Oatmeal -- Cholesterol

[hoodat]

So the Doc says I've got high cholesterol. Wanted to write me a scrip for statin drugs. I'm not wild about taking any drugs if I don't have to, at least until I try to get things under control with healthier eating and living.

A few folks, my sister included, have told me great things about oatmeal and recipes with it for lowering cholesterol. I haven't eaten the stuff for years, except maybe energy bars and such. I tried the basic recipe this morning, and- HEY!! I could live with this for breakfast -- and snacks too.

I'm gonna go heavy on it for awhile and see if it makes a difference. Has anyone got good things to say abut this idea. -- or good recipes? jd

[dannyd]

The Oatmeal works depending your age; if your 35 the Oatmeal regiment is great but if your over 65 then the scrip would be more affective at slowing down the heart disease that comes from high cholesterol.

Watch how heavy on the Oatmeal it has a lot of fiber that may make an appearance at a bad moment. ;)

[gmsharps]

I believe diet and exercise is the best fix. My cholesterol was at one time over a thousand. Docs said I should not even be alive. I went on several statins niacin and a host of others. My diet then was horrible . I don’t think anything I ate was good for you. I changed my diet some and with the statins and the such we got it down to the 350 range. About 3 months into this regimen I started getting the side effects of the statins. Severe muscle pains . Couldn’t walk up a 3 step flight of stairs without holding onto a handrail. Stopped the statins and about 2 months I was back to where I was but the cholesterol level was in the high 200’s but at least I was going in the right direction. Nowadays I try to eat healthier like oatmeal fresh fruit and green veggies a fair amount. I’m out on the property most days and keep moving . Cholesterol is around 200 sometimes lower but that’s about it. You have to be in for the long hall there’s no quick fix but you have to start somewhere
Good luck

Gmsharps

[kerplode]

Watch out Wilford...That oatmeal will give you diabeetus! (j/k)

Regarding "going heavy on it": Many years ago, for S&G, I decided to exclusively eat oatmeal just to see what would happen. The first couple days were OK, but by day 4 I started to have significant, shall we say, "intestinal distress." After being unable to leave the house for the entirety of day 5, the experiment ended.

[facetious]

I did all that stuff. Eat good, exercise daily , lots of fish, limit the read meat. In the end the pill brought my cholesterol down more any of that stuff. Same with blood pressure ,in the end it was the pill that got it down.

[Winger Ed.]

Oat meal is supposed to be good for you, but it tastes like dirt.

On the other hand--- this is America. We have a pill for everything.:bigsmyl2:

[DougGuy]

Which oatmeal? Plain rolled or steel cut oats? Or packages of prepared oats with flavoring and high fructose corn syrup and/or hydrogenated vegetable oils?

The plain stuff is great, until you go to sweetening it up then it's sugar and it doesn't matter where the sugar comes from, or if it's natural, it's still sugar. I will confess to using some dark brown sugar in my oatmeal and muesli.

Let me also suggest Uncle Bob's Muesli, it's got oats in it, and a lot of other grains and nuts and seeds, it's like oatmeal deluxe. I like to switch off and have grits and eggs, muesli and I add a spoon of Uncle Bob's quick cooking steel cut oats.

[45workhorse]

Oatmeal, with milk and cinnamon, pinch of brown sugar or honey, and pecans. Put in the fridge overnight, and you can eat it cold or warm it up. Just plain ole quick oats
DougGuy I will look for the Uncle Bob's stuff.

[hoodat]

The stuff I got is just plain old fashioned rolled oats. This morning I did one dose which is a half cup of oats, boiled in one cup of water. While it boiled, I put in the same amount of stevia that I'd sweeten two cups of coffee with, and a smidge of cinnamon. So no sugar. It was great.

We'll see how it goes, I just don't want to start taking pills for everything if I don't have to. I don't eat much sugar, or much of pre-packaged junk food. Fast food about once a week. I am heavy on meat, -- beef, elk, pork, chicken, and whatever varmints I can catch and kill. My total cholesterol count was 265. 186 of that is the LDL. (bad stuff)

I appreciate all responses about this cholesterol thing. Keep em coming. jd

[DougGuy]

The stuff I got is just plain old fashioned rolled oats. This morning I did one dose which is a half cup of oats, boiled in one cup of water. While it boiled, I put in the same amount of stevia that I'd sweeten two cups of coffee with, and a smidge of cinnamon. So no sugar. It was great.

We'll see how it goes, I just don't want to start taking pills for everything if I don't have to. I don't eat much sugar, or much of pre-packaged junk food. Fast food about once a week. I am heavy on meat, -- beef, elk, pork, chicken, and whatever varmints I can catch and kill. My total cholesterol count was 265. 186 of that is the LDL. (bad stuff)

I appreciate all responses about this cholesterol thing. Keep em coming. jd

Yer on the right track! Look at the healthy fats too. The body makes cholesterol, and if you restrict intake, it will start manufacturing until it gets what it needs, you can't live without cholesterol, that's a fact. The task is to search out the healthy fats, fish, some red meat, avocados, even butter has health benefits compared to other oils. I probably spend 1/4 of my shopping time in the aisles reading the labels.

If the ingredients is a large paragraph, that's not a good thing. In the center aisles, where the prepared food is, that's where your nasty stuff is, and you have to pick and choose and read labels. On the outer aisles, around the outsides of the groceries, is the healthy stuff. Produce, fish and seafood, non processed meats, dairy, etc..

[slim1836]

I take a bunch of prescription pills and they have kept me going for more years than I should have. I don't like it but I have to face the facts. Combine that with a good diet and exercise, hopefully, you might eliminate one or two of the meds over time.

My mother is 95, eats oatmeal with blueberries, walks at least 1/2 mile every day, lives on her own, still drives, etc... She researches every pill she takes and questions doctors all the time. Me, I just take the pills.

She will outlive me.

Slim

[DougGuy]

I was taking Praluent injections in my tummy every 2 weeks, cholesterol came down but doc wanted it down more so December of 2021 he upped from 75mg to 150mg. About 2months after this change my walking gait just pooped it seems, dragging my right foot, easily felt off balance, I actually fell twice, backwards and my sense of balance was slow in preventing the falls. I told the doc I wanted to go back down to 75mg 2x/month and after a few months of this things were better but they still weren't right so I went off all the cholesterol meds and it seems like my walking is getting much better, I still have some balance problems especially if I crouch down low or bend over low, I have to be extra careful coming up and make sure to catch myself.

A friend of mine said her G'ma was having some of the same kind of symptoms and she went off her cholesterol meds and they cleared up. The symptoms I was having started SO un noticed, insidiously to be more specific, and I thought well hell 69 is the year things are turning, I thought well maybe I am just getting old but it was real quick after it started. I am going to see how things pan out this year before I pass judgement on the meds but they are certainly suspect, more than just turning 70.

[alamogunr]

I ate the quick cooking oatmeal for years(always in a hurry) but changed to regular Quaker Oats after retiring. Got tired of it every day so started varying what I ate for breakfast. When I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, the doctor put me on a statin and a blood pressure pill. His reasoning was that both would help control the glucose. Neither was a very big dose. I've always had decent blood pressure numbers and I guess the medication has held it down. I'm 80 now and everything seems to be under control.

[Thundarstick]

Stop worrying about your cholesterol! Keep an eye on your triglycerides instead! Statins are poison, I wouldn't take them ever! Stop eating carbs, bring your insulin levels down, practice intermittent fasting, and DON'T eat oatmeal!

[MrWolf]

I believe diet and exercise is the best fix. My cholesterol was at one time over a thousand. Docs said I should not even be alive. I went on several statins niacin and a host of others. My diet then was horrible . I don’t think anything I ate was good for you. I changed my diet some and with the statins and the such we got it down to the 350 range. About 3 months into this regimen I started getting the side effects of the statins. Severe muscle pains . Couldn’t walk up a 3 step flight of stairs without holding onto a handrail. Stopped the statins and about 2 months I was back to where I was but the cholesterol level was in the high 200’s but at least I was going in the right direction. Nowadays I try to eat healthier like oatmeal fresh fruit and green veggies a fair amount. I’m out on the property most days and keep moving . Cholesterol is around 200 sometimes lower but that’s about it. You have to be in for the long hall there’s no quick fix but you have to start somewhere
Good luck

Gmsharps

Agreed. I have a bad back and in constant pain and the statins almost crippled me with the low back pain. I started taking those Balance of Nature type pills from Costco. Kirkland brand and WAY cheaper than the TV advertised stuff. So far my blood pressure is normal and my cholesterol hasnt been a issue with the doc. Been told the reduced blood pressure could be from the beets in the pills. No idea but I do feel better taking them, especially when I compare the price of the Kirkland brand to TV. Walk, best thing for you and keep active. Good luck.
Ron

[Wag]

I like oatmeal but it did nothing to bring down my cholesterol. Oddly, eggs brought it down some, though not enough. Mine was at 800+. I tried red yeast rice, too, which is touted to be a solution for cholesterol but it did nothing for me.

After trying several things for about six months with very little result, I started simvastatin and that did the trick. I'm below 100, if I remember the numbers correctly. Whatever it is, it's doing well. No side effects from the statin, either, knock on wood.

The doc told me that 70% of cholesterol is made by your own liver so if you have the DNA for it from your family, it's just a bad hand of cards you have to deal with.

--Wag--

[steveu]

I use Red Yeast Rice, it is a natural statin. I get mine from wall world.

[bubbadoyle]

If you’re willing to commit to it keto, low carb and carnivore diets do a great job of lowering cholesterol in most people. Reducing blood sugar and insulin spikes seems to have a great overall effect on many health issues.


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[hoodat]

If you’re willing to commit to it keto, low carb and carnivore diets do a great job of lowering cholesterol in most people. Reducing blood sugar and insulin spikes seems to have a great overall effect on many health issues.


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I'm up for cutting down my carbs, but unless ABSOLUTELY necessary, I won't cut them out completely. I'm not in the diabetic zone yet, and don't want to be. I'm not hardly over weight, and am still in pretty good shape.

What I AM is 66 years old, pretty much retired, and at a stage where it would be easy to get lazy, eat too much, and let myself go physically. I hadn't had blood work done for about three years, and the numbers were worse than last time.

By the way, on the oatmeal thing, I discovered that the "dash of salt" they recommend, is for a reason. It doesn't taste right without it. jd

[DougGuy]

I use Red Yeast Rice, it is a natural statin. I get mine from wall world.

The mayo clinic has some promising things to say about this as a supplement, and the appropriate cautions as well: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-red-yeast-rice/art-20363074

By Mayo Clinic Staff
Overview

Red yeast rice is the product of yeast (Monascus purpureus) grown on white rice. The powdered yeast-rice mixture is a dietary staple in Asia and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Red yeast rice is also available as an oral supplement.

Red yeast rice might contain compounds that appear to lower cholesterol levels. One of the compounds is monacolin K, the same ingredient that is in the prescription cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin (Altoprev).

As an oral supplement, people take red yeast rice for high cholesterol and heart disease.
Evidence

Research on red yeast rice use for specific conditions shows:

High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia). Research shows that red yeast rice containing considerable amounts of monacolin K can lower your total blood cholesterol level, your low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol level and your triglyceride level.

Our take

Yellow light: Caution


Red yeast rice is capable of lowering blood cholesterol levels and total blood cholesterol levels. While the supplement is generally considered safe, it might carry the same potential side effects as statin cholesterol drugs.

Red yeast rice might cost less than a statin. However, with a supplement, there's less assurance regarding quality and how much active ingredient is actually in the product. Some red yeast products might contain only small amounts of monacolin K and potentially have little effect on cholesterol levels.


Safety and side effects:

Red yeast rice can cause mild side effects, including:

Abdominal discomfort
Heartburn
Gas
Headache
Dizziness

Red yeast rice might contain monacolin K, the same ingredient that is in the prescription cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin. Lovastatin side effects include liver damage and muscle disorders (myopathy).

Don't take red yeast rice if you're pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breast-feeding.

An older study raised the concern that some red yeast rice products contain a contaminant called citrinin, which can cause kidney failure. However, a more recent study that analyzed 14 red yeast rice dietary supplements didn't find citrinin in any of them.

Interactions:

Possible interactions include:

Alcohol. Don't drink alcohol if you are taking red yeast rice. The combination might increase the risk of liver damage.

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune). Taking this immunosuppressive drug with red yeast rice might increase the risk of myopathy.

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors. Taking red yeast rice with drugs, such as erythromycin, that inhibit this enzyme might increase the risk of harmful red yeast rice side effects.

Grapefruit. Drinking grapefruit juice and taking red yeast rice might increase the risk of the supplement's harmful side effects.

Gemfibrozil (Lopid). Taking this cholesterol drug with red yeast rice might increase the risk of myopathy.

Hepatotoxic drugs, herbs and supplements. Red yeast rice might contain monacolin K, which can cause liver damage in some people. Taking red yeast rice with these types of drugs, herbs and supplements could increase the risk of liver damage.

Niacin. Taking red yeast rice with high-dose niacin might increase the risk of myopathy.

St. John's wort. Taking this supplement with red yeast rice might reduce the effectiveness of red yeast rice.

Statin. Taking red yeast rice with other statins might increase the risk of harmful side effects.

[slim1836]

310382

We believe this is due to quitting my blood thinner medication ordered by one of my doctors, 2 blood clots in the area where I had a previous procedure done in 2012. Had they broken free, I would not be posting. Minimal cholesterol plaque buildup, about the same on the other side which does not need to be operated on. I believe in modern medicine, but alternative measures are appreciated for what they can provide. I have had 11 extra years due to very good doctors.

Sorry for the sideways pic, click on it and it straightens up.

Slim

[MarkP]

I started eating steel cut oats a few years ago. Also counting calories. I dropped 35 lbs and my cholesterol went way down. Every night I put 1/2 cup of steel cut oats in my 3 qt Instant pot and 2 cups water and set the delay timer to pressure cook for 5 minutes about an hour before I plan to eat them. Was putting maple syrup, walnuts and fresh Raspberries on the oats, now using some dry brown sugar and frozen raspberries and walnuts. I do not need to eat until late afternoon. Used to get hungry at 1030 to 11 am. Also started lifting wts again after a 30 yr break. I feel so much better now. Knee pain is gone and I sleep better.

[jaysouth]

As long as you remember that a bowl of oatmeal is about 25 grams of carbs. If this is OK with you, cook 1/2 cut regular oats in one cup of water in a microwave for about 2 minutes. Put it in the refrigerator over night. In the morning, add butter, cinnamon and some sweetner, then nuke again. This method requires regular oatmeal to work. Makes no difference if generic from Aldi or Famous brand.

[legend 550]

310382

We believe this is due to quitting my blood thinner medication ordered by one of my doctors, 2 blood clots in the area where I had a previous procedure done in 2012. Had they broken free, I would not be posting. Minimal cholesterol plaque buildup, about the same on the other side which does not need to be operated on. I believe in modern medicine, but alternative measures are appreciated for what they can provide. I have had 11 extra years due to very good doctors.

Sorry for the sideways pic, click on it and it straightens up.

Slim

That's what I'm looking forward to soon, latest scan right corteroid artery 75 to 80% blocked with plaque. I cannot handle statins make me hurt so bad I can barely get out of bed and my blood sugar skyrockets, my vascular surgeon Told me to take Niacin instead of statins, I take 1000 mg twice a day.

[Wag]

Eliminating carbs is not productive, generally speaking, except for very short periods of time. We do ourselves good by reducing our carb intake and by changing our sources of carbs. Dieticians claim we need about 200g of carbs daily but I believe that's wrong. 85 is more appropriate.

White sugar, brown sugar, turbinado, and other processed sugar should be eliminated. Bread usually has added sugar to get the yeast going and is usually consumed by the yeast. Get bread that is made with honey.

White foods (rice, potatoes, white bread, etc.) are very high in starch and convert quickly to blood sugar. Keep consumption of these items way down and eat brown rice, brown bread and very few potatoes.

Get any sugar from fruits and vegetables but only in limited quantities. Know their glycemic index (there are tables online).

Limit total consumption of all foods/calories. If you live a highly active life, you'll need more food, less if you're more sedentary.

Keep in mind, it's okay to feel hunger and only eat when you ARE hungry. Only eat enough to start to not feel hungry. You'd be surprised at how little that really is.

Just some random thoughts.

--Wag--

[Wag]

As an adjunct to all of that, avoid processed food like the plague. Almost anything in a package is going to cause havoc with your metabolism. That includes diet sodas and artificial sweeteners.

--Wag--

[414gates]

High cholesterol is not a problem that walks alone.

Have a blood test to check your fasting insulin levels as well. Those two usually go hand in hand.

A cholesterol problem can be a side effect of insulin sensitivity.

And if it is insulin sensitivity, oatmeal is going to make the problem worse. Insulin sensitivity also has nothing to do with blood sugar levels in the pre-diabetic phase.

Sometimes high cholesterol is not related to insulin, in which case it's a more serious problem that needs other treatment.

Don't fool around with herbal remedies and "natural" pills. If there is a problem with what you're eating, no amount of pills can fix that. All the pills you will take are almost pure corn starch, which will spike your insulin to high heaven if you are insulin resistant.

And for your sanity, do not rely on Google for medical information.

[Thundarstick]

As an adjunct to all of that, avoid processed food like the plague. Almost anything in a package is going to cause havoc with your metabolism. That includes diet sodas and artificial sweeteners.

--Wag-- 100% agree! I disagree with your carbohydrate assessment. A human NEEDS no external source of carbohydrate! Your body is able to manufacture the small amount of glucose you do need. I'm as close to 0 carb intake as humanly possible since May 2022. I'm down 70lbs, off all medications, feel like I'm 30 again (I'll be 60 in a month) and I'm NEVER going back to the way of eating that gave me pre-diabetes, achy joints, fat belly, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, and a poor mental outlook!

[Barry54]

All the doctors are still “practicing medicine” last time I checked. I’ll take my chances with high cholesterol before I take a statin and erase my memory. Your brain needs fat/oil. Don’t take their degreaser poison pills!

[bubbadoyle]

100% agree! I disagree with your carbohydrate assessment. A human NEEDS no external source of carbohydrate! Your body is able to manufacture the small amount of glucose you do need. I'm as close to 0 carb intake as humanly possible since May 2022. I'm down 70lbs, off all medications, feel like I'm 30 again (I'll be 60 in a month) and I'm NEVER going back to the way of eating that gave me pre-diabetes, achy joints, fat belly, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, and a poor mental outlook!

It’s amazing how much a person’s health can improve after eating little to no carbs. Many of the foods we’ve been lead to believe were bad for our health actually aren’t. I’m assuming your doing a carnivore diet. Ribeyes, bacon, butter and eggs seem to be the staples for it and people are significantly improving their health and reducing their weight eating this way.


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[jaysouth]

It’s amazing how much a person’s health can improve after eating little to no carbs. Many of the foods we’ve been lead to believe were bad for our health actually aren’t. I’m assuming your doing a carnivore diet. Ribeyes, bacon, butter and eggs seem to be the staples for it and people are significantly improving their health and reducing their weight eating this way.


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My 40something chiropractor is full carnivore. He is 6'2" and weights 160. He can bench 300 lbs. You have never seen a healthier looking individual.

[414gates]

It’s amazing how much a person’s health can improve after eating little to no carbs. Many of the foods we’ve been lead to believe were bad for our health actually aren’t. I’m assuming your doing a carnivore diet. Ribeyes, bacon, butter and eggs seem to be the staples for it and people are significantly improving their health and reducing their weight eating this way.


+1

Sugar, and any food that the body can convert to a massive dose of glucose, is a slow killer.

[trapper9260]

I found that if one stay away from deep fat foods , it is ok once in a great while . Bake more then frying . stay away from fatty foods. Eat lean meats like deer and beaver. I can not eat ice cream and milk . So that helps to keep my down . Yes I am on a low dose of the pill. Because heart problems is in the family. It all come to what you eat and also your activity is you . Also stay away from greasy foods . I found this works for me, my cholesterol is low. where it needs to be . Also I drink mulberry tea with my main meal I put honey and concentrated lemon juice in it. I have the trees grow on my place , I dry the leaves and grind them up.

[Thundarstick]

It’s amazing how much a person’s health can improve after eating little to no carbs. Many of the foods we’ve been lead to believe were bad for our health actually aren’t. I’m assuming your doing a carnivore diet. Ribeyes, bacon, butter and eggs seem to be the staples for it and people are significantly improving their health and reducing their weight eating this way.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

That's rite! I eat all kinds of meat including organ meat, and sea food. At this point I get about 70%of my calories from animal fat. That's butter, tallow, lard, bacon grease, duck fat etc. I eat a few select cheeses, goat cheese especially, read the label, nothing with red seaweed, guar gum etc added. For treats I eat browned butter bites, mascarpone cheese and occasionally creme fresh. I do all my eating in an 8 hour period, and fast the balance of the 24. I never become ravenous hungry and often only eat one meal a day. I do use Avocado oil to season my griddle, steel and cast pans.
My cholesterol holds around 200-240 fasting, triglycerides around 80mg/dl, A1C 4.6%. When your body becomes fat adapted your cholesterol levels do fluctuate greatly, as that is how your body transports and uses energy. Before getting blood work n make sure you are fasting AT LEAST 12 hours, 16 is even better.
If people will get it in their heads that SUGARS (carbs) are the real killer of our metabolic health leading to so many other diseases processes the pharmaceutical industry will go broke! Remember, "Good food is good medicine. Bad food needs medicine!".