Cholesterol Lowering Supplements

Par1 · 03-12-2014 10:58pm #1

Hi All

Has anyone got any idea what supplement is best in the Benecol, Danecol, Flora Proactive Aldi version..etc. There is lots available that claim to lower cholesterol but price variation is astonishing. Are they different or all the same? Which is proven to be best does anyone know ?

Cheers

Mr. CooL ICE · 04-12-2014 10:02am

Butter

generic2012 · 04-12-2014 1:52pm

You will hear stuff about about high fat and high carb diets but what really matters is your total calorie intake. Get it to maintenance levels and get your bodyfat to a healthy level, this will do more than any supplement or diet. Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake (if that applies). Although not fully understood, exercise is effective at reducing LDL, probably through the stimulation of specific enzymes that remove it from the blood to turn it into bile. There was also a study that found that exercise improves the quality of HDL in the blood so that people who exercised had better HDL than people who didn't exercise, even if they were lighter. So exercise and weight control.

After that fibre and omega 3 supplements would be best for favourable cholesterol characteristics.

Edit: If some one tells you a specific food or a list of specific foods are good, be weary.

Hanley · 04-12-2014 2:00pm

Unfortunately it's like asking what the best plaster is for a knife wound..

The answer is not to get stabbed.

...but if you have - it needs a bigger intervention (training, good nutrition, changing habits)

Par1 · 04-12-2014 2:03pm

generic2012 wrote: »

You will hear stuff about about high fat and high carb diets but what really matters is your total calorie intake. Get it to maintenance levels and get your bodyfat to a healthy level, this will do more than any supplement or diet. Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake (if that applies). Although not fully understood, exercise is effective at reducing LDL, probably through the stimulation of specific enzymes that remove it from the blood to turn it into bile. There was also a study that found that exercise improves the quality of HDL in the blood so that people who exercised had better HDL than people who didn't exercise, even if they were lighter. So exercise and weight control.

After that fibre and omega 3 supplements would be best for favourable cholesterol characteristics.

Edit: If some one tells you a specific food or a list of specific foods are good, be weary.

Cheers for reply. I have read before that higher levels of omega 3 was linked to cancer particularly in men therefore i avoid that, im not up to date with report but the fact that omega 3 supplements are linked to that is enough to put me off. What about the yoghurt type drinks that apparently help lower cholesterol when taken after an evening meal?..are they all the same or is a particular brand better ?

Thanks

Par1 · 04-12-2014 2:06pm

Hanley wrote: »

Unfortunately it's like asking what the best plaster is for a knife wound..

The answer is not to get stabbed.

...but if you have - it needs a bigger intervention (training, good nutrition, changing habits)

I appreciate that but assuming the training, good nutrition and habits etc are good then as an additional benefit i am considering the yoghurt type drinks, people rant and rave about them and im just wondering if its true and do they actually help?.

Alf Veedersane · 04-12-2014 2:09pm

generic2012 wrote: »

Edit: If some one tells you a specific food or a list of specific foods are good, be weary.

Weary is a given.

Being wary is also recommended

generic2012 · 04-12-2014 2:14pm

Par1 wrote: »

Cheers for reply. I have read before that higher levels of omega 3 was linked to cancer particularly in men therefore i avoid that, im not up to date with report but the fact that omega 3 supplements are linked to that is enough to put me off. What about the yoghurt type drinks that apparently help lower cholesterol when taken after an evening meal?..are they all the same or is a particular brand better ?

Thanks

That particular study you are talking about was retrospective/observational, the general consensus is that there is no link and that was a very poorly conducted study. When people get diagnosed with cancer they tend to try and become 'healthier', one easy way to do this is to increase omega 3 consumption. So people with cancer are far more likely to take supplementary omega 3, hence the correlation.

Your dinner will do far more to dictate your cholesterol levels than the yoghurt after it.

I notice you ignored all the advice on the things that really work such as diet and exercise. This is a very common occurrence on the health and fitness threads. Some one will ask for advice and keep looking, sifting through all the responses until they come to an answer the want to believe. This is a bad move, especially when your health is on the line. I'd advise you to heed the advice that works, not the advice that sounds easy.

generic2012 · 04-12-2014 2:15pm

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

Weary is a given.

Being wary is also recommended

Thanks, I'll edit now.

Hanley · 04-12-2014 2:17pm

Par1 wrote: »

I appreciate that but assuming the training, good nutrition and habits etc are good then as an additional benefit i am considering the yoghurt type drinks, people rant and rave about them and im just wondering if its true and do they actually help?.

In that scenario then, no.

deadlybuzzman · 04-12-2014 2:55pm

I've been tryin to get up to date information on things like mitigating atherosclerosis and how linked it is to high LDL levels and also the relationship between sat fat consumption and LDL levels as I've heard kelly starrett say he's not able to eat as much of it as some people.
Does anyone have any pointers on where to look for up to date unbiased information.?

Par1 · 04-12-2014 3:32pm

generic2012 wrote: »

That particular study you are talking about was retrospective/observational, the general consensus is that there is no link and that was a very poorly conducted study. When people get diagnosed with cancer they tend to try and become 'healthier', one easy way to do this is to increase omega 3 consumption. So people with cancer are far more likely to take supplementary omega 3, hence the correlation.

Your dinner will do far more to dictate your cholesterol levels than the yoghurt after it.

I notice you ignored all the advice on the things that really work such as diet and exercise. This is a very common occurrence on the health and fitness threads. Some one will ask for advice and keep looking, sifting through all the responses until they come to an answer the want to believe. This is a bad move, especially when your health is on the line. I'd advise you to heed the advice that works, not the advice that sounds easy.

Thank you for reply. I do not believe i was ignoring all the advice on the things that really work such as diet and exercise. If you look at my post 6 then you will see that i replied 'assuming the training, good nutrition and habits etc are good then as an additional benefit i am considering the yoghurt type drinks'

I believe you have misunderstood me when you made the comment that i was ignoring advice. I referred to the yoghurt type drinks again as that is what my OP was originally about and if i wished to take advice on other comments i.e exercise then i would (as my own choice). I am fully aware of other factors you mention which is why i did not ask about them and that is why i sifted through responses as you say.

Par1 · 04-12-2014 3:33pm

Hanley wrote: »

In that scenario then, no.

Cheers thank you for reply..i kind of expected that was the case

Oryx · 04-12-2014 4:58pm

Jumping into here with a query: I exercise A LOT, I don't smoke, or drink, though I eat copious amounts of butter and eggs, in a clean and varied diet (though at the moment, probably could eat more veg). My cholesterol is high, but no breakdown given. Doc says to cut down on butter and eggs but I disagree, and I think if I eat anything to excess, its probably carbs. Am I being silly? Are they right?

ford2600 · 04-12-2014 6:53pm

Oryx wrote: »

Jumping into here with a query: I exercise A LOT, I don't smoke, or drink, though I eat copious amounts of butter and eggs, in a clean and varied diet (though at the moment, probably could eat more veg). My cholesterol is high, but no breakdown given. Doc says to cut down on butter and eggs but I disagree, and I think if I eat anything to excess, its probably carbs. Am I being silly? Are they right?

From my reading, TC number tells you nothing and co relates poorly with cvd risk.

TC/HDL ratio HDL/Triglycerides ratio maybe better predictors.

Also Lpa, ldl particle number ApoB, maybe better predictors.

Given cvd is at heart a disease of inflammation, inflammation markers are also of interest.

Among the huge numbers of populations which contradict the saturated fat/cholesterol/cvd model(France, Switzerland, Ukraine,) are the Aborigines who despite having an average TC under 5 have the highest cvd rates in the world.

Given how important a molecule cholesterol is and it's almost universal presence in human cells I'dbe thinking long and hard about limiting it's intake and most certainly about a drug which inhibits its production along with qb10.

It's some important our bodies have evolved to produce most of what's needed. Yet this substance has a dirty name.

04-12-2014 7:12pm

I thought the eggs thing was a myth, and the butter thing too.
If it's high I would ask for the breakdown/get one done. I think if the good one is high you're grand

I'm gone mad for courgettes and aubergines the last few days, apparently aubergines are good for reducing the bad one??

meijin · 04-12-2014 7:51pm

Oryx wrote: »

My cholesterol is high, but no breakdown given.

It's meaningless number then. If you get the breakdown, enter here: http://www.hughcalc.org/chol.php (or SI one linked there)

And then even LDL breaks down to different subtypes (good and bad)...

Oryx · 04-12-2014 7:53pm

meijin wrote: »

It's meaningless number then. If you get the breakdown, enter here: http://www.hughcalc.org/chol.php (or SI one linked there)

And then even LDL breaks down to different subtypes (good and bad)...

Tbh thats what annoys me. I know its complex yet the doc is just saying it needs to be lower with no elaboration.

deadlybuzzman · 04-12-2014 8:36pm

ford2600 wrote: »

From my reading, TC number tells you nothing and co relates poorly with cvd risk.

TC/HDL ratio HDL/Triglycerides ratio maybe better predictors.

Also Lpa, ldl particle number ApoB, maybe better predictors.

Given cvd is at heart a disease of inflammation, inflammation markers are also of interest.

Among the huge numbers of populations which contradict the saturated fat/cholesterol/cvd model(France, Switzerland, Ukraine,) are the Aborigines who despite having an average TC under 5 have the highest cvd rates in the world.

Given how important a molecule cholesterol is and it's almost universal presence in human cells I'dbe thinking long and hard about limiting it's intake and most certainly about a drug which inhibits its production along with qb10.

It's some important our bodies have evolved to produce most of what's needed. Yet this substance has a dirty name.

This was exactly the sort of thing I was looking for. Is there anywhere that's not total academic mind melt where I can read up on this stuff?

ford2600 · 04-12-2014 9:52pm

deadlybuzzman wrote: »

This was exactly the sort of thing I was looking for. Is there anywhere that's not total academic mind melt where I can read up on this stuff?

http://wholehealthsource.blogspot.ie/2011/01/does-dietary-saturated-fat-increase.html?m=1

Decent writer.

Smoking, depression, stress seem to be strongly associated with cvd.

Exercise helps in reducing risk.

A little alcohol, goid social network msy help according to some.

Eat decent food and don't worry to much about cholesterol

Owenee · 06-10-2022 7:19am

I have been taking sotalix Citrus Bergamot for the past 2 weeks as recommended by a friend who had great luck with it reducing her cholesterol. I feel I have more energy so far and am looking forward to see my blood test results that I am having done in 60 days. I like the fact that it is a high dose and one capsule is all you take once a day.

GoogleBot · 14-10-2022 7:57am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2057338544/cholesterol-lowering-supplements

Cholesterol is not a bad guy but rather an indication of certain issues in the body. If you cure the problem cholesterol would go back to normal. Hence lowering cholesterol makes no sense.

AliceN · 13-01-2023 4:26pm

I don't have any advice to share, unfortunately, but I want to thank everyone for contribution. I've just found out that I need to lower cholesterol level, and to be honest, I don't want to take chemical meds. I guess it is better to try natural ways first.

markmoto · 13-01-2023 5:02pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120104012#Comment_120104012

If not genetic high cholesterol level usually indication of some sort of inflammation. If you are able to find out what cause body inflammatory responses you can lower cholesterol without meds. From a nutritional point of view, high GI food cause inflammation long term, e.g. milk, bread, veg. Oils, sugar, processed foods, etc.

13-01-2023 5:06pm

I got rid of my cholesterol from high to normal in three years.

How? No crisps or cheese during the week (sad) and I usually run 5k 2-3 times a week (glad) and I take the veggie option from the work canteen if it looks decent.

Those changes were easy and were gradual and tackled the source. Doesn't have to be hard. Cut out snacks after dinner during the week and do good cardio sessions twice a week then check your levels in 6 months.

Cill94 · 13-01-2023 7:12pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120104012#Comment_120104012

Exercise, reduce body fat, increase fiber intake, and lower intake of saturated fats. Best of luck.

https://www.barbellmedicine.com/blog/a-basic-guide-to-cholesterol-part-ii/

markmoto · 14-01-2023 2:06am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120104626#Comment_120104626

I've heard that saturated fats help build muscles, store and absorb vitamins?

Cill94 · 14-01-2023 11:33am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120106177#Comment_120106177

They do. But they also have deleterious health effects when consumed in high levels. Moderation applies in all areas of nutrition.

markmoto · 14-01-2023 9:04pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120107647#Comment_120107647

The human body produces cholesterol daily by the liver and cholesterol, so important that even brain produces small bit as well. I would be very cautious eating those mushrooms.

silverharp · 17-01-2023 6:01pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120106760#Comment_120106760

generally we are talking about "pizza and ice cream" and eating in an inflammatory way

Cill94 · 17-01-2023 11:22pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120121307#Comment_120121307

If you eat too much of it, yeah.

I've lost 12kg since June and have enjoyed ice cream and pizza throughout. 🍕

Mellor · 21-01-2023 10:09am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120109531#Comment_120109531

Shiitake mushrooms are a really commonly eaten mushroom. Can buy then in most good supermarkets. They are not dangerous.

markmoto · 21-01-2023 11:14am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120137686#Comment_120137686

Shiitake tastes good but in relation to lowering cholesterol only selected strains of shiitake mushroom have enough of Eritadenine. Most likely you would get disappointing results. And we should be looking into the real cause of high cholesterol.

markmoto · 21-01-2023 11:27am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2057338544/cholesterol-lowering-supplements

If you try to lower cholesterol for real the long term result: memory loss, forgetfulness, amnesia, memory impairment, confusion, erectile dysfunction etc.

Mellor · 21-01-2023 11:57am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120137884#Comment_120137884

Now you’re contradicting yourself.

In the last post you said you had to be careful eating them as you need cholesterol. Now the results may be disappointing.

FYI, I didn’t recommend shiitakes to lower cholesterol. I was commenting on the ridiculousness of being cautious eating them. They are one if the most widely consumed mushrooms in the world.

And Levels of eritadenine will vary being strains, like any natural foods. Not a reason to be cautious.

markmoto · 21-01-2023 12:28pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120138005#Comment_120138005

Not at all. My point you have to be careful with shiitake mushrooms for the purpose of lowering cholesterol. Available online including eritadenine extracts.

But if you want to buy a few at the local grocery shop there is no harm but for the purpose of lowering cholesterol waste of money.

Mellor · 22-01-2023 5:16am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120138137#Comment_120138137

As a medical treatment? Sure, stick to medical (if needed) and dietary changes.

but what you said was;

I would be very cautious eating those mushrooms.

No need to be cautious. They are common edible mushrooms.

Also not sure why you mentioned the importance of cholesterol. Seems irrelevant to discussion about lowering high cholesterol. A cynic might think you were trying to shift the goalposts. *shrug*

markmoto · 24-01-2023 3:31pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120140756#Comment_120140756

Bottom line lowering cholesterol is a bad idea.

Mellor · 25-01-2023 3:56am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120151476#Comment_120151476

Yeah, that's an incredibly bad take.

Trying to lower cholesterol to zero is obviously a bad. It's also not going to happen. But for the vast majority of the population, cholesterol is higher than ideal. And these people could absolutely benefit from lower cholesterol. Suggesting that it's a bad idea for anyone to lower cholesterol is insane.

markmoto · 25-01-2023 10:02am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120154208#Comment_120154208

Perhaps people with high cholesterol should look at the root cause first?

Jinglejangle69 · 25-01-2023 10:06am

Can people not just take cholesterol tablets to lower it???

markmoto · 25-01-2023 10:18am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120154725#Comment_120154725

Human body made out of cholesterol liver and brain produces cholesterol daily regardless.

Cholesterol is needed to make vitamin D, hormones (including testosterone and estrogen), and fat-dissolving bile acids.

Without enough cholesterol, brain and immune system can't function properly and your skin will look awful.

Jinglejangle69 · 25-01-2023 10:45am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120154777#Comment_120154777

I just mean there is loads of people on cholesterol tablets at a controlled level from their GP.

markmoto · 25-01-2023 10:54am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120154889#Comment_120154889

Cholesterol is not a bad guy. High cholesterol (if not genetic) indication of certain problems in the body. By eliminating problems, cholesterol will get back to normal without medication. Rather, to make a proper medical assessment GP offers a quick fix.

Mellor · 25-01-2023 11:23am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120154701#Comment_120154701

Wouldn’t that help to lower it? Which you claimed was bad, lol. You can’t even keep your nonsense straight.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120154777#Comment_120154777

Just because you need some cholesterol doesn’t mean that it’s bad to lower high cholesterol. One does not follow from the other.

Zero chance anyone takes you seriously after that one.

markmoto · 25-01-2023 11:38am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120155077#Comment_120155077

Do you keep posting nonsense for the most part because you want to attract more readers or you're on cholesterol lowering pills and your cognitive function already in decline? : )))

Mellor · 25-01-2023 12:56pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120155162#Comment_120155162

If you think that was nonsense then clearly you have the issue. But I can’t tell if you need a doctor or an English teacher.

Reminder of what you said.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120151476#Comment_120151476

Facepalm.

Cill94 · 25-01-2023 5:21pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120155546#Comment_120155546

Not sure what it takes to get the guy banned.. Majority of his posts are verifiably terrible nutrition advice for medical issues. Mods don't seem to care.

markmoto · 25-01-2023 5:41pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120157048#Comment_120157048

The world is evolving. We have far greater scientific data on nutrition. If you're not going along, you will be left behind. Many of your posts have outdated advice on nutrition. All my posts backed by new research, but sometimes hard to digest specially at a certain age or blind believes...

25-01-2023 7:40pm

Should have unfollowed this a while back

soap1978 · 08-12-2023 11:59pm

Just got results back from doctor,my cholesterol is 5.9 is that very bad ?

Cholesterol Lowering Supplements

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