This is my second year having my cholesterol checked. The only reason I have an annual physical now is because my husband's insurance requires it in order to get our hsa deposit. And boy am I thankful for it! It has been found out because of genetics, I have terrible cholesterol. In fact, the worst ratio my certified nurse practitioner has ever seen (and she's been practicing a LONG time!). Anyone who personally knows me along with myself was totally shocked. My diet isn't perfect, but it's incredibly good! I was told the reason is because I hit all the hereditary markers. I was told last year to add in more vegetables and fish/fish oil. This year we rechecked and while a couple numbers were down a bit, the worst was up - my ldl-p. Those are the small, sticky particles that stick to your arterial wall causing build up. Furthermore, the good cholesterol (HDL) was the lowest they have ever seen. In fact it was so low they rechecked. This year it was up 2 points, but only at a 12. Most people my age have 50 and over. In fact, on some charts they won't even register anything under a 20. So, I've hit all the hereditary markers, I have PCOS which may contribute, severe ongoing stress (which contributes because of hormones) and hormonal imbalance which contributes. My estimated risk of having a heart attack in the next 9 years (maybe sooner because I wasn't tested before now) is incredibly high.
So, my doctors battle plan at this point is to put me on a statin (water soluble) and have my levels rechecked in 3 months. I plan to also add in a lot more fiber and am changing up my exercise plan to incorporate high intensity (for me) intervals. This is supposed to make the heart work harder which in turn could potentially up my HDL. Studies have now found the only way to up HDL is through exercise. While I've had a pretty regular exercise routine, because of other health issues I cannot push myself. I've already found with this new exercise routine I'm feeling too tired and foggy brained. But it's either that and hopefully see an up in HDL or risk a sooner heart attack...
So here's why for me this is so challenging. I mentioned the above challenges with my health and exercise. What's challenging with food is I struggle with candida (have to be careful with many foods) and I also have many food allergies. So when someone shows a meal plan showing how to have high fiber meals it's either too full of natural sugars from fruits (which contributes to candida) , or wheat (which i'm allergic to), or too many carbs which is bad for my pos and overall personal health. I've learned over the past 14 years how to cut out refined sugars and foods, how to work around food allergens, I've done an intense candida diet and a short time of a G.A.P.S. diet. But this is going to be the most challenging - adding in more fiber without too many carbs and sugars.
I'm asking for prayers as I continue to try to make changes that will Lord willing help impact my heart health for the better. I struggle with depression and anxiety already and since finding out this news it's been a struggle of my mind. My energy has been at an all time low because of that and other issues. Please pray for renewed physical and spiritual strength as I now embark on yet another journey in health.
I was already planning on compiling a new cookbook this years with healthy recipes. Now, it will be even better because of all the new recipes I plan on trying out. My hope is and has been since I was young to help others. I hope my struggles along the way can help even one person.
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you."
Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa has inspired me for many years and continues to do so. I have big plans in the future where I feel like God is leading. Please be in prayer about that also. I want to do HIS work.
Update 2018:
My cholesterol numbers have all moved in a better direction. Not all in the "good" zone yet but super close. My ratio has reduced drastically. There's a few things I've done. I've added in high fiber foods, cut down drastically my dairy, and red meat and pork. I've also been taking Amla along with Bergamot 2 times per day. I went to a heart specialist where he had a scan done to show how much calcification is in my arteries and it was zero! The heart specialist mentioned that we don't know as much about HDL and how it works as what we thought we did. Just looking at numbers; even numbers as bleak as mine doesn't tell the whole story. From here on out I plan to continue to take Amla and Bergamot as well as eat foods higher in fiber. I would highly recommend getting calcium scoring done to everyone. It's non-invasive, inexpensive and only takes a few minutes.
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