I feel like I need to celebrate this, yet there is that matter of my cholesterol. I haven't mentioned that little matter?? Hmmm....this might be the perfect time to talk about it!
These were my numbers when I had my yearly checkup with my PCP recently-
Total Cholesterol- 291
HDL Cholesterol- 107
LDL Cholesterol- 161
Triglycerides- 112
My doc was not pleased with these numbers. I told her that when the oncologist prescribed Letrozole a few years back, he told me my cholesterol would be elevated. He said it wasn't a matter of "if" my cholesterol would go up but "how much."
My total cholesterol always hovered just above 200, but my LDL was always low, and my HDL was higher, so my doctors were never too concerned. However, after being on Letrozole for a while, my numbers increased quite a bit, and the LDL vs. HDL flip-flopped.
On 6/29/21 my numbers were-
Total Cholesterol- 252
HDL Cholesterol- 93
LDL Cholesterol- 143
Triglycerides- 67
I don't have the exact numbers before the 2021 labs, but the total cholesterol was something like 203. So as you can see, there has been a significant upward trend, and that's not good!
I told my PCP that I'm no longer taking Letrozole but am now on Verzenio. Since she wasn't sure if this drug would also affect my cholesterol levels, she wanted me to check with Dr. Saker. If he said it affects cholesterol levels similarly, we would need to discuss medication.
Dr. Saker said that Verzenio should not be causing an increase in the numbers. So, do I want to go on a statin or some other cholesterol-lowering drug?? Not without trying to control the numbers first through lifestyle changes.
So, I have until April 21st to see how much I can get those numbers down without meds. Then, if I can't do it, I must seriously consider medication.
TIME TO GET SERIOUS
Here are some tips I have gathered to help lower cholesterol without drugs.
1. Avoid trans and saturated fats
The American Heart Association recommends reducing the amount of saturated fat intake to less than 6 percent of our daily calories. Saturated fat is found in foods such as-
- butter, lard, palm, and coconut oils
- fatty cuts of meat
- cured meats such as salami, and chorizo
- cakes, biscuits, pastries, and croissants
- cheese, ice cream, sour cream, and milk
- chocolate, and chocolate spreads
2. Eat A Lot of Soluble Fiber
Upping daily intake of soluble fiber can help decrease LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. LDL is known as the bad cholesterol. Foods with soluble fiber include-
- oatmeal
- Cheerios
- fruits
- vegetables, whole grains, and legumes
3. Limit Alcohol
When we drink alcohol, the liver breaks it down into cholesterol and triglycerides. Consuming alcohol can also raise our blood pressure and make it more challenging to reach or maintain a healthy weight.
4. Exercise
When we are overweight, our chance of having high cholesterol increases. Exercises such as walking, running, swimming, or biking are just some exercises that can help lower cholesterol, especially if we do them three times a week or more. Any cardio workout can help keep our weight in a healthy range and boost our heart health.
IT AIN'T EASY
So, I'm working on that lifestyle change. I'm working on my diet. I'm trying to eat less and pay attention to the amount of fats and cholesterol in the foods I eat. I'm also trying to get in more daily exercise.
Alcohol isn't much of an issue for me, other than the occasional Margarita.
I'll admit it's not easy, especially for someone who loves to eat and does a lot of stress eating. This whole cancer thing can be a bit stressful!
It's also not easy when you are a cheese addict like myself!
Did I mention that today is National Cheese Lover's Day??? Lord, give me strength!!
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