Questioni am a 44 yr. old male that has taken zocor and niacin for cholesterol help, and it was very helpful. however, i have IBS and both these meds aggrivated my stomach to the point where i had to get off. can you offer any suggestions on what i could try to keep my levels safe? i would apprecaite any advise you can offer. thank you very much!
AnswerHi Mike!
What a timeless question. In this age of sedentary lifestyles, restaurants meals, increased weight and stress (and don't think I haven't been guilty of all of them), we really have a problem with the cholesterol. Some things you can change, some you can't. You can't help being 44, your genes, your family history. But, there are some things you can try to see if you can reduce it.
First of all, the LDL is the bad cholesterol, the HDL is the good cholesterol. Together, they ARE cholesterol. The problem with the LDL is it contributes to an even worse little cholesterol that causes the blockages, etc. But you DO need some LDL....it helps transfer essential fatty acids to your cells and your heart, plus it helps manufacture hormones. It is that overload you need to focus on. By you, I mean a general you, not finger-pointing at Mike <smile>
Increasing your physical activity, losing excessive weight, keeping blood sugar under control if you are diabetic will help.
There are a lot of dietary factors, though, that can help. I don't know if you ever hear what your triglycerides are, but that is the level in your lipid panel that basically shows your dietary intake.
People swear some red wine or red grape juice helps. I don't know, but I work with a physician who drinks two glasses of red wine with dinner every night, and her HDL is sky high, and her LDL is low, and her eating habits are horrendous...lol. But others do seem to be affected. My husband has lowered his by drinking the red grape juice. I don't know if it works for everyone, and you certainly have to watch alcohol if you are taking Zocor or any statins because of the effect on the liver. That is something you need to discuss with your doctor-- to see if there is any reason you can't have wine.
Soy seems to lower cholesterol, but only if you take about 25gms per day, according to literature I have read.
Some other foods that are very beneficial are almonds, walnuts, extra virgin olive oil, oats, barley, apples, berries, citrus fruits, apricots, sweet potatoes, cabbage, carrots, flaxseed, high omega-3 fish, green tea and garlic. I have read that at least two doses per week of 81mg aspirin helps. I know the thing now is that the anti-inflammatory effects of the aspirin have found to lower the risk of heart attacks, as much as the blood thinning.
I hope this helps you. Please talk to your physician before you institute anything, such as adding aspirin. You can even ask for a referral to a dietician who can help you establish a dietary plan that is pleasing to you and will help lower your cholesterol and all the portions of it.
If I didn't answer your question to your satisfaction, please let me know. I wish you the best in achieving your goal.
Andrea
