Comments on: Does High LDL Protect and Prolong Life?

By: Colin

Colin — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 15:07:22 +0000

Jennifer, please understand that I cannot and will not dispense medical advice.

I will share that I personally would never – under any circumstance – take a cholesterol lowering drug. The side effects and consequences are too numerous and serious for any perceived benefit. And it's just way too easy to lower cholesterol with the right diet changes and the right supplements.

But you have to make a decision that YOU are comfortable with … not a decision for me or anyone else.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 08:05:10 +0000

Please advise me whether I should take the statins my doctor has prescribed for me. My total cholesterol is 278 and my HDL 74, my LDL 179.2, my triglycerides is 124, cholesterol: HDL is 3.76, and my VLDL 24.8. I am a 56 y/o female. I weigh 45 kgs, height 4ft 11 inches and am being treated for TB of the lymph nodes. My cholesterol shot up after the treatment started and has increased steadily every month. Before the treatment it was normal – below 200 mg. I don't drink or smoke. Should I take the statins? Would be truly grateful for your advice.

By: Judith Phang

Judith Phang — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 03:38:30 +0000

mmm….I am usually alway trying to read everything I find on cholesterol and have never heard of this scientific evidence/research however, I will continue to moniter my diet in order to keep my LDL down because I do not want to go on meds., or risk the chance of dying from an heart attack now or in my 70's. Sometimes we have to go with what makes sense to us because some people may be taking medications for other conditions/disease and which might affect how their body react to other conditions such as high cholesterol, lets put it this way most people in their 70's are already on some sort of meds., anyway and which may help to prolong life.

Colin, your response makes a whole lot of sense.

By: Colin

Colin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:34:23 +0000

Alex & Christopher:

You two are veering away from the topic of this post, but I'll throw a bone your way.

Alex: As it related to cholesterol and lipid profiles, excess alcohol usually leads to higher triglycerides. So if your triglycerides are in line, I'm inclined to think the alcohol isn't the culprit for you. (But watch your intake anyway and give your liver a break.)

Christopher: The cholesterol in eggs doesn't cause high cholesterol in the blood any more than drinking water causes water retention.

I either eat my eggs scrambled or a toss a couple in (raw) in my morning smoothie.

By: Christopher Holmes

Christopher Holmes — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:24:22 +0000

Colin,

Since you've opened the coop, how about commenting on eggs in the daily diet? What facts (other than the evidence that eggs have been a staple in European and US diets forever) suggest that eggs can be eaten daily? And how do you eat your eggs? No recipes, please. I'm almost 70, what are your thoughts on us older folks?

By: Alex

Alex — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:09:11 +0000

This may be a bit off subject, but I have been "thinking" quite a lot about Colin's assertion that sugar can be a major contributor to out of control cholesterol. I said to myself, "Self, you don't consume a whole lot of sugar and processed foods, but you sure do like your beer and even hard liquors at parties." I have cut way back on my alcohol consumption. No results to report yet, but it seems to me that alcohol should be considered in the same category as simple sugars and carbs. Maybe Colin could do a little research and article covering how alcohol could be nearly or just as antagonistic as sugar to out of control cholesterol situations.

By: Vic

Vic — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:46:30 +0000

You can see, ironically, that my name is Vic also. ha! Colin I still have little idea what the other Vic was on about, but your answer was well presented and very accurate and non biased in my opinion. Stay true and keep it up. Vic