have no additional benefit. Combining this supplement with an array of
antioxidants and a healthy diet can provide even greater protection. These include: A multivitamin/mineral supplement with out iron in a powder form, either in a capsule or in bulk Magnesium ascorbate (buffered vitamin C): 1000 mg three times a day on an empty stomach between meals Magnesium citramate: 500 mg twice a day with meals L-carnitine: 500 mg twice a day on an empty stomach (improves heart strength) CoQ10: 150 mg a day (in olive or rice brain oil) (alternative is Idebenone, 50 mg twice a day) Quercetin: 500 mg three times a day with meals Green tea extract (decaffeinated): 100 mg a day (see Rooibos tea below)
Grape seed extract: 100 mg a day Vitamin D3: 1,000 IU a day If you are currently on statins, you should share you concerns with your physician. You can discuss
the possibility of going off statins and trying policosanol and the nutritional approach I have outlined. You should have your cholesterol level rechecked
after three months and six months to see the results. Perhaps your doctor will be surprised by the result and he or she will recommend this approach to other
I recomend Source Naturales Policosanol, and if you go to www.vitacost.com  search for cardiolift version 7