Health update: it's all good

[jawnbc]

Several weeks ago I posted about my soaring cholesterol and triglyceride levels. And my liver enzymes being off the chart. Subsequently I took on a several changes including:

-a low dose (10mg) of Lipitor daily
-near total elimination of sugar from my diet, largely by dropping my best friend Coke™ Classic
-infusing my diet with 125g of soy product intake, largely through drinking soy milk
-eating other cholesterol healthy foods like statin-laden spreads and real oats (thanks honey for making my oats every day!)

Now when it comes to the soy stuff, be advised that nearly all "soy milk" sold isn't the real deal. It's made from "soy protein isolate" which has proven to have none of the benefits of real soy products. Look for at least 70% soy content (or 50% if nothing better is available; then double your intake), made from soy beans. Period.

The results are in. Survey says:

Cholesterol: from 7.0 to 4.2 (up to 5 is normal)!
Triglycerides: from 2.0 to 1.3 (up to 1.3 is normal)!
Liver enzymes: normal

I've not yet integrated exercise into my life: with the move and stuff, it'll have to wait until we get to Vancouver. But I'm committed to skating at least once a week for an hour (blading or ice skating), giving yoga a go (through a proper class), and walking more (we'll be in the West End, so lots of daily walks to cafés, the grocery, visting pals).

I'll do the Lipitor for a total of 3 months, then stop for a month (things should be cleared out by then). Then test again in Vancouver. If it's still OK I'll stay off it; otherwise I'll go back to the 10mg dosage.

I'm so pleased. And relieved.

Comments

[f8n-begorra.livejournal.com]

Man that's a great turnaround! Congrats!

[minimac.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear that you're on the road to a healthier you! Those are all things that I have to be mindful of as well (family history). Exercise will make a difference...sounds like Vancouver is an ideal city to be out and about in!

[le-lapin.livejournal.com]

[zhenzhi.livejournal.com]

that is great news. ;-) good boy xoxo

[jawnbc]

thanks! Where u been? I was just about to email you (woulda called but ain't got ya numbah

[jawnbc]

On lâche pas! On lâche pas!

[jawnbc]

it's not bad...can't wait to be back.

Have you given up the baby yet? (the Mini)

[bikerbearmark.livejournal.com]

Congrats on the great results - especially because all your buds here on LJ want you around for a long, long time...

[puzzld1.livejournal.com]

Go you!

[timbear.livejournal.com]

Excellent results, well done, and long may it continue!

[beastbriskett.livejournal.com]

How great is that? You responded quite quickly to treatment--keep it up!

[rollerbabe.livejournal.com]

Good for you! *applauds* as does your cool icon! =)

[logisticslad.livejournal.com]

Way to go! Typically, such quick results are due to the medication, but diet definitely has a major impact. Best of luck with this and kudos for dealing with it sooner than later.

[austinw04.livejournal.com]

That is so excellent- congrats on your great results. I am supposed to get some bloodwork done here pretty soon- and if the results come back like they were heading before I left the US...you will probably start to see me writing about many of the same things.

Keep up the good work.

Austin

[nashobabear.livejournal.com]

May you continue thriving.

[minimac.livejournal.com]

No yet...they're going to have to replace the engine due to water damage. In fact, the Mini guy just called and said that they just got approval from the insurance company...and the wait continues-probably two weeks more :(