Quote Originally Posted by Mansized View Post
There are some good suggestions in here. I am hoping that your doctor told you that your cholesterol level is determined by two basic factors:

1) Your diet (and weight)
2) Your genetics (what you inherit)

Unfortunately 75% of your cholestorol "traits" comes from your genetics. So, modifying your eating habits WILL help, but in the end, not much more you are going to be able to do about it. I was OVER 200 for my total cholesterol, and got put on a statin, which has knocked the crap out of cholesterol (and changed my diet) to where my TOTAL is now at 105!

Now you have TWO types of cholesterol.

Your ldl levels (I called this "lousy" based on the l's, and it is the BAD Cholesterol..you want this as low as possible!)

and then there is your hdl (I call this one your "healthy" cholsterol based on the "h".) You want THIS ONE to be OVER 100. Mine are not..and that is what I am working on, and my doctor has told me the ONLY way I'm going to get that one better is to lose 20 pounds.

So technically, I guess there are THREE elements to your cholesterol levels.
Don't forget Triglycerides...Not too many folks know this is one of your types of cholesterol. This is also genetically affected, my was through the roof!

I tried the diet approach and it wouldn't improve (my LDL was high & my HDL was low) so my Doc said it was probably genetic.

I was on some really strong meds for years (I'm a nutbucket) and wasn't very keen and getting back on anything, but she said I wouldn't be able to lower it without meds.

She put me on Gemfibrizol and I take NON-FLUSHABLE Niacin, walk 30 minutes a day, use Smart Balance and olive oil.

After 9 months my numbers are FABULOUS! Triglycerides - down, LDL - Down and HDL - UP.

The important thing is to determine if it's your genes or diet and then take it from there.