OK, I am about to have a kid and decided to go get checked out (havent had a physical since I left the Navy)

Anyway, I am 28 and in great health with a little extra love on the tum tum. Heart, heart beat, lungs, blood pressure (122/82), EKG is all great says the doc.

Got blood work back. Cholesterol is 250, LDL is 190 but HDL is 42. What does all this mean??? I come to this site alot and figured you could give a little more feedback than just reading web pages would provide. Thanks.

Was just reading and it says dairy could raise it. I drink about 2-3 gallons of 1% a week. Should that stop??? Thanks

 

The biggest culprit in high cholesterol levels over which you have any control is saturated fat intake. About 1/3 of the cholesterol in your bloodstream comes from cholesterol in your diet, so obviously cutting that down will help your levels. About 2/3 of the blood level is made by your body from the saturated fat in your diet, that's why I think cutting your saturated fat intake is the best place to start.

Getting on an exercise program is also a good thing to do. Did your doctor give you the ok to do that?

 

Yeah, I can exercise. I do construction work and hit the weights at least 2x a week. No cardio though (need to get a machine for the house, to cold to run in winter).

I think I have been doing good with the saturated fat (football season messes me up though). I dont normally have a craving for junk food and chips. (I do have a sweet tooth, try to eat only sherbert, Is this too bad?)

I appreciate the info, I am going to do as much research as I can so I can knock this thing out.

 

A little sherbet now and then isn't going to be a problem - I like the idea of moderation in everything, including self denial.

Some aerobic exercise would be a good thing for you to add to your workout. Aerobic exercise burns fat directly and helps lower the cholesterol levels as a result.

I don't recommend milk to my patients, I think its health benefits are overrated. If you drink milk because you like it, go ahead and keep at it. Other than as a source of protein (and it is a great source at that), I don't think milk provides much value to the human body - it's meant for baby cows.

 

Meant for baby cows? That is awesome!! I do really like it though, but I guess I get enough protien from my food anyway. I am starting out with some light cardio tomorrow. Thanks for the info, I really do appreciate it.

 

Mexican163,

I just had my annual exam ... my total cholesterol has dropped 25 points since I started exercising regularly (about 18 months ago). I haven't changed my diet very much, so I think the drop is due to the exercise. I've been doing 40 minutes of cardio 3 times a week. My "bad cholesterol" dropped too. I'm pleased, obviously, and the cholesterol numbers are now a good motivator on days when I feel like slacking off.

Mikaman

 

MikaMan:

Those are encouraging numbers, nice job!