Replied by Chris Chung from A on 10/08/2020

I have run into vegans with high cholesterol from time to time. The question is, are you using coconut oil or palm oil? These actually can raise your cholesterol. Here's a medical study in that regard:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5855206/

Also, activated charcoal has been found to be as good questran (cholestyramine) for lowering cholesterol. Best part is that it has no side effects. Just make sure not to take it with any prescription meds.

Here's an article in that regard:

https://charcoalremedies.com/2019/06/05/cholesterol/

Replied by Bill from Philippines on 10/09/2020

Chris Chung...I'm not really sure why you think coconut oil in particular creates bad or excessive cholesterol in the body. That is not true in my own experience with using virgin coconut oil. Indeed, the research that you actually quoted in your last post certainly does not conclude that VCO causes hypertension, hyperlipidemia or hypercholestemia in their results section. Here is the link to the research you quoted in your last post:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5855206/

In the Results section of that research it says the following:

"LDL-C concentrations were significantly increased on butter compared with coconut oil (+0.42,95% CI 0.19 to 0.65 mmol/L, P<0.0001) and with olive oil (+0.38,95% CI 0.16 to 0.60 mmol/L, P<0.0001), with no differences in change of LDL-C in coconut oil compared with olive oil (−0.04,95% CI −0.27 to 0.19 mmol/L, P=0.74). Coconut oil significantly increased HDL-C compared with butter (+0.18,95% CI 0.06 to 0.30 mmol/L) or olive oil (+0.16,95% CI 0.03 to 0.28 mmol/L). Butter significantly increased TC/HDL-C ratio and non-HDL-C compared with coconut oil but coconut oil did not significantly differ from olive oil for TC/HDL-C and non-HDL-C. There were no significant differences in changes in weight, BMI, central adiposity, fasting blood glucose, systolic or diastolic blood pressure among any of the three intervention groups."

I also do not believe that LDL or HDL cholestrol is necessarily bad for you in high amounts. I have never believed in allopathic medicine's "saturated fats are bad for you" theory. I have always preferred Dr Linus Pauling's Unified Theory of Cardiovascular Disease because it's much more honest, logical and makes more sense.

Virgin coconut oil(VCO) helped me to lose at least 20 lbs in weight five years ago(I was overweight at the time) and during that period my blood pressure always remained at a constant 70/110. I am currently taking VCO on a daily basis for covid-19 prevention because, from the research, VCO(lauric acid) kills all lipid coated viruses(covid-19 is a lipid coated virus) -- in the same way as aspirin or BHT. VCO is cheap where I live(Philippines) and my wife and I both also use it for our skin and hair. I also supplement VCO on a regular basis as a preventative against Altzheimer's Disease(I'm over 70 yo). Been using VCO like this for about 14 years with no complaints and no ill effects.

Here's some more research on the usefulness of VCO from the coconut.com website:

https://coconutoil.com/coconut-oil-research/

Replied by Anon from Not Canada on 10/09/2020

Bill,

The virgin coconut oil available here seems to have been switched or mixed with copra oil recently. Even the more expensive brands that used to always smell like fresh coconut. It becomes most apparent when cooking with it - it takes on a strong "off" smell. Even a carton of coconut based ice cream had the copra smell. Is that happening in the Philippines?

Does heating the coconut oil alter its tendency to raise cholesterol?

Replied by Sharon from Missouri on 10/09/2020

i want to reply to the cholesterol problem. I think that we who have a high cholesterol numbers, process lipids differently. The reason I think that, is because at 23 I got a severe case of psoriasis. I found in DAVIS book (Let's Get Well) her cure was "lecithin", which I took 3 1,000 mg, 3x a day.

Within a month, my psoriasis was down to 50% ( my body was 75% covered). Then I went to the lecithin granules. 1 Tablespoon 3x a day. The point to all of this is I took lecithin for 30 years daily, and never got over 180 cholesterol number.

Also, her cure for high cholesterol was lecithin, among other things. The lecithin after 6 months got rid of the psoriasis, but I kept taking it to keep from getting it back, because as soon as soon as I lowered the dose it would start appearing again.

I read an article that said soy lecithin was bad, because of the hormones and that the soy was GMO, so I stopped it. I was getting into coconut oil. I started the oil pulling, and also took a TBL a day to ingest. And what do you know? My cholesterol went up to 230 ......so after some research, I did stop ingesting coconut oil. My cholesterol went back down to 180.

I cannot take fish oil either. It makes me bruise all over my body legs and arms, and these bruises last for months. But that's why I think that some people have a disordered lipid system. I think that people with psoriasis do not process fat or lipids properly, or that the lipids we ingest are not the right kind. I do know that there is clean organic lecithin at the vitamin stores.

Replied by Diane from Florida on 10/10/2020

Everyone is unique and reacts differently with remedies. I cannot take Virgin Coconut oil. It makes my hair, scalp, skin oily and itchy. I stick with cold pressed Olive Oil. I have High Cholesterol, my HDL is fine, but the LDL is high. High Cholestrol runs in my family, I tried, diet, exercise, supplements like Red Yeast rice, Policosanol, none worked. I was reading about Cholesterol. Sometimes you have to fix your liver, gallbladder and your gut. Sometimes there are other factors involved, like insulin resistance, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, inflammation, dysbiosis or microbial imbalances, stress, allergies. A bulging stomach tells me I have fat accumulation. Every part of the body has to work together. So I am working on my gut, digestion, liver and gallbladder bile. My doc told me I have gallbladder sludge and my liver is producing too much cholesterol. I have to rid myself of the sugar and bad carbs too for my pre-diabetes and insulin resistance. Any ideas. The Fenugreek Powder and Amla powder is helping my pre-diabetes blood sugar numbers. I am taking Milk Thistle and Swedish bitters for the liver and gallbladder. It is just knowing how much to take. Any other suggestions for gallbladder and liver?

Replied by Art from California on 10/10/2020

Hi Dianne,

I have had very good luck at lowering high LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol using Lecithin as outlined in the link below.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3065734/

I have several friends who have used it with excellent results allowing them to avoid statins altogether!

Art

Replied by Brett from Hawaii on 10/10/2020

Define "healthy fat".

Any form of Seed oil is not healthy and will not do good things for human health...especially genetically modified rapeseed (poisonous) oil known to all as "Canola" --- Can (canadian) o (oil) la (low acid). Look up what "acid" is in it at "low levels" and see why no bugs or animals will eat this stuff...only humans consume a food with it.

Also, the oils eaten even if "healthy" (let us define "healthy" for now as fruit oils: Avocado, Coconut, Olive, etc.) are also toxic if rancid (very common). Consuming rancid oils in any form causes systemic inflammation...which is the real cause of modern degenerative diseases that don't exist in native peoples who eat native diets free of modern refined and long term stored foods. This constant inflammation causes elevated cholesterol as the body produces about 80-90% of cholesterol for repairs to the damaged tissues (This is why people like vegans who eat "0" cholesterol can still have extremely high blood cholesterol levels.

Additionally, refined sugars in concentration (so called "healthy" Agave syrup...LOL) regardless of form also lead to degenerative inflammatory conditions...go figure...wow, eating a diet that includes refined foods leads to unhealthy bodies...shock me some more, please, maybe tell me the answer is to go to an MD and get drugs to treat the symptoms of the diseases you are causing yourself??? YEP, that is just what happens in western civilization...no personal attention to the causes...

Please note: Your diet is the cause of diseases that are easily avoidable, stop trying to resolve issues by treating symptoms and begin to learn how to treat your body. It knows what to do to heal and balance if you stop causing it trouble with the things you put into it and the way you treat it.

Blessings to All and may you find power in knowledge. :)

Replied by Anon from Not Canada on 10/10/2020

Iron. My cravings disappeared when I started taking iron supplements. If you are constantly munchy, try iron.

Garlic. Arsenic poisoning mimics diabetes. Detox for metals.

Niacin. (Niacinamide - the flush type) :

https://www.earthclinic.com/supplements/niacin.html

This link is about the niacin flush:

https://draxe.com/nutrition/niacin-flush/

🌞

Replied by Blane from Central Fl on 10/12/2020

High cholesterol is not a problem. The problem lies in the ratios of LDL to HDL.

I gave up bread, rice, and potatoes before I had a heart cath last year - dropped twelve pounds in 3.5 weeks doing nothing else.

Go to YouTube and look up Dr. Pradip Jamnadas. He's got three (over an hour long) videos where he addresses the cholesterol MYTH among others. I'd start with "The Bittersweet Truth" personally, then "Fat Lies", and lastly "Fasting for Survival".

Also, if you've never read it, I'd also suggest "Grain Brain" by Dr. David Perlmutter.

Replied by Pacific Coast Lady from USA on 01/22/2021

Thank you, Sharon in MO, I just got my bloodwork back and my cholesterol is still high. I've had it high most of my life I think, but never kept good track. I run around 300 plus (combined LDL and HDL, LDL is 239 of the 330 on "just received" results). I am going to shop for clean, organic lecithin today. Thank you again, it will be worth a try for sure.

PS I was diagnosed with 3rd degree Heart Block in 97, not sure if that is caused by cholesterol. I have a pacemaker since then and I am 68.

Replied by Pacific Coast Lady from USA on 01/22/2021

Yes, I do not want statins which is all a doctor offers me. I'm going for the lecithin, I was anyway, but when I read your post Art, with friends/family as witnesses as well, sounds good to me.

Replied by Pacific Coast Lady from USA on 01/22/2021

I really appreciate this post, Blane! I never thought about the ratios between the L and the HDLs. I'm going to watch these videos before I buy anything. It's way better to read whole threads on these sites, isn't it. I'm so guilty of reading one reply and pouncing on it before I read further.

Replied by Art from California on 01/23/2021

Hi Pacific Coast Lady,

Well, it has worked for my friends who have used it, but only soy lecithin granules. The other forms of lecithin such as sunflower lecithin have not been tested in studies, so I have found good effect with soy lecithin granules. They have told me that they used two level measuring tablespoons per day until their cholesterol levels dropped to the level they wanted and then reduced their dose to one level measuring tablespoon per day as a maintenance dose. I have only seen the granules work, not the soft gel capsules or other capsules.

Some have told me they add it to their daily smoothie. I have also added the soy lecithin to several ounces of water and drank it down quickly with no stirring.

In the study I have previously linked to, lecithin lowered LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, triglycerides and raised HDL cholesterol.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3065734/

Art

Replied by Lily from Kelowna, BC on 01/25/2021

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper in 1/3 c. of water, chase with /2 to 1c. of water for 2wks. after that once a week. I agree with low fat diet as well instead use flax seed oil, omegas, coconut oil.

Replied by Pacific Coast Lady from USA on 02/24/2021

Hi Art, or anyone reading,

I never got the Lecithin, no good reason, and Jan 20,2021 I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Now I've had to quit some things, and have gone lower than low carbs, almost zero. My blood sugar is dropping a little after a month, no Meformin for me, but my cholesterol and Trygliserides are high. Cholestrol has stayed at the 300,330(last lab). Of course they wanted me to take a Lepitor, did that last night for the first and last time. My ears (Tinnitus) are insanely spiked to where I just can't take another of those pills. I'm getting on the Lecithin as soon as Amazon can get it sent to me. I don't know what brand to look for but I do take some good supplements from LIfe Extension, like my B Complex. I also am to take D3 and that has no side effects on me I know of.

Thanks to everyone that's posting on this. My doctor is a precious man, very young, and really seems to care about folks but I can't trust the drugs ;(

Replied by Ivybridge from TN on 02/24/2021

Life Extension states that Metformin is a life extension drug.

https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2017/4/metformin-slashes-cancer-risks

Replied by Art from California on 02/24/2021

Hi PCL,

Good on you for reconsidering about statins.

Here are a few reasons why statins may not be the best choice.

1. Statins are known to cause muscle pain, liver damage, increased blood sugar and neurological side effects as discussed here:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statin-side-effects/art-20046013

2. Statins have caused memory loss in some people as discussed here:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/cholesterol/new-findings-on-statin-memory-loss-link

3. Statins can cause tendon damage or rupture as reported in the following study link:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3666488/#

On the other hand, "Soy Lecithin" lowers cholesterol and triglycerides as shown in the following study:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3065734/

It is worth noting that I have not as yet been able to find other cholesterol studies for other forms of lecithin such as sunflower lecithin and my experience is that "granular soy lecithin" has been effective for several friends who have used it.

Art

Replied by Pacific Coast Lady from USA on 02/24/2021

I am concerned I may not have ordered the right Lecithin. I'm not sure I can mention a brand or put a link, so I'll mention the brand I ordered. I don't want to do anything against the site rules, but I know they check all the posts before they allow them so I'll go ahead. I ordered granules (lecithin) from Life Extension. The ingredients sounded good and reviews, but someone mentioned, back in 2015 post, that there is not GMO Soy, no matter what the label says? Thanks again for any help,

Replied by GertJr from Madison on 02/25/2021

Art, thanks for the thoughts on statins.

Do you have any information about red rice yeast and it having the same side effects as statins? I've been taking LDL Omega capsules for my cholesterol and it works to bring it down, but I also get the same muscle aches and leg cramping as when I took statins. This formula has the CoQ10 as well, but the leg cramping has me wanting to not take it anymore.

Replied by Art from California on 02/25/2021

GertJr,

Yes, red yeast rice is essentially the same as the statin named Lovastatin or Mevacor. Myself, I wouldn't use it.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17417-cholesterol-reduction-red-yeast-rice-and-plant-stanols

My choice would be "Soy Lecithin Granules" because these have worked very effectively for friends. I use Non-GMO Soy Lecithin Granules to good effect.

Art

Replied by Pacific Coast Lady from USA on 02/26/2021

Hello Art, good to find your post.

I got my Lecithin. It sure doesn't taste bad at all, and I could just chew it up in my mouth if I had to ;) I dissolved a tbsp of the granules in my decaf Green Tea (which I like to chill to make it ice-tea) I don't notice any difference in taste with that. It takes just a little time, maybe 15 min. to dissolve in the cold tea but people can use a blender to speed up the process if need be. I read it's good to do it for about 30 min. before I eat so am doing it that way. I hope it works, and I don't know if I should do the 3 tbsp, 3 x a day. I don't see anywhere you mention how much you used per day? I'll just keep taking some each day. I didn't get my Lecithin until this afternoon in the mail, so it has nothing to do with what happened to me this a.m. I have Type 2 diabetes just diagnosed Jan 20.

I cut my carbs way back to I think below 30g a day, I was so concerned about having something like Diabetes. Anyway, yesterday got to talk to a dietician, and leary of them as well but I listened. She encouraged me to eat more carbs, 30g per meal say. So I started that today. But from 6 a.m. to 9:15 I felt so good and healthy, lots of energy, and for the first time in weeks, no headache on awakening.

Then at 9:15 or so, I got the bad shakes, like the hypoglycemic thing I got as a kid when I didn't eat soon enough. Then a headache that didn't feel like any headache I'd ever had, so really clueless. I don't do this unless I know something is way wrong, I went to the emergency room, and all I got done was my blood pressure, temperature, checking stuff.

My blood pressure for the first time I know of in 68 years was 170/??, I can't remember the bottom number but it might have been 120, or not. I was just so upset because the waiting room was full, the inner exam rooms were full, sick people surrounding me, and I didn't stay as my head stopped hurting and I figured I wouldn't be seen anyway.

I plan to contact the clinic tomorrow and ask about my blood pressure, they are open on Saturdays. If this crazy new way of eating, high cholesterol, and of course high triglycerides are the cause of now, High Blood pressure, I can only hope I can find an answer for that here too. I'm 5'2" and right at 129, exercise regularly walking, never ate a whole lot of carbs and all this. Kind of overwhelming, but I trust alternative medicines/home-remedies over drugs and I won't give up. Thanks for your's and everyone's input on the site,

Replied by Pacific Coast Lady from USA on 02/27/2021

That is interesting, but I think I mentioned here or was it on a diabetes forum?? Well anyway, I am willing to take the Metformin if it that last resort for caring for myself at home. If I end up in the hospital then I'll have to let them give me whatever. I just have found natural ways of "fixing" a lot of issues. The fact that Metformin has a very good track record, which I can see in your link, and have heard from other believers, is reassuring should I have to resort to a drug.

It actually seems good to me that Life Extension makes what seems to be a reliable alternative for people. It made me sick for 2 weeks, or, it was my physical issues. I don't know for sure at this point. I even quit my supplements and just to try without even those to see if it is just my body is sick with Type 2, high cholesterol/triglycerides, hypo-thyroid issues in the past (maybe again now, can't get tested yet for that), and now added to the pile, is about of high blood pressure. It was 170 over I think it was 110, but I haven't been able to get the recording of that from the hospital. My regular doc has to request it and I will be telling him on Monday about my Friday trip to emergency. I do thank you for the information, it was sort of a surprise as I didn't know Life Extension made prescription drugs.

Replied by Art from California on 02/27/2021

Hi PCL.

You've got a few health issues going on at the same time.

The lecithin you started today should help reduce your LDL and VLDL cholesterol very significantly as well as triglycerides. My friends who have used it took 2 tablespoons per day initially as a loading dose and then switched down to 1 tablespoon per day as a maintenance dose. Nine tablespoons a day is a lot by any standard and I would say way too much. You are a fairly small person so you may find that a tablespoon is more than adequate for you and in time and with testing, you may find you can go with a slightly lower dose to maintain benefit, but that will be trial and error on your part. Lecithin can be helpful with fatty liver disease if that happens to be a health issue you are having. One small study suggested that a component of lecithin can possibly improve insulin sensitivity making it useful in diabetes. Lecithin is an emulsifier so it can help breakdown fats which may also be useful in diabetes, but the studies are lacking to discuss this benefit in diabetes.

One friend who is using lecithin successfully adds it to her morning smoothie and said she feels it improves the flavor of her smoothie.

On a somewhat related note, Zinc and Selenium are usually helpful if hypothyroidism is an issue, especially zinc. What condition is your hair in?

Art

Replied by Pacific Coast Lady from USA on 02/28/2021

Hello Art, Thank you for your reply :) I haven't had any further Niacin flushes without taking any Niacin, lol ;) Thank goodness, no liver issues (disease). My hair is still in good shape, but I think it's beginning to thin a little. I will see about adding Zinc and Selenium to my regime. Right now, with all else, I stopped my B-complex and Glucosamine blend because I wanted to see if that might have caused the headaches, etc. I can add them back with my D3 1000iu recommended by my doctor (not sure their right, of course but not ill effects I know of) and my "just" 200mg of Magnesium Citrate (I know this one isn't hurting me but use to take it at 400 mg a day which I think is better). I feel comfy with just the 2 tbsp of Lecithin, one in a.m., one in p.m. with either green tea or my turmeric juice and ginger juice mixture. I bought that from a company here in California, but of course, it is processed by them. I hope it's healthy though, for anti-inflammatory. I haven't had any arthritic pain since I've been drinking it. It seems I read that if the thyroid is working right, many other things can start working right as well. I can't remember where or who I heard it from though.

Replied by Sam from Miami on 03/02/2021

Your cholesterol is perfectly fine. Besides, one number means literally nothing. Ratios are important. Lp(a) is important.

Replied by Pacific Coast Lady from USA on 03/02/2021

They prescribed Statins which I took one night, and the next day I felt awful so I stopped them. Then I got the Lecithin. My cholesterol is 330. I'll break that down to the Ldl and the hdl: LDL = 239 HDL = 55 Tryglicerides are high too I hear: 185. These are all mg/dl. Ratio is 4:3 Why do you say mine are fine, if you were speaking to me, when I didn't post them?

Replied by Pacific Coast Lady from USA on 03/03/2021

This was truly an interesting article, Ivy. I hadn't read it until this a.m. Thank you for the link. I started the Meformin again, after stopping it at 3 weeks in, because I had some stomach discomfort they do speak of in possible side-effects. A problem in my mind was, those are mentioned as side-effects for the Type 2 Diabetes I was diagnosed with 4 weeks ago now. I do love alternatives and have had many work for me, but I am not against conventional medicine either. I wish it could all be taught to MDs. When the best fix for an upset stomach or many other things is ACV, why should a drug be prescribed? I know the answer, BIG Pharma. Well, interestingly enough, I am getting my foods in-line now and no ill effects from the Metformin so I'll continue on it. I know people have different experiences, different opinions, and different levels of knowledge about health. I do have an open mind about it all, then I choose what is best working for me. It's my body, only I know what all goes on, I couldn't begin to list and tell about the many issues, little things many of them, but still very vigilant. Thank you again.

Replied by Pacific Coast Lady from Crescent City, CA on 08/15/2021

Wondering if you are still around, Blane?? I have found more and more info, but didn't look up your suggestions, but am now doing just that. Thank you, because I've been listening to Dr. Benjamin Bikman, Dr. Eric Berg, some of the Diet Doctor, and trying hard to read Lipid Lunacy. It's too technical for me I'm afraid but headed out to read your suggestions now as well. I'm becoming a believer in high, total cholesterol isn't the enemy, but rather the Triglyceride/HDL ratio. I admit I am lowering my dairy intake to see if I can "feel" safer with my numbers in the lipid profile I just got, but my Triglyceride/hdl ratio is excellent!

I'm just up for reading more studies that have been coming out for some time on this topic, and I haven't put my faith in conventional medicine for some time ;) Feedback from anyone is welcome as I remain open-minded, and, I do understand that if ACV works for you, don't "fix" it ;) I had to change my way of eating because of Type 2 Diabetes, and the fact that I have a 3rd degree AV Node block and am on my 3rd Pacemaker since 1997.

Replied by Elizabeth from CA on 03/23/2024

Can you let me know what foods to eat that will not cause the body damage. I have high cholesterol and several Gall Stones and would like to treat and cure naturally rather than get surgery and take big pharma meds.