Into week four all ready!

[AlmostThere]

Well, I'm bummed!! I had my check up today with my cardio Dr. and was hoping for a good, low cholesterol #, but it wasn't to be. So I guess I have to resign myself to being on meds now. Pooh!

[WickedLady]

When the doctor wanted to put me on meds I said NO WAY. That stuff can ruin the internal organs!
I cut out ice cream, eggs, potatoes, my usual toast w/peanut butter for breakfast and started eating oatmeal. I lost 10lbs. Along with more exercise and watching what I ate, the count came down to almost normal. Last time it was checked, it was no longer a problem.
I still limit the eggs, bread, potatoes and ice cream and have the oatmeal for breakfast.

[Cedar518]

for a natural colesterol treatment use Niacin (vitamin),... flush free. 500 mg. 2xday Perscribed by my doc and works wonderfully. Been a year now and my blood test has been fine. I get mine in either Walmart or Sam's Club. Just be sure it's flush free. check it out!

[AlmostThere]

About 20 yrs ago I exercised and dieted and it went down dramatically, but this time only about 20 pts. & I was really hoping to get the same results this time.
Cedar, I have heard about using Niacin but the 'flush free' part scared me cause I feel like it still has the potential of causing hot flashes. And I hate hotflashes! How high were your numbers that you brought down?

[mtngal]

Oh shoot that is a bummer AlmostThere! I am in the same place, not wanting to take meds, but looks like I will in the end. It's just so unpredictable, and
frustrating. My sister who is significantly bigger than me has perfect numbers. Go figure! I hope you won't be too hard on yourself though, you did GREAT on the weight loss!

[Liz]

Oh, that's too bad about the cholesterol count, Lenora. I would be frustrated too. I go in another week to have mine checked...so far it's only been borderline and haven't had to take meds yet. I do take a BP pill, though, and don't like having to do that either. Keep up what you're doing though, your weight loss effort has been very successful.

My weight keeps fluctuating up and down 1 to 2 pounds, so I need to get more consistent with diet & exercise, if I want improvement.

[AlmostThere]

Thank you all for the kind words and support. I have some other news to relate about supplements.

Ok, I already shared how I need to be on cholesterol lowing meds now and some of you shared taking non-flushing niacin (B3) . So today I stopped at my grocery store to pick up my prescription but thought I'd talk to the gal that manages the nutrition center first. I asked her about niacin and she said she also took it, but not for lowering her cholesterol, but to keep her circulation going as B3 causes your veins to dialate and the blood flows more freely, thus she stays warmer in the winter. She also shared with me that taking red yeast is another supplement with cholesterol lowering attributes.

I then went to the pharmacy to pick up my cholesterol prescription and talked with the pharmacists. I don't remember any of the lengthy names he used but will share, in layman's terms, what he had to say about niacin (B3),and red yeast. This is what he said;

"In order to make niacin "non flushing" a certain part of the vitamin is removed, and the part removed is actually the cholesterol fighting part. So non flushing niacin does nothing for lowering cholesterol.
Red yeast is a good cholesterol lowering supplement but it, as well as niacin, should be taken is low doses at first, then gradually work you way up to the suggested daily amount".

I was surprised that both niacin and red yeast have the same affect on the liver as prescribed cholesterol meds and was told that liver functions should be checked at least every 3-4 mons.

Side effects of all the above: liver problems, achy joints, weak muscles and tiredness.
Oh, and never take prescribed cholesterol meds along with cholesterol lowering supplements!!