Lowering LDL to help bones

Posted by maggie25 @maggie25, Aug 15, 2024

I recently consulted with Keith McCormick, DC, (author of the excellent book "Great Bones"), who said I have to get my LDL down. Until reading about it in his book, I had never heard of high cholesterol affecting bones. High cholesterol runs in my family. Since the consultation I have been eating almost only healthy fats and reducing my fat intake overall. For example, I used to eat a fair amount of cheese and crackers and am switching to carrot sticks and hummus or baba ganoush. More fish and chicken and less red meat. It has resulted in a little weight loss but also seems to have eliminated edema at the ankles. I have very thin bones to start with and 5 vertebral fractures. I wonder how long it takes to show a difference in LDL. Has anyone has success reducing cholesterol with diet?

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Profile picture for artemis1886 @artemis1886

Lewis is a shot for genetic high cholesterol. I take one shot, three months later a second shot then one every six months. It is ever expensive. My insurance picked up all but 700.00 patient assistance is picking up the rest. My first shot lowered my cholesterol quite a bit. I get my second one in October. My mother and grandmother had high cholesterol.

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The shot I took for high genetic cholesterol Leqvio above was auto correct.

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Profile picture for artemis1886 @artemis1886

The shot I took for high genetic cholesterol Leqvio above was auto correct.

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@artemis1886 that darned auto”correct” is anything but correct, eh! 😆

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RED RICE YEAST lowers cholesterol. It’s a supplement.

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Profile picture for sequoia @sequoia

RED RICE YEAST lowers cholesterol. It’s a supplement.

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That supplement red rice yeast is contraindicated for specific conditions, medications, and use with other supplements.
I always research everything to make best informed decisions in order to not aggravate what I already have going on in my body.
What's beneficial and absolutely fine for one person does not equate to being safe for others.
Just saying....

I unfortunately have had familial hyperlipidemia for decades, and have been treated with various statins which did help bring down cholesterol readings but created unbearable side effects. Stopped all statins, then another cardiologist convinced me to try Simvastatin. THAT was a horrid year of increasing symptoms that I confused as being related to my fibromyalgia and other issues. I was so ill. But there were flags that told me there was more to the story. Learned through medical journals and reputable institutions here in US, UK and Australia, that some people can and do exhibit the intense side effects that seriously plagued me AND which augmented my other issues. So I did not ask, I TOLD that cardiologist that I would NOT take any statin whatsoever. Provided the documentation. She reluctantly supported my decision. Changed doctors. Continued dealing with readings ranging from 240 to 260, so tried non-itch inducing niacin (Enduracin, not a prescription). Three months later, levels went down by 25 points! BUT my A1C went up to 6.2 from my usual 5.2 to 5.4. No way was I going to continue the niacin (which yes can affect A1C levels). So again I dealt with what I'd been doing my adult life: high readings. Until my triglycerides (which had always been "enviable") AND the readings of bad cholesterol went significantly up😳. Mind you, there is no red meat in our diet (has not been in over 30 yrs), little cheese (always part skim) and zero fat Lactaid milk (lactose intolerant). Use Brummel and Brown "yogurt based" spread (really tasty), don't indulge in candies or commercial baked good, baking for myself and diabetic husband with using reduced am't of sugar (even replacing successfully with Truvia), egg substitute, etc.
Researched doctors in my area specializing in hyperlipidemia and located a cardiologist with impressive background and education. Checked credentials and places where he posted he had done research on the very problem that I dealt with. I made appointment, he LISTENED intently, and assured me that he'd work with me on trying to obtain better heart health, including the cholesterol issues. So despite all of my efforts, yes my cholesterol was still high so I agreed last year to try low dose Pravastatin which studies show is best tolerated by sensitive people especially recommended for seniors (which being in mid seventies certainly "qualifies" me). Started at 10 mg one at night, followup blood work showed it didn't make a dent so agreed to have it increased to 20mg one at night. Found not to experience the many issues encountered with Simvastatin! And it DID reduce the levels from 262 to 246. So I asked my new cardiologist about increasing another 10 mg. Started taking one 20mg and one 10mg nightly since Pravastatin isn't available in 30mg strength. Finally had success! BOTH bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels dropped😊. So last reading in July '24 showed cholesterol at 230mg. While many would consider that to be still high, both my cardiologist and I are pleased. Triglycerides are great also.
One final note: I had also researched ALL of the necessary and prescribed meds that I'm on and learned that one glaucoma med in particular can INCREASE cholesterol. I consulted with my incredible ophthalmologist, who agreed to my decision to cease using that medication and replacing with a .5% solution of Timolol. That is just for the left eye, which has more serious glaucoma than my right eye (which gets a .25% solution of Timolol).

I'll never get my husband's incredibly low readings of way UNDER 200mg but I am happy. There are health issues that affect my overall wellbeing, and I do what I can to deal with them, as best as possible. I consider my battle with the cholesterol to be a victory, as also do both my primary and my cardiologist👍🏼.

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Profile picture for delia74 @delia74

That supplement red rice yeast is contraindicated for specific conditions, medications, and use with other supplements.
I always research everything to make best informed decisions in order to not aggravate what I already have going on in my body.
What's beneficial and absolutely fine for one person does not equate to being safe for others.
Just saying....

I unfortunately have had familial hyperlipidemia for decades, and have been treated with various statins which did help bring down cholesterol readings but created unbearable side effects. Stopped all statins, then another cardiologist convinced me to try Simvastatin. THAT was a horrid year of increasing symptoms that I confused as being related to my fibromyalgia and other issues. I was so ill. But there were flags that told me there was more to the story. Learned through medical journals and reputable institutions here in US, UK and Australia, that some people can and do exhibit the intense side effects that seriously plagued me AND which augmented my other issues. So I did not ask, I TOLD that cardiologist that I would NOT take any statin whatsoever. Provided the documentation. She reluctantly supported my decision. Changed doctors. Continued dealing with readings ranging from 240 to 260, so tried non-itch inducing niacin (Enduracin, not a prescription). Three months later, levels went down by 25 points! BUT my A1C went up to 6.2 from my usual 5.2 to 5.4. No way was I going to continue the niacin (which yes can affect A1C levels). So again I dealt with what I'd been doing my adult life: high readings. Until my triglycerides (which had always been "enviable") AND the readings of bad cholesterol went significantly up😳. Mind you, there is no red meat in our diet (has not been in over 30 yrs), little cheese (always part skim) and zero fat Lactaid milk (lactose intolerant). Use Brummel and Brown "yogurt based" spread (really tasty), don't indulge in candies or commercial baked good, baking for myself and diabetic husband with using reduced am't of sugar (even replacing successfully with Truvia), egg substitute, etc.
Researched doctors in my area specializing in hyperlipidemia and located a cardiologist with impressive background and education. Checked credentials and places where he posted he had done research on the very problem that I dealt with. I made appointment, he LISTENED intently, and assured me that he'd work with me on trying to obtain better heart health, including the cholesterol issues. So despite all of my efforts, yes my cholesterol was still high so I agreed last year to try low dose Pravastatin which studies show is best tolerated by sensitive people especially recommended for seniors (which being in mid seventies certainly "qualifies" me). Started at 10 mg one at night, followup blood work showed it didn't make a dent so agreed to have it increased to 20mg one at night. Found not to experience the many issues encountered with Simvastatin! And it DID reduce the levels from 262 to 246. So I asked my new cardiologist about increasing another 10 mg. Started taking one 20mg and one 10mg nightly since Pravastatin isn't available in 30mg strength. Finally had success! BOTH bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels dropped😊. So last reading in July '24 showed cholesterol at 230mg. While many would consider that to be still high, both my cardiologist and I are pleased. Triglycerides are great also.
One final note: I had also researched ALL of the necessary and prescribed meds that I'm on and learned that one glaucoma med in particular can INCREASE cholesterol. I consulted with my incredible ophthalmologist, who agreed to my decision to cease using that medication and replacing with a .5% solution of Timolol. That is just for the left eye, which has more serious glaucoma than my right eye (which gets a .25% solution of Timolol).

I'll never get my husband's incredibly low readings of way UNDER 200mg but I am happy. There are health issues that affect my overall wellbeing, and I do what I can to deal with them, as best as possible. I consider my battle with the cholesterol to be a victory, as also do both my primary and my cardiologist👍🏼.

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@delia74 yes, I read somewhere about some contraindications too.

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Profile picture for delia74 @delia74

That supplement red rice yeast is contraindicated for specific conditions, medications, and use with other supplements.
I always research everything to make best informed decisions in order to not aggravate what I already have going on in my body.
What's beneficial and absolutely fine for one person does not equate to being safe for others.
Just saying....

I unfortunately have had familial hyperlipidemia for decades, and have been treated with various statins which did help bring down cholesterol readings but created unbearable side effects. Stopped all statins, then another cardiologist convinced me to try Simvastatin. THAT was a horrid year of increasing symptoms that I confused as being related to my fibromyalgia and other issues. I was so ill. But there were flags that told me there was more to the story. Learned through medical journals and reputable institutions here in US, UK and Australia, that some people can and do exhibit the intense side effects that seriously plagued me AND which augmented my other issues. So I did not ask, I TOLD that cardiologist that I would NOT take any statin whatsoever. Provided the documentation. She reluctantly supported my decision. Changed doctors. Continued dealing with readings ranging from 240 to 260, so tried non-itch inducing niacin (Enduracin, not a prescription). Three months later, levels went down by 25 points! BUT my A1C went up to 6.2 from my usual 5.2 to 5.4. No way was I going to continue the niacin (which yes can affect A1C levels). So again I dealt with what I'd been doing my adult life: high readings. Until my triglycerides (which had always been "enviable") AND the readings of bad cholesterol went significantly up😳. Mind you, there is no red meat in our diet (has not been in over 30 yrs), little cheese (always part skim) and zero fat Lactaid milk (lactose intolerant). Use Brummel and Brown "yogurt based" spread (really tasty), don't indulge in candies or commercial baked good, baking for myself and diabetic husband with using reduced am't of sugar (even replacing successfully with Truvia), egg substitute, etc.
Researched doctors in my area specializing in hyperlipidemia and located a cardiologist with impressive background and education. Checked credentials and places where he posted he had done research on the very problem that I dealt with. I made appointment, he LISTENED intently, and assured me that he'd work with me on trying to obtain better heart health, including the cholesterol issues. So despite all of my efforts, yes my cholesterol was still high so I agreed last year to try low dose Pravastatin which studies show is best tolerated by sensitive people especially recommended for seniors (which being in mid seventies certainly "qualifies" me). Started at 10 mg one at night, followup blood work showed it didn't make a dent so agreed to have it increased to 20mg one at night. Found not to experience the many issues encountered with Simvastatin! And it DID reduce the levels from 262 to 246. So I asked my new cardiologist about increasing another 10 mg. Started taking one 20mg and one 10mg nightly since Pravastatin isn't available in 30mg strength. Finally had success! BOTH bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels dropped😊. So last reading in July '24 showed cholesterol at 230mg. While many would consider that to be still high, both my cardiologist and I are pleased. Triglycerides are great also.
One final note: I had also researched ALL of the necessary and prescribed meds that I'm on and learned that one glaucoma med in particular can INCREASE cholesterol. I consulted with my incredible ophthalmologist, who agreed to my decision to cease using that medication and replacing with a .5% solution of Timolol. That is just for the left eye, which has more serious glaucoma than my right eye (which gets a .25% solution of Timolol).

I'll never get my husband's incredibly low readings of way UNDER 200mg but I am happy. There are health issues that affect my overall wellbeing, and I do what I can to deal with them, as best as possible. I consider my battle with the cholesterol to be a victory, as also do both my primary and my cardiologist👍🏼.

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@delia74 I’m glad you found something that’s working. Supplements can interfere with medication, and many ppl don’t think of that. I don’t take any medications. My cholesterol is around 195, but I still watch it. Eating sensibly. Thank you for information. Blessings

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Profile picture for delia74 @delia74

That supplement red rice yeast is contraindicated for specific conditions, medications, and use with other supplements.
I always research everything to make best informed decisions in order to not aggravate what I already have going on in my body.
What's beneficial and absolutely fine for one person does not equate to being safe for others.
Just saying....

I unfortunately have had familial hyperlipidemia for decades, and have been treated with various statins which did help bring down cholesterol readings but created unbearable side effects. Stopped all statins, then another cardiologist convinced me to try Simvastatin. THAT was a horrid year of increasing symptoms that I confused as being related to my fibromyalgia and other issues. I was so ill. But there were flags that told me there was more to the story. Learned through medical journals and reputable institutions here in US, UK and Australia, that some people can and do exhibit the intense side effects that seriously plagued me AND which augmented my other issues. So I did not ask, I TOLD that cardiologist that I would NOT take any statin whatsoever. Provided the documentation. She reluctantly supported my decision. Changed doctors. Continued dealing with readings ranging from 240 to 260, so tried non-itch inducing niacin (Enduracin, not a prescription). Three months later, levels went down by 25 points! BUT my A1C went up to 6.2 from my usual 5.2 to 5.4. No way was I going to continue the niacin (which yes can affect A1C levels). So again I dealt with what I'd been doing my adult life: high readings. Until my triglycerides (which had always been "enviable") AND the readings of bad cholesterol went significantly up😳. Mind you, there is no red meat in our diet (has not been in over 30 yrs), little cheese (always part skim) and zero fat Lactaid milk (lactose intolerant). Use Brummel and Brown "yogurt based" spread (really tasty), don't indulge in candies or commercial baked good, baking for myself and diabetic husband with using reduced am't of sugar (even replacing successfully with Truvia), egg substitute, etc.
Researched doctors in my area specializing in hyperlipidemia and located a cardiologist with impressive background and education. Checked credentials and places where he posted he had done research on the very problem that I dealt with. I made appointment, he LISTENED intently, and assured me that he'd work with me on trying to obtain better heart health, including the cholesterol issues. So despite all of my efforts, yes my cholesterol was still high so I agreed last year to try low dose Pravastatin which studies show is best tolerated by sensitive people especially recommended for seniors (which being in mid seventies certainly "qualifies" me). Started at 10 mg one at night, followup blood work showed it didn't make a dent so agreed to have it increased to 20mg one at night. Found not to experience the many issues encountered with Simvastatin! And it DID reduce the levels from 262 to 246. So I asked my new cardiologist about increasing another 10 mg. Started taking one 20mg and one 10mg nightly since Pravastatin isn't available in 30mg strength. Finally had success! BOTH bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels dropped😊. So last reading in July '24 showed cholesterol at 230mg. While many would consider that to be still high, both my cardiologist and I are pleased. Triglycerides are great also.
One final note: I had also researched ALL of the necessary and prescribed meds that I'm on and learned that one glaucoma med in particular can INCREASE cholesterol. I consulted with my incredible ophthalmologist, who agreed to my decision to cease using that medication and replacing with a .5% solution of Timolol. That is just for the left eye, which has more serious glaucoma than my right eye (which gets a .25% solution of Timolol).

I'll never get my husband's incredibly low readings of way UNDER 200mg but I am happy. There are health issues that affect my overall wellbeing, and I do what I can to deal with them, as best as possible. I consider my battle with the cholesterol to be a victory, as also do both my primary and my cardiologist👍🏼.

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You sound a lot like me with the hyper lipidemia and the inability to tolerate medicines and especially statins! My dad tolerated statins exceptionally well for 25 years! So you are correct one size does not fit all even with inherited disorders.let me give you A couple things I didn’t see covered in what you wrote that worked for me that might work for you as well:
Fish. I landed onto this because I took in a Ukrainian refugee who ate lots of fish. After actively trying to lower my cholesterol, my cholesterol dropped in three months by 40 points when she left so did most of the fish and my cholesterol bounce back up I resumed, including more fish. Be careful you don’t add fish that has purines in it. If you were gout prone, I do tilapia, salmon, Tuna, cod, things that are wild and not formed. My cholesterol which reacted to nothing is sits now at 186!
The second thing that I’m doing is LEQVIO. It is a twice a year injection, gluten and lactose free, which was how I access it. It has zero side effects and it controls the laying down plaque in my arteries. The plaque will go up a little bit in the first year if you test, because it’s being loosened, but after that, it gets stable and starts to go down. I feel really confident about that one. I take vitamin D for my A1c. It stays right in the middle of where they are both supposed to be they Does have to be adjusted every decade.

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Profile picture for babbsjoy @babbsjoy

@palmisland47
There is an osteoporosis group on this site where people discuss the different meds for osteoporosis—it’s very helpful. A lot about prolia…. I recently started on Tymlos.

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Hello, I am about to start Tymlus, have you had any side effects?

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Profile picture for ccduplass @ccduplass

Hello, I am about to start Tymlus, have you had any side effects?

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@ccduplass

I was on Tymlos for about five months. Then, our insurance changed and would no longer support it, so I eventually (after about six weeks of no med) was placed on generic Forteo (which the new insurance company does pay for). I have had little to no side effects from either!

When first on Tymlos, I did notice some light headedness and heart racing in the first hour or so after injecting. That eventually went away. I did hydrate with some zero sugar gatoraide to try to combat that—and it seemed to help. I inject before bed. Later on with Tymlos I did feel like once in a while I would experience sharp and fleeting pain in my legs or feet once in a while. But I’m not sure that was Tymlos. Once in a while with the generic Forteo, if I am up doing things after injecting, I will have momentary light headedness. But it is very momentary. I have been on the generic Forteo for about seven months now.

I am very grateful to have these meds! I hope all works well for you!

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Profile picture for willow5 @willow5

I’ve shared here before - been vegetarian over 30 years and vegan for six years, runner, hiker, off and on weight training, etc. all the right things. Cholesterol runs high in my family. Chose to start taking statins a few years ago. Got a horrible result on the CT calcium score and my AliptoproteinB (another cholesterol test) is high. Oh, well. Glad there are meds and glad I chose to do a cardio workup on my 70th. Good luck!

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I was taking a statin, and inflammation scores went through the roof as I was in so much pain. Stopped statins and now on Zetia. Not doing enough. Also did an advanced lipids test and Apo B and Lpa are both high. My CT calcium test was low but that doesn't mean I don't have soft build up starting. My cardiologist recommended to prescriptions that are injections. One my insurance company will not pay for, but Repatha they will. I need to ask if Repatha will actually help the Lpa and Apo B?

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