my cholesterol WENT UP!

[Teacher4Peace]

I started ANA (well, seriousely) June 19, 2004. That is exactly 9 months ago. At the time, my cholesterol was 203; the HDL was 50 and the LDL was 142.9 and the ratio was 4.1. After doing ANA SERIOUSELY for 9 months I decided to test again. I tested one week ago; I did not know I had to fast that day. I had an Atkins Advantage Bar at 6 am and tested 4 1/2 hours later at 1030 am. The result was BAD--my cholesterol went up to 238. In her postcard, the doctor did say that the HDL went up. She did not give numbers so I do not know by how much, of if my LDL went down or what the ratio is. I will e-mail her and try to get this info.

Unfortunately, my father who is not a fan of ANA, saw the postcard and has been nagging and lecturing since then. The family is concerned that ANA is damaging my health, especially since we have a real history of very high cholesterol in our family. They want me to drop ANA.

I told them that I would rather be a sick thin person than a fat healthy one but I said that just to close some mouths; I really care about my health and want to be thin AND healthy.

I am cutting out bars, processed meats, and trying to get in some exercise. I do try to get my carbs from greens approved on the induction list. But to be honest, I am SCARED! Is it normal for cholesterol to go up?

:sadblinky Sadly yours, SheShe

[Bugaboo]

Exercise...exercise...and exercise. I slacked off big time and my cholesterol went up as well. I started lap swimming every other day and will be re-tested next month. Your results could have to do with not fasting though or your family history. Try getting in more exercise and test again in a few months. Be sure to fast next time so they're testing what's in your blood and not your tummy! I know I'm not an expert and hopefully someone with more knowledge will chime in but I hope that helps for now.

[lostandfound]

Re: my cholesterol WENT UP!

. I tested one week ago; I did not know I had to fast that day. I had an Atkins Advantage Bar at 6 am and tested 4 1/2 hours later at 1030 am. The result was BAD--my cholesterol went up to 238.

Hi there... This quote is taken from a live question and answer chat with Dr Atkins before his death.

drain_vitality: How do I check my lipids?

Dr. Atkins: Your doctor draws your blood and sends it to a lab. It must be done after a 12 hour fast, usually before breakfast. Otherwise, the results are completely inaccurate. Lipids include HDL, LDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol.

You can read it all, here. http://atkins.com/Archive/2001/12/27-836486.html

I would suggest getting another panel of blood work. You might be pleasantly surprised to find your Cholesterol numbers are great!!

Let us know.....

Hugs,Tammy

[ttdriver]

First of all, RELAX.

Total cholesterol means NOTHING. You simply MUST know your individual numbers in order to draw a logical conclusion of the effect of this WOE on your lipid levels.

For example, if your TOTAL went up because your HDL went up, then GREAT! A high HDL is a very desirable thing and it WILL affect your total number IN A GOOD WAY. In my case, my total was 249, which seems high, right? Wrong ... it was high because my HDL was 106!!! Any HDL above 40 is considered excellent. My LDL was 119 which is also excellent, giving me a LDL/HDL ratio of 1.13 ... anything less than 4 is outstanding. So you see, TOTAL means nothing. YOU MUST FIND OUT THE INDIVIDUAL NUMBERS and then compute your ratios.

And yes, the most reliable results are after you fast for at least 12 hours.

HANG IN THERE. Repeat the test after fasting and find out your individual numbers.

STICK WITH ATKINS FOR GOOD HEALTH. What's the alternative? SUGAR? STARCH? PASTA? LOW FAT? :nono

Betty