So, I got my bloodwork from my physical. And I thought it was pretty good. Here are my numbers (I'll use the coding of green, yellow, and red):
Cholesterol (total): 185 mg/dL
Triglyceride: 120 mg/dL
Cholesterol (HDL): 31 mg/dL
Cholesterol (LDL): 130 mg/dL
Non-HDL Cholesterol: 154 mg/dL
Cholesterol/HDL Rating: 154 mg/dL
Sodium: 140 mEq/L
Potassium: 4.4 mEq/L
Chloride: 104 mEq/L
Carbon Dioxide: 29 mEq/L
Glucose: 89 mg/dL
Protein (total): 6.8 g/dL
So, nothing was outside of the ranges, but two were at the upper end. I wonder where I would have been before I started this journey! Here's the note from my doctor:
"Your blood work is back and mostly fine, all your liver, diabetes scren, and kidney tests were normal. As for the cholesterol, you have a higher than average cholesterol. This is due to a low HDL or "good cholesterol". The HDL is protective and can be improved with cardiovasccular exercise...We can check the cholesterol again in 3-6 months to see if it has changed."
So, Anna and I will be working to raise our HDL (her mom has cholesterol problems, so it's probably a good idea for Anna to try to work on hers too). We'll eat more fish, a little more dark chocolate, andx reduce the amount of eggs we eat, and try to eliminate our consumption of trans-fats. I'm already eating more nuts (yummy walnut butter). So, reader(s), what suggestions do you have for boosting HDL levels in a natural way?
Thursday:
1- 25 minute session on the Elliptical
1- 15 minute session on the Treadmill
1- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
1- 3 Mile walk
60 sit ups
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible (finished the book of Acts)
Prayed
Total:
2- 25 minute session on the Elliptical
2- 15 minute session on the Treadmill
2- 10 minute session on the Stairmaster
1- 3 Mile walk
120 sit ups
1 set of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Prayed
Remaining:
3- 25 minute sessions on the Elliptical
3- 15 minute sessions on the Treadmill
3- 10 minute sessions on the Stairmaster
2- DVD workouts (hopefully with Anna)
2- 3 Mile Walks
90 sit ups
2 sets of 2- 60 second planks
Read the Bible
Pray Daily
Go on a Date with Anna
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1 comments:
October 16, 2009 at 4:55 AM
As I understand it, eliminating the eggs will not help the HDL at all, but the other things you mention should help. I have understood the single best way to raise HDL cholesterol is exercise, which you are already doing. I have battled that same battle for several years now. While my LDL is outstanding now, my HDL is still low. My doctor and I are now experimenting with Niacin (one of the B vitamins) as it has been shown to raise HDL, lower LDL, and lower trigylcerides. I won't know until about a month from now whether it worked or not, and it still won't be conclusive as I have upped the exercise too. I'll let you know though.
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