Higher Cholesterol than 6 months ago,why?

Hi all,

I got the results of my 12-month blood panel today in the mail. My surgeon noted that I need to continue taking 10,000 units of Vitamin A, and he wants me to add in 1,000 mcgs. Per day of subliminal B12. I've been taking that does of Vitamin A for the past 6 months, and though I'm still low, there is some improvement.

However, my surgeon also noted (and I can see in the results) that my cholesterol is higher than in my labs last October. My triglycerides are fine. What I would like to know is why is this higher, and what should I do or not do to correct this?

I do eat about 1/2 to 1.5 oz. of smoked gouda most days, and I also eat quite a bit of Boars Head deli meats, mostly turkey and their natural uncured ham, plus tuna, salmon, chicken, regular cooked turkey, occasional beef, and a little shrimp. I walk every day, ,at least once and often twice for about 45 minutes, plus do some specific spot exercises for my obliques, thighs, and arms. I drink between 80-100 ounces of tea every day with some cashew milk in it, and often will add some sugar-free syrup. I keep my calories to around 625.

A while ago another member asked this question, and someone mentioned that Vitamin A supplementation can raise one's cholesterol profile. However, I could not find any online data on this connection, and would appreciate a source on this if anyone has one.

I'm open to anyone's thoughts. I want to do this right. Thanks!

My cholesterol was up too- but considering the meat, egg,cheese etc focused diet it's not surprising. (Shrimp is high cholesterol too BTW).

I'd have to look at my labs but I'm nearly certain mine normalized. It never was anything the doc was concerned about.

You're right of course - my diet is incredibly protein-centric and almost completely lacking in even healthy carbs. Once I transition into maintenance i look forward to having more veggies and even some fruit. I do know that shrimp is a culprit, but I have it rarely, and it is the highest in protein i have found of all the things I eat. I only buy it once a month or so, plus, last week I had some which my lunch have a resounding "NO,!" to, very painfully so, so I have no desire to repeat that anytime soon. I guess I'll just keep on keeping on and maybe up my exercise, that might help. I'm not really wanting to change my diet yet, while I still have weight to lose. I'll keep an eye on it. Thanks Shauna!

red meats and dairy supposedly raise it - and yes, as Peach says, this is a big part of our diet. I don't think poultry or fish are as "guilty". In fact, I see on Mayo Clinic's Web site that food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., salmon) can lower it. Soluble fiber can help lower it as well (as in vegetables, some fruits, oats, etc). Even the medicinal kind of fiber like Metamucil can lower it. And I just noticed on their site that whey protein can too, oddly...(wouldn't have guessed that one)

That is interesting - the whey protein info. Maybe I'll start having a shake a day again, or but some Metamucil. That stuff goes right through you - it isn't actually absorbed, so it should be fine as far as weight loss goes. I don't have a lot of beef, but I do like that cheese. Hmmmm! Thanks for your response!

I didn't experience this- but I know I have seen it posted before that someone's cholesterol went up because basically they were malnourished. They were eating- Bariatric style- low carb, low calorie... but with the amount of exercise they were doing it wasn't enough food. Don't know exactly where you are on your journey and if this could apply but thought I'd mention it.

That would me me.