Discussion Board

My wife and I have been McDougalling for just over 4 months now. We are virtually 100% compliant. My total cholesterol is now 114-118 for the past 2 months, but hers went from 155 last month to 157 this month. She eats exactly as I do, but with smaller portions. Hers did start out higher ie, 230 vs 185, but that doesn't explain the stagnation. We would not be concerned if it continued to drop slowly, but both of ours have now plateaued. We were both striving to get below 150. We do have 2-3 glasses of red wine/day; could that be a factor? Any ideas?
Pete

My understanding is that moderate wine consumption will raise HDL cholesterol. So, in one respect, yes, your total cholesterol will go up if you drink wine, but in a good way.

But there is also a bad effect of wine drinking, and that is to raise your triglycerides. Remember that Total cholesterol = LDL + HDL + (0.2 x triglycerides). So a raise in triglycerides can also raise total cholesterol.

The question your wife needs to answer is whether her HDL cholesterol has gone up, or whether her triglycerides have?

If the answer is neither, then she may simply be genetically inclined to have a cholesterol around 150. And that's OK. My cholesterol is 180 and has been for over ten years and I am very strict with my diet. As they say, genetics loads the gun, but diet pulls the trigger. With this diet, you've put a trigger lock on your genetics

Kate

Thanks; very helpful. Her results for December, January and February were:
HDL 53 -> 54 -> 51
triglycerides 92 -> 71 -> 91
total 161 -> 155 -> 157

Overall HDL and triglycerides seem to be stable. Do we conclude that her results are then OK based upon genetic makeup?
Pete

She could try stopping the alcohol for 3-4 months and then recheck. Also, does she drink coffee? That can raise cholesterol. I would do that first. If the cholesterol STILL stays the same, then that's what she's stuck with. Everyone is a little different and some people just have a genetic propensity that will limit how far a number can come down. That's like my BP--losing 90 pounds and being on MWL w/ no added salt barely changed it. Ditching coffee finally helped--but only a little. My BP is still 120-130/70-80 no matter what I do. I have no other risk factors and there is nothing more I can do (without drugs, which I choose not to take).

Most people out there would KILL for 157 total cholesterol. It's only "higher" compared to the really low numbers many people achieve on this plan. But your wife has SIGNIFICANTLY reduced her risk--both by lowering her TC and by simply eating this way--so if removing the alcohol doesn't touch it, she can be sure that she has done everything she can.

Thanks. She might have 1-2 cups of green tea/day. It's not de-caffeinated. Not sure if she'd be willing to do 3-4 months without her wine
Pete

Caffeine affects BP, but not cholesterol. It's 2 other chemicals in coffee that affect cholesterol.

http://www.nealhendrickson.com/mcdougal ... coffee.htm

Well, it it were me I would check to be sure the wine wasn't causing a problem. 2-3 glasses of wine is a good bit, anyway--just sayin'.

Dr. McD on alcohol: http://www.drmcdougall.com/alcohol.html

I agree with ETeSelle. Cut out the wine and see if it helps. Wifey won't know until she tries it.

Good, I'll let her read this thread when I'm out of harm's way
Pete

I love my wine too.. I used to drink it because authorities were saying that it helped protect from heart disease. However, two things got me to rethink my ideas. First, I did not like the size of a serving (4 oz, really?????) That is about enough to wet my mouth. No way did my 12 oz glass fit the definition of moderate drinking(especially if I refilled it) Then, the idea of wine raising my risk for breast cancer just doesn't seem to make it worth it.....so yeh, some things I love in life are better left alone.

I would be overjoyed if my cholesterol was what hers is (I test in April -- maybe it will be!!). Remember that cholesterol is a symptom, not a disease in itself. Having good numbers is the best tool we have to stave off the disease! Congrats to both of you!

Sharon

Thanks for all the great feedback
Pete

A few points fluctuating with women could be hormonal. I try to take my blood a day or two before my cycle so I can get the most accurate reading.

http://www.nih.gov/news/health/aug2010/nichd-10.htm

http://www.drcutler.com/cholesterol/stu ... -19931288/

Smart move...lol!! Seriously, though. I used to be a big wine drinker. She will feel so much better, believe me.

Also, others have reported no drop in cholesterol levels for several months after starting McDougall. Mine too dropped significantly after 4 months. I am wondering if it doesn't drop until there is significant weight loss as well.
brad

It could also be just normal variation with the test. No test is going to give you the exact same result every time. There is always variation.

Michael