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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bones, Joints & Muscles Support Group.

SusanEllen66 | @SusanEllen66 | Oct 3 7:58pm

In reply to @tammyvandiver2023 "@SusanEllen66 Thank you! Yes, I have a Sam’s and Costco!" + (show)

@tammyvandiver2023 stick with the Costco Kirkland. Their brand has tested to be the best.

livotimarilyn65 | @livotimarilyn65 | Oct 4 10:43am

In reply to @jenatsky "I’m on Alendronate 70mg every 7 days orally." + (show)

@jenatsky I also take it once a week, usually on Sunday a.m. , I also let it stay without food for 45 minutes. It tates if you eat piro to taking it your bones don't absorb this medication as it should glad I read all the information. 5 Years I hear you most likely will be on it.

jenatsky | @jenatsky | Oct 4 2:03pm

I’m almost up to my end date with Alendronate and will be put on something else. I just had my Dexa scan and my results were very favorable. I’ve never had any side effects from it that I’m aware of.

dskellchock | @dskellchock | Oct 8 10:28am

Hi, Willow5! Just wanted you to know what happened at my last blood draw. I come bearing great news!

I had a blood draw Sept. 23, 2025. Got the results today, Oct. 4, 2025. This is what happened:
Aug. 31 got my first 2 bottles of EVOO from Italy (Virgeen); From Sept. 1 to Sept. 23, 2025,
I consumed 4 tbsps.. of EVOO per day for a little over a month.
As of Oct. 4, 2025 my LDL had reduced from 157 to 111 - 46 pts.
HDL/LDL Ratio is 3.0 : range: < 5.0.
Total Cholesterol was 134: minus HDL: 66 = 68 : Range: < 130.
Triglicerides: 114: range - < 150 Down from 151 – reduced: 37 pts.

I had to look up the date I first started taking EVOO. I couldn't believe my eyes.

So, it would seem that my EVOO experiment has been totally successful by lowering my LDL by 46 pts.
Looks like I still have 12 pts. to scare away to get "in range" for LDL below < 100. I am ecstatic!

I did, of course, modify my diet, which had previously been scandalous! I now follow the majority of the Mediterranean diet coupled with my EVOO. BTW the Virgeen olive farm in Italy, is fabulous! I have corresponded with them many times. They answer any and all questions about their product and label their bottles and boxes with all of the most critical info. we need to know. It took me a loong time to find them! Their EVOO contains an abundance of Polyphenols, which help override LDL 🙂

Good luck to all! I hope you find your panacea! 🙂 d.

lamd | @lamd | Oct 9 8:37am

In reply to @dskellchock "Hi, Willow5! Just wanted you to know what happened at my last blood draw. I come..." + (show)

@dskellchock
Hi, Does this EVOO burn your throat on the way down? Besides lowered cholesterol, do you notice any other benefits…like reduced joint pain? May I ask where you purchase this product from, is it direct from the company or another retailer. Thanks for the info. I have been considering trying daily EVOO, but as you say, it has to be the right one. Thanks.

chomama | @chomama | Oct 10 9:18pm

I cook with evoo daily, but I don’t really measure how much I’m using. How do you know what brand to consume? Does anyone take Fortibone? I’ve been reading about positive results from taking that supplement. Also wondering about collagen vs. protein powder for bone building. I’m considering alternating them each day. Thanks for any recommendations.

lamd | @lamd | Oct 11 8:51am

Hi, I also cook with EVOO daily, but am interested in taking a tablespoon daily to help with inflammation. However, I also am not sure how to find the type of EVOO would be best to take daily and get these benefits. It seems that @dskellchock has researched this, so hoping they may be able to share information on what to look for and best brands. I have been taking osteo naturals fortibone for just about one year now. Unfortunately, I don’t know yet if it’s helped and I am still a year away from my next dexa, unless I can get my pcp to get an approval to test after just one year. Hoping it’s helping.