OT: Berberine

[The Cooterpoot]

Somebody on here recommended Berberine to me for cholesterol, so I tried it. Not only did my cholesterol come down some, but so did my sugar. Basically from Sept to Feb, my blood panels really improved. Didn't increase my workouts/activity (probably fell off some with colder weather). Just found it interesting that it moved the needle so much so fast.
It did make me **** like a tied coon to start with, but that leveled off pretty fast.

 

[PhiDawg]

Somebody on here recommended Berberine to me for cholesterol, so I tried it. Not only did my cholesterol come down some, but so did my sugar. Basically from Sept to Feb, my blood panels really improved. Didn't increase my workouts/activity (probably fell off some with colder weather). Just found it interesting that it moved the needle so much so fast.
It did make me **** like a tied coon to start with, but that leveled off pretty fast.

High cholesterol is overrated. Managing you insulin levels is more important. Statins will lower you LDL and then you’ll still have a heart attack.

 

[HumpDawgy]

I would stick with the Berberine and watch your carbs. You will be surprised at the results and feel much, much better. Your Triglycerides should come down which is the number you want to really watch. Just walking out in some sunshine is really all the workout you need unless you want to get ripped.

 

[Ozarkdawg]

Was there a specific brand and dosage you went with?

 

[PhiDawg]

I would stick with the Berberine and watch your carbs. You will be surprised at the results and feel much, much better. Your Triglycerides should come down which is the number you want to really watch. Just walking out in some sunshine is really all the workout you need unless you want to get ripped.

I agree. Your triglyceride to HDL ratio is key. Below a ratio of 2 means youre likely insulin sensitive (which is good). Any ratio over 6 means youre insulin resistant (which is bad).

 

[greenbean.sixpack]

My LDL usually runs 120-150, otherwise very healthy, 6ft 2 200lbs. Age 57, I walk 7ish miles/day. Doc wants to put my on meds due to higher than normal LDL, I have never been on a prescription and don't want to get on one. What are my options?

 

[The Cooterpoot]

I agree. Your triglyceride to HDL ratio is key. Below a ratio of 2 means youre likely insulin sensitive (which is good). Any ratio over 6 means youre insulin resistant (which is bad).

Got my ratio down to 2.2 right now. LDL is a little high and so is overall number but not close to where it was.
My fasting glucose dropped over 25 points and A1C was great! Had been prediabetic before.
Statins weren't doing much for me on the cholesterol (genetics suck sometimes).

 

[The Cooterpoot]

Was there a specific brand and dosage you went with?

 

[PhiDawg]

My LDL usually runs 120-150, otherwise very healthy, 6ft 2 200lbs. Age 57, I walk 7ish miles/day. Doc wants to put my on meds due to higher than normal LDL, I have never been on a prescription and don't want to get on one. What are my options?

Sit down with your pcp and discuss this meta analysis https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8922205/

 

[horshack.sixpack]

View attachment 536971

Never heard of it. Gonna try it. Thanks for posting!

 

[The Cooterpoot]

Never heard of it. Gonna try it. Thanks for posting!

I'd never heard of either til somebody here said it helped them. I was skeptical but not anymore.

 

[horshack.sixpack]

I'd never heard of either til somebody here said it helped them. I was skeptical but not anymore.

I will be certain to tell my wife that I got advice from "SPS" and not "The Cooterpoot". I apologize for not giving you full credit.

 

[ronpolk]

My LDL usually runs 120-150, otherwise very healthy, 6ft 2 200lbs. Age 57, I walk 7ish miles/day. Doc wants to put my on meds due to higher than normal LDL, I have never been on a prescription and don't want to get on one. What are my options?

Not sure I’d take six pack’s medical advice over the doctor. Maybe try a second medical opinion if you don’t agree with your doctor.

 

[horshack.sixpack]

Not sure I’d take six pack’s medical advice over the doctor. Maybe try a second medical opinion if you don’t agree with your doctor.

You probably use an investment adviser as well.***

 

[greenbean.sixpack]

Not sure I’d take six pack’s medical advice over the doctor. Maybe try a second medical opinion if you don’t agree with your doctor.

It's not that i disagree. It's that the modern medical system is all out getting folks on drugs that will likely lead to needing another drug and the another drug. Doctors, in some way, shape or form, are compensated for getting a patient on a script, maybe not directly with cash, but he will get a free trip, tickets or other remuneration. The doctor is not necessarily meaning you harm, it's just the system, your doc is probably on the same meds.

I've read enough to know that some folks don't believe high LDL is necessarily as bad as our medical system makes it out to be.

 

[PhiDawg]

It's not that i disagree. It's that the modern medical system is all out getting folks on drugs that will likely lead to needing another drug and the another drug. Doctors, in some way, shape or form, are compensated for getting a patient on a script, maybe not directly with cash, but he will get a free trip, tickets or other remuneration. The doctor is not necessarily meaning you harm, it's just the system, your doc is probably on the same meds.

I've read enough to know that some folks don't believe high LDL is necessarily as bad as our medical system makes it out to be.

Most MDs haven’t picked up a medical journal since Med School. Their education stopped years ago while knowledge continued to advance. Im probably better read on the cholesterol/heart disease hypothesis than most heart professionals in Jackson bc Ive read recent literature on the topic.

 

[ronpolk]

It's not that i disagree. It's that the modern medical system is all out getting folks on drugs that will likely lead to needing another drug and the another drug. Doctors, in some way, shape or form, are compensated for getting a patient on a script, maybe not directly with cash, but he will get a free trip, tickets or other remuneration. The doctor is not necessarily meaning you harm, it's just the system, your doc is probably on the same meds.

I've read enough to know that some folks don't believe high LDL is necessarily as bad as our medical system makes it out to be.

I definitely get it.. I was just messing with you. You seem like a really healthy guy. Sometimes I think genetics plays the biggest factor in all this.

 

[PBDog]

My LDL usually runs 120-150, otherwise very healthy, 6ft 2 200lbs. Age 57, I walk 7ish miles/day. Doc wants to put my on meds due to higher than normal LDL, I have never been on a prescription and don't want to get on one. What are my options?

he doesnt know what he's talking about and he's listening to short skirt statin mule for a pharm. cholesterolcode.com is a good resource

 

[PBDog]

I definitely get it.. I was just messing with you. You seem like a really healthy guy. Sometimes I think genetics plays the biggest factor in all this.

genetics play a very small role...its diet, exercise, and living conditions that determine health

 

[HumpDawgy]

Regarding cholesterol, genetics do play a large role in your number. I've read your body makes 75% of your cholesterol naturally. The rest is from your diet.

 

[trob115]

Somebody on here recommended Berberine to me for cholesterol, so I tried it. Not only did my cholesterol come down some, but so did my sugar. Basically from Sept to Feb, my blood panels really improved. Didn't increase my workouts/activity (probably fell off some with colder weather). Just found it interesting that it moved the needle so much so fast.
It did make me **** like a tied coon to start with, but that leveled off pretty fast.

That was me. Glad to see it helped

 

[Dawg1976]

I take Lovastatin(Mevacor) and have for 20 years. All my numbers are great so I'm not messing with it. My old cardiologist said another possible benefit is a statin can reduce your risk for cancer. I'm not sure I buy that one as I had bladder cancer last year. Immunotherapy put it in remission thankfully.