I had my annual physical earlier this week and I have been pleasantly surprised with the results in general.
Before retiring, my triglycerides were too high, my HDL was too low, LDL was too high, glucose levels were over 100, and my blood pressure was too high.
Two years into retirement, my triglycerides are as low as ever, my HDL is close to the middle of the reference range, my glucose levels have fallen to the bottom of the reference range, and after monitoring my blood pressure several times a day over the past week, I average 120/82 with no reading over the 140/90 threshold. Though lower than they used to be, my LDL levels remain stubbornly high (160) however. The progress was achieved without medication. My weight is slightly down as well - BMI is now ~ 23 - and I have lost 2 pant sizes so I lost weight in the right place.
Now, I believe that I have a genetic pre-disposition to high cholesterol through my dad's side of the family (though no-one has died prematurely from heart disease for several generations), so I would not expect to bring it below 130 -the top of the reference range- without medication. But I would like to bring it down about 20 points using a holistic approach.
I walk quite a bit (5+ miles a day) and eat way better than most people I think. I thought that moving towards a diet less reliant on animal products would help but previous attempts have not proven successful (minimal change in LDL levels and a substantial increase in frustration level ).
I have been told to eat more almonds, cinnamon, and a host of other supposedly heart-healthy foods. Has anyone had success with any LDL-lowering "miracle food" or supplements?
Before retiring, my triglycerides were too high, my HDL was too low, LDL was too high, glucose levels were over 100, and my blood pressure was too high.
Two years into retirement, my triglycerides are as low as ever, my HDL is close to the middle of the reference range, my glucose levels have fallen to the bottom of the reference range, and after monitoring my blood pressure several times a day over the past week, I average 120/82 with no reading over the 140/90 threshold. Though lower than they used to be, my LDL levels remain stubbornly high (160) however. The progress was achieved without medication. My weight is slightly down as well - BMI is now ~ 23 - and I have lost 2 pant sizes so I lost weight in the right place.
Now, I believe that I have a genetic pre-disposition to high cholesterol through my dad's side of the family (though no-one has died prematurely from heart disease for several generations), so I would not expect to bring it below 130 -the top of the reference range- without medication. But I would like to bring it down about 20 points using a holistic approach.
I walk quite a bit (5+ miles a day) and eat way better than most people I think. I thought that moving towards a diet less reliant on animal products would help but previous attempts have not proven successful (minimal change in LDL levels and a substantial increase in frustration level ).
I have been told to eat more almonds, cinnamon, and a host of other supposedly heart-healthy foods. Has anyone had success with any LDL-lowering "miracle food" or supplements?
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