Hi All,
Just want to share that, for me, a diet high in protein and healthy fats and very low in carbs is best for the heart, despite old myths. My recent blood work results were the best I have ever had! Some months ago, I cut way back on carbs (tried to do under 30 gms/day- nearly impossible for me) and really upped the protein and fats. I lost too much weight, so I did have to add back in more carbs. Here is my recent lipid profile:
total cholesterol - 208 (under 200 considered ideal)
HDL (good) cholesterol - 103 (over 60 is ideal for a woman, and my value is the highest my doc has seen!)
LDL cholesterol - 95 (under 100 is desired)
triglcerides - 49 (under 150 is desired)
It is reassuring to me that my new diet caused no deterioration in my lipid profile - in fact, it was quite the opposite.
My vitamin D level was 63. Blood pressure averages 100/70.
The main reason I cut back on carbs was because my a1c blood glucose level had been 5.9 on the previous visit. On this visit it came down to 5.7. I think it would have been less if I had gotten the test before I added back in more carbs, since the test is more reflective of recent weeks than older weeks. I will now reduce the carbs again, but much more slowly, to see if I can reduce the a1c still further.
Polly
Recent Blood Work
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Recent Blood Work
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
Hi Polly,
No wonder your doc was impressed by your HDL level. I didn't even realize it could get that high. Congratulations!
I'll bet your doc was impressed by your triglycerides and your BP, also.
Love,
Tex
No wonder your doc was impressed by your HDL level. I didn't even realize it could get that high. Congratulations!
I'll bet your doc was impressed by your triglycerides and your BP, also.
Love,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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ObsessedMrFixit
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My near-zero-carb diet has also positively affected my cholesterol. I forget where I am now, but it's very close to "ideal". Between my wife and I (she had to cut out the "Top 8" for a year and a half), we would conclude that cutting dairy from the diet reduces cholesterol very significantly. Not sure about the other foods we've had to eliminate, but this is very interesting. I'm sure the "experts" would scold me for the diet I'm on. But I'm down to 14% body fat (I was around 25% pre-LC), and cholesteral is somewhere around 150 (I was approaching 200).
-marcus
-marcus
Those are great numbers Polly! I've had trouble with my Trigs for a long time now. When I started out in July on my GF/DF diet, within 3 months, my numbers had gone down drastically, which I was surprised as I was eating tons of carbs. My cholesterol went from 225 down to 189 and Trigs went from 175 down to 114. However, my A1C was up to 5.8 so my doctor advised me to lower my carbs. Rice has been my main staple in this new diet of mine.....has worked wonders for me along with lots of meat and a few veggies. Since my D is gone for now, I think I may try to reduce my carbs but afraid of losing weight again. It still amazes me though that getting rid of the gluten/dairy brought about such a big change in my lipid panel. I guess my next goal is to lower the grains some but that's going to be hard. Meat and veggies just don't fill me up. Doctor also wanted me to cut down on the bananas as they are high in sugar. Was scared to stop the rice and bananas while healing but maybe I've healed enough so that I won't have to eat those every day like I have been.
Again, congrats on those numbers!!
Terri
Again, congrats on those numbers!!
Terri
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis in July, 2012 then with Celiac in November, 2012.
That's awesome Polly. My husband and I are gearing up for a 60 day total paleo challenge after the holidays. I don't eat many grains but it will be bye bye potatoes and chocolate. Your post is very inspiring.
Hugs,
Mary Beth
Hugs,
Mary Beth
"If you believe it will work out, you'll see opportunities. If you believe it won't you will see obstacles." - Dr. Wayne Dyer
Polly,
Interesting.
As a person who has always had tendency to run a low blood sugar – (with symptoms to match) – a long time ago, probably 40 years ago in fact, the Dr's recommended incorporation of more protein and less carbs into my diet (especially important at breakfast time).
This recommendation because that conversion process (to the most basic form of glucose that we require for energy, and our brains need to function) takes much longer for the more complex molecules of protein and/or fat, than it takes for breaking down the vastly more simple carbohydrates. And of course, this the basic reason that consuming carbs (and especially the simple carbs) does produce quicker peaks, and then valleys, of blood sugar levels. (No more sweets at 4:00P.M)
To a great extent, I have tended to eat this way ever since I got this advise. (?)Possibly(?) the reason that my HDL usually run higher than the norms -- in the neighborhood of right around 100, and my LDL lower than the norms, at around 90. These numbers are accompanied by a Total C number that is usually somewhat higher than the ideal.
However, I could not say that I have been anywhere close to scrupulous in avoiding carbs. It’s more likely that I tend to ingest fewer carbs because the proteins and fats seem to be more filling simply due to the fact that their conversion process is more complex and thus is slower. It is that slower process of conversion to sugar, which makes those more complex energy sources last for a much longer duration -- and thus, deliver a more even and constant energy source, instead of those peaks and dreaded VALLEYS of simple carb ingestion.
As one of the major functions of our liver is the utilization of all these different elements (protein, fat, & carbohydrates) of nutrition in the process of its further manufacturing function --- My question becomes - is it really advisable to purposefully short this organ of any of the products that it needs to fulfill it’s manufacturing responsibility -- without further metabolic indications? – a reason other than simply the further manipulation of already normal numbers on the lab reports?
There is that old saying (truism) which all to often applies … Better is the enemy of good!
Healthy Liver = VERrrrrY Important.
Cheers,
Gayle
Interesting.
As a person who has always had tendency to run a low blood sugar – (with symptoms to match) – a long time ago, probably 40 years ago in fact, the Dr's recommended incorporation of more protein and less carbs into my diet (especially important at breakfast time).
This recommendation because that conversion process (to the most basic form of glucose that we require for energy, and our brains need to function) takes much longer for the more complex molecules of protein and/or fat, than it takes for breaking down the vastly more simple carbohydrates. And of course, this the basic reason that consuming carbs (and especially the simple carbs) does produce quicker peaks, and then valleys, of blood sugar levels. (No more sweets at 4:00P.M)
To a great extent, I have tended to eat this way ever since I got this advise. (?)Possibly(?) the reason that my HDL usually run higher than the norms -- in the neighborhood of right around 100, and my LDL lower than the norms, at around 90. These numbers are accompanied by a Total C number that is usually somewhat higher than the ideal.
However, I could not say that I have been anywhere close to scrupulous in avoiding carbs. It’s more likely that I tend to ingest fewer carbs because the proteins and fats seem to be more filling simply due to the fact that their conversion process is more complex and thus is slower. It is that slower process of conversion to sugar, which makes those more complex energy sources last for a much longer duration -- and thus, deliver a more even and constant energy source, instead of those peaks and dreaded VALLEYS of simple carb ingestion.
As one of the major functions of our liver is the utilization of all these different elements (protein, fat, & carbohydrates) of nutrition in the process of its further manufacturing function --- My question becomes - is it really advisable to purposefully short this organ of any of the products that it needs to fulfill it’s manufacturing responsibility -- without further metabolic indications? – a reason other than simply the further manipulation of already normal numbers on the lab reports?
There is that old saying (truism) which all to often applies … Better is the enemy of good!
Healthy Liver = VERrrrrY Important.
Cheers,
Gayle
Congrats Polly! I haven't been tested since changing my diet, but my numbers were always low ( lots of working out), so I don't know if they would change much. Some of us are simply more efficient at utilizing the glucose in our blood.... therefore being able to eat more carbs with no ill effect. I have to admit to eating rice. It helps me keep weight on and gives me energy for my workouts. Everyone is different. ... But great news Polly!
Leah
Leah
Thanks for all of your comments. I enjoyed reading them!
Marcus, I am wondering what you eat to feel full with your near zero-carb diet? And what do you snack on? I had added some rice into my diet when I had cut back on carbs and lost weight too quickly; it is definitely not helping my glucose metabolism. Probably one of the worst foods I could eat, I'd guess. Need to eat more nuts, olives, etc. I bought some anchovy-stuffed olives tonight for snacking. Also, with your very limited diet, do you worry that you may develop sensitivities to those few foods you are eating regularly? Do you rotate your safe foods?
Z., that's a great cholesterol! Mine has always run a little high, but I haven't worried about it since my HDL is usually better than average, so I figure it has a protective effect.
Terri, sounds like we are similar with our elevated a1cs and the need to eat carbs to keep the weight on. It sounds like you and Marcus both found a significant improvement in cholesterol from eliminating dairy. Especially interesting to me, as I am not a big believer in dairy. No animal on the planet other than man ingests milk after infancy, let alone milk from another species!
Mary Beth - good for you for trying the paleo challenge! You should do well, since you are almost there already. Good luck, and let us know how it goes.
Gayle, another reason I added carbs back in (besides the weight loss) was because I found it took a while for my body to adjust to the conversion process when I went cold turkey on the carbs. I was feeling so tired/exhausted. I had read that it can take some time to adjust - that's why when I try again to reduce carbs, I will go more slowly. Your question is interesting - about shorting the liver of any product that it needs to fulfill its manufacturing ability. I find it so interesting that the liver definitely needs exogenous fats and protein but not carbs. Exogenouus carbs are not essential nutrients for humans. It is difficult to believe, isn't it, in view of our carb-dominant American diet?
Thanks, Leah. I also work out regularly - aerobic exercise at least 5 days a week and weights at least 2 days a week. I'm sure that has a lot to do with my good lipid profile, especially the HDL.
Hugs,
Polly
Marcus, I am wondering what you eat to feel full with your near zero-carb diet? And what do you snack on? I had added some rice into my diet when I had cut back on carbs and lost weight too quickly; it is definitely not helping my glucose metabolism. Probably one of the worst foods I could eat, I'd guess. Need to eat more nuts, olives, etc. I bought some anchovy-stuffed olives tonight for snacking. Also, with your very limited diet, do you worry that you may develop sensitivities to those few foods you are eating regularly? Do you rotate your safe foods?
Z., that's a great cholesterol! Mine has always run a little high, but I haven't worried about it since my HDL is usually better than average, so I figure it has a protective effect.
Terri, sounds like we are similar with our elevated a1cs and the need to eat carbs to keep the weight on. It sounds like you and Marcus both found a significant improvement in cholesterol from eliminating dairy. Especially interesting to me, as I am not a big believer in dairy. No animal on the planet other than man ingests milk after infancy, let alone milk from another species!
Mary Beth - good for you for trying the paleo challenge! You should do well, since you are almost there already. Good luck, and let us know how it goes.
Gayle, another reason I added carbs back in (besides the weight loss) was because I found it took a while for my body to adjust to the conversion process when I went cold turkey on the carbs. I was feeling so tired/exhausted. I had read that it can take some time to adjust - that's why when I try again to reduce carbs, I will go more slowly. Your question is interesting - about shorting the liver of any product that it needs to fulfill its manufacturing ability. I find it so interesting that the liver definitely needs exogenous fats and protein but not carbs. Exogenouus carbs are not essential nutrients for humans. It is difficult to believe, isn't it, in view of our carb-dominant American diet?
Thanks, Leah. I also work out regularly - aerobic exercise at least 5 days a week and weights at least 2 days a week. I'm sure that has a lot to do with my good lipid profile, especially the HDL.
Hugs,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
Polly said:
She is normally a very busy and active individual -- and this self imposed limited diet caused her to lose energy and endurance to the point that she was no longer able to engage in her daily exercise routine, say nothing of being able to perform adequately at work. It didn’t take her long to figure out that this diet did not sustain her needs, and it was basically discarded.
It will be interesting for you to learn where your limits are in this regard, this assuming that you are still dedicated to maintaining an active lifestyle which includes work as well as keeping up a household.
Gayle
BOY, and I’ve heard that before --- From a good friend (who by education and profession is a Dietitian, and a person who is heavily into various aspects of nutrition science). Due to some G.I. complaints, she had MRT testing done, and subsequently went on a diet in which she was avoiding everything on the list that came up in the testing as at all reactive. (All the MANY things that showed up as colored on her chart!)Gayle, another reason I added carbs back in (besides the weight loss) was because I found it took a while for my body to adjust to the conversion process when I went cold turkey on the carbs. I was feeling so tired/exhausted.
She is normally a very busy and active individual -- and this self imposed limited diet caused her to lose energy and endurance to the point that she was no longer able to engage in her daily exercise routine, say nothing of being able to perform adequately at work. It didn’t take her long to figure out that this diet did not sustain her needs, and it was basically discarded.
It will be interesting for you to learn where your limits are in this regard, this assuming that you are still dedicated to maintaining an active lifestyle which includes work as well as keeping up a household.
Gayle
Polly,
Congrats on the great numbers. I plan to include more of the foods on the BALI eating plan after the holidays. This is a link to it: http://www.drfitt.com/BALi-Eating-Plan_c_142.html . Of course I won't eat any wheat, rye or barley. The only grains I eat now are rice or corn. The man that developed the plan is not a big fan of corn. I love sweet potatoes & have tried the purple potatoes so will prolly stick to them. May have to try the black rice & freeze portions for later use.
Take care,
Congrats on the great numbers. I plan to include more of the foods on the BALI eating plan after the holidays. This is a link to it: http://www.drfitt.com/BALi-Eating-Plan_c_142.html . Of course I won't eat any wheat, rye or barley. The only grains I eat now are rice or corn. The man that developed the plan is not a big fan of corn. I love sweet potatoes & have tried the purple potatoes so will prolly stick to them. May have to try the black rice & freeze portions for later use.
Take care,
Brenda
Thanks Zizzle. The only grains I had been consuming is the rice & corn. So I guess I'll only be eating the black rice. I seem to get along very well with veggies & protein including a few carbs. I still find plenty of things to eat that are unhealthy. My issue is that I need to lose weight. To get close to a healthy weight I need to lose over 100 lbs. I'm not planning on starving myself or using a weight chart that is probably unrealistic for someone my age. I'm 55 so losing the weight will not be easy but if I drop 100 lbs I'll still be overweight but my blood sugar #s, A1C, will be much better.
Portion control is an issue as well, lol.
Portion control is an issue as well, lol.
Brenda
Hi Brenda,
IMO, the paleo diet virtually guarantees weight control/loss, and it's the healthiest option available for that purpose. If a strict paleo diet fails to bring one's weight down to an "ideal" level, then a metabolism issue is the problem (untreated or undertreated hypothyroidism).
Tex
IMO, the paleo diet virtually guarantees weight control/loss, and it's the healthiest option available for that purpose. If a strict paleo diet fails to bring one's weight down to an "ideal" level, then a metabolism issue is the problem (untreated or undertreated hypothyroidism).
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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wmonique2
- Rockhopper Penguin
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- Contact:
recent blood work
Polly,
Great numbers but your diet sounds really rigid. I mean it's like the Atkins diet...where do you get your energy from? I'll be in a hospital with ketosis. Don't you have ketosis?
I tried to do with as little grains as possible but without vegetables (roughage is too hard on me), I find it hard to find something to eat. I just do rice, potatoes and corn products but it's at every meal. Neither my A1c nor my cholesterol is near as good as your ;-)
I raise my French chapeau to you for having the strength and endurance to do it.
Hugs,
Monique
Great numbers but your diet sounds really rigid. I mean it's like the Atkins diet...where do you get your energy from? I'll be in a hospital with ketosis. Don't you have ketosis?
I tried to do with as little grains as possible but without vegetables (roughage is too hard on me), I find it hard to find something to eat. I just do rice, potatoes and corn products but it's at every meal. Neither my A1c nor my cholesterol is near as good as your ;-)
I raise my French chapeau to you for having the strength and endurance to do it.
Hugs,
Monique
Diagnosed 2011 with LC. Currently on Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)