Do Some Vegans Have Naturally High Cholesterol? | Dr. Neal Barnard Live Q&A - Exam Room Podcast

Is it possible to eat a plant-based diet and still have high cholesterol? If that's you, what should you do?
Dr. Neal Barnard has advice for those who seem to have stubborn high cholesterol no matter what they eat!
Find out why this might happen and options to lower cholesterol when Dr. Barnard joins "The Weight Loss Champion" Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room LIVE.
Topics
- Genetics of high cholesterol
- Habits that can lower cholesterol
- The sneaky foods can raise cholesterol
- The best foods for lowering cholesterol
- Treatment options
- Statins and alternatives
- And more!
Have a question? Post it in the comment or chat and we'll get to as many as we can during the live broadcast.
This episode of The Exam Room™ Podcast is sponsored by The Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund, which supports organizations like the Physicians Committee that carry on Greg’s passion and love for animals through rescue efforts, veganism, and wildlife conservation.
🎧 FOLLOW AND SUBSCRIBE 🎧
Apple: apple.co/2JXBkpy​​
Spotify: spoti.fi/2pMLoY3
Instagram: / physicianscommittee
🍍 BECOME AN EXAM ROOM VIP 🍍
Sign up for FREE: www.pcrm.org/examroomvip
Benefits:
- Exclusive early access to select interviews
- Pre-sale opportunities for live event tickets
- Exclusive live online events
The first interview is with Dr. Michael Greger. Become a VIP to hear it two weeks before anyone else!
🔗 SHOW LINKS 🔗
Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund
gregoryreiterfund.org
Dr. Neal Barnard
Instagram: / drnealbarnard
Facebook: bit.ly/DrBarnardFB
Your Body In Balance: amzn.to/2UvAfxW
Chuck Carroll
Instagram: / chuckcarrollwlc
Facebook: / chuckcarrollwlc
Physicians Committee
Instagram: / physicianscommittee
Facebook: / pcrm.org
--
About Us
The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 17,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.

[@lisacole690]

My husband and I are both vegan and have been for many years. We discovered that consuming coconut oil raised both of our cholesterol. Without coconut oil, both of us have cholesterol levels of about 150. If we add coconut oil in that number goes up close to 200. So now we’re coconut oil free vegans.

[@PeCo333]

High cholesterol protects the cells when you are getting older.

[@lisacole690]

@@PeCo333 tell me you don’t understand cholesterol without telling me you don’t understand cholesterol 😂

[@PeCo333]

@@lisacole690 YOU don't understand cholesterol.

[@jgrysiak6566]

Hopefully oil free vegans too!

[@hikinggirl1601]

@@PeCo333 your produces adequate amounts it needs but adding extra will clog up your coronaries and blood vessels in your brain that affects memory and mental clarity. That’s why carnivores are at high risk for heart attacks, stroke, increased aging, Alzheimer, diabetes, gout, joint diseases, hair loss and the list goes on. Decreased quality of life.

[@dandelionrising4584]

Something to keep in mind is familial hypocholesteralemia, if anyone here is frustrated as a WFPB person with higher than they are comfortable with cholesterol levels, they should be checked. The doctor is right, most cases are driven by diet but not all and I wish they would speak to that instead of making it feel like it's our fault. It's like making a Type 1 diabetic feel guilty for having diabetes! When I was diagnosed I was able to bring it down 100 points but not low enough for my comfort levels, but it's what brought me to the community. I'm not accidentally eating coconut oil or some other slip up- I'm very educated on what the WFPB truly is. ... So I decided to take a 10 mg statin to put me in the heart attack "free" zone. I credit my diet to helping me take the minimal dose and hopefully avoid side effects. Others in my family with the same condition are on 80-90 mg statin. There IS a genetic component, but you can still mitigate that as best as you can on WFPB.

[@ThePapawhisky]

Would love to see this discussion expanded to include familial hypocholesteremia. Pls consider discussing this. I was diagnosed 6 yrs ago. Been pbwf since 2012. Have worked very, very hard to get my total cholesterol down to 200.

[@Amanda_downunder]

There r good videos also at @Peter Rogers MD @@ThePapawhisky

[@tracielatham8415]

Yes, I ate completely vegan with no oil, sugar, etc for 2 full years and my cholesterol was still very high. I was diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia too. This conversation really does make it sound like it is your fault and you are not “doing it right”. I do wish they would discuss this instead of implying that you are cheating on the diet.

[@greensmoothieparty]

Just curious, have you tried including the various cholesterol lowering foods according to Nutritionfacts videos? Brazil nuts, amla powder, kale, avocado, etc...

[@tracielatham8415]

@@greensmoothieparty Again implying that we are not doing it right. This is a very naive question and clearly you do not know what familial hypercholesterolemia is at all. My dad died at 44 of a massive heart attack and people with this condition can have heart attacks in their 20’s regardless of their diet.

[@arkrainflood]

i consistently tested over 220+ cholesterol. every statin caused side effects so avoided them, but ate a predominantly plant based OMAD diet with a lot of vitamins and supplements. finally went in for a CAC scan, fully expecting at least 30% blockage. result=0 (ZERO!!!). the research shows it is the OXIDIZED cholesterol that causes inflammation and blockages.

[@starson1]

I agree that Chuck Caroll is an important part of this shows success. He is enthusiastic, has some great questions of his own to ask, is thorough, has antics we all can identify with. He's an entertainer and a very good host. 🤗

[@DivineREDxo]

He also has a great smile

[@wendydingwall2511]

It took me seven years on a vegan diet before my cholesterol came to high normal. I have been vegan for 16 years now and it stays around that same point.

[@AlexG-hc6gn]

Where you constipated?

[@YogaBlissDance]

HI ALL- Coconut oil was pushed when it first hit market as "healthy" ok no, only change I made was that- my cholesterol shot up..I relaized quit it, it went down. TWO FRIENDS so far, told me chol. high I asked re: coconut- both were using it alot, both CUT IT OUT, chol went DOWN. USE IT on skin and hair not to ingest much.

[@dandelionrising4584]

Yep, I've seen the same thing with several friends that do not have inherited high cholesterol. They appear fit and healthy but tested high and I suggested to stop with the coconut oil, it's pushed so much in "crunchy" circles as healthy. All of them fell in normal range after stopping it and they still eat animal products, so I think coconut oil is a pretty powerful player. It has really been ramped up with marketing.

[@MariaH11113]

Thank you both for making a difference in our lives! I healed from Thyroid and Cholesterol. I’ve had Hypothyroidism for yrs after my pregnancy. After going plant based, taking Ashwagandha and Optimox 12.5 mg of Iodine, I got off meds. Watching Dr Barnard and other great Doctors on the Documentary What The Health…it changed my life! I still struggle with Cholesterol; however, after cutting oils, processed vegan foods, my cholesterol dropped to 150 and Triglycerides to 98. Thank you so much-May God continue to Bless you both and everyone you touched ❤

[@jgrysiak6566]

Love Iodoral 12.5, I usually take 1/2 tab every other day or everyday in cold weather or flu season. Keeps me toasty warm in winter! IDK Why so many plant based vegans freezing & refuse to take this Doctors old medicine?

[@lulitmelake7534]

What a great interview- really gets to nitty gritty of cholesterol’s and in general understanding of health and nutrition- thank you for this thorough video - very helpful 🙏🏾

[@susanh824]

I agree, Chuck is a big reason why I seek out these podcasts.

[@sunnylink917]

OMG, This is for me, thank you! The two of you have helped me and changed my life, thank you both🤩💖

[@JD-xh6cy]

You bet this show has had a positive impact on me! I'm one of the many that changed my diet completely and wow what a difference. Thank you for what you do so tirelessly and with great energy. Much love!

[@bettymaugeri7316]

Excellent interview - packed with information- thank you.

[@Toddster81]

Love Dr Barnard, soaking up the info.

[@CompanionAnimals2011]

Love you guys! So much great information always!!❤❤❤

[@GreenTea4Me]

Love this show! So glad it is here. Keep it up and thank you!

[@aliciaimwonderland]

Thank you so much for not only caring for humans health but also caring for the animals and their wellbeing 🙏

[@stephko8312]

Thank you so much for this topic. All my questions were raised in this show. I appreciate you and Dr. Bernard more than you ever know! I signed up the VIP .

[@Youtubedisco]

I live the opposite of the video's protocol. Never felt better at 63. I eat no sugar. I do eat meat. My carotid artery test and CAC. All clear. Last night, I had dinner with vegans and a 100-year old woman. The others ordered steamed fish and spinach with no salt and seasoning. What did the 100-year old have? A rack of lamb! She's clear-eyed, full of energy, wouldn't take a photo without her lipstick. When the waiter asked what I wanted, I said: I'll have what she's having! To each their own!!

[@maryparson1224]

There’s always a few exceptions. Lucky them.

[@hanshochedlinger6827]

I try to save the planet and life vegan to stay fit and healhy. I’m feeling fit and fair. Good Infos in the Video.

[@Sranney2]

Great session! Answered so many questions!

[@LashusJourney]

Great information as always ❤

[@TheJessierb]

thanks for another great video! A relative of mine was put on statins following a heart attack without it being clear if he had elevated cholesterol. He began over time he started to have joint problems in knees, feet and hands. He was practically immobilized. Eventually some research revealed the link. He stopped the statins and is improving all the time.

[@pacificzuma111]

My husband has been vegan for 15 years, he's an athlete, thin and muscular. In his 60's. His diet is excellent, no alcohol - fresh organic plants and plant protein, and low sugar. His blood pressure is excellent. Yet a few weeks ago he had a blood panel done and his cholesterol is 250 and LDL 160 both high. He's shocked. How would someone who is so healthy and eats a plant-based diet have high cholesterol, and how to lower it?

[@sunnyinaspen]

Really enjoyed this. Thank you

[@user-ee5vf5ce4b]

I have FH (familial hyerpcholesterolemia) in the 400 range with family history of heart disease. I once followed the Dean Ornish diet and after 6 months lowered it to 280, which is amazing for me! Sadly I fell off the wagon but I'm getting back on. I do take a statin which cuts it in half but there's no doubt to the benefits of also eating the plant-strong way.

[@billbooth1592]

500 episodes? Looks like I missed 400! Well done Chuck. One thing I got today is why my wife has high cholesterol even though she is very vegan. Hypothyroidism. Now I know the answer too, iodides. Thank you. 🙏 Wish we had some Dr.Barnards here in AU too! Keep it up guys.

[@murraybrockway6540]

Some plant based doctors give Sourdough bread, made without added yeast, a green light (it is lower glycemic) Denser breads digest slower, plus the long fermentation the yeasts eat some of the carbohydrate. Autolysing the flour, soaking or sprouting grains also lowers phytic acid.

[@Loveplants4me]

I can’t wait to hear back on the sourdough bread, Dr. Barnard . I hope it will be a green light !😊

[@Alaskaventureswithbrodie]

Me to! That was one question I was really looking forward to hearing.

[@jgrysiak6566]

White flour raises tryglycerides!

[@patriciagolding7092]

Yep, this is my story. 13 years animal and sos free and my cholesterol is always at 200 ish.

[@snoor9252]

My story as well. Whole food plant based for 10 years and use very little olive oil in cooking, but cholesterol remains high :(

[@letsdomath1750]

Perhaps incorporate fasting

[@rawcurls1]

What the McDougall doctors advised is on a strict oil and nut free diet and whole food plant based, our best results will be seen after 4-6 months. It may always be high but we can really see what this kind of diet can do over time. Dr. McDougall himself had cholesterol in the mid 300's when he had his stroke at age 19, so it did give me some hope, as my levels are in that range and sometimes higher being a middle-aged woman. I also have heard Dr. Esseslstyn say that in the early days of him being plant based, his cholesterol wouldn't go under 160 until he finally stopped all the oils very strictly, not even a drop. Then his cholesterol went down to 120. Now he is in his 90's, and so is his total cholesterol. I wouldn't ever be able to get mine that low due to the FH I have, but I have seen mine in the mid 200's on a raw vegan diet in the past so I feel there is hope. My main concern are my arteries, and getting the plaque down, I am hopeful and not giving up, because I cannot tolerate statins. So keep in mind that you can be healthy and heart attack free so long as you have healthy arteries even if you have high cholesterol, as it isn't the cholesterol itself that causes a heart attack, it is compromised arteries. If anyone is concerned there are scans you can take that show the health of your arteries.

[@paulschuyler2320]

Robin wife here question for Dr. Barnard . I have very high Lipoprotien a . I follow Dr. Esselstyn’s plan. No nuts no oil no avocado tofu rarely. Dr. Barnard mentions using Benevol product for lowering cholesterol . It has canola oil, Pam oil and palm kernel oil in it and contains milk on label ? Seems it is not what I would want to use. I Would really appreciate him responding on this . Thanks and love the show!

[@allencrider]

I had only one round of barely acceptable cholesterol since I went whole-food plant -based. My total cholesterol was 149 and my LDL was 69. My BMI then was below 21, but now it slowly climbed to 24. My cholesterol rose and my LDL went to 101. So I tried Red Rice Yeast and got side effects. Then I got my doc to prescribe rosuvostation and had zero side effects. Cholesterol went down wonderfully. I donated blood recently and it was down to 122. I got myself a hs-crp test and it was 0.8. I'm almost 70 years old.

[@lemondirector]

if you just have to have peanut butter, only buy natural peanut butter without any added oil. As a rule of thumb only get the peanut butter that has a layer of oil on the top or is more viscous and liquidy, that usually means there's not added hydrogenated or palm oils etc. You can even dump some of the oil in the trash. If you totally want to avoid the fats then buy PB2 or powdered peanut butter. It's a good alternative just add a pinch of sugar for taste.

[@mabelh7305]

great video, as I also have this problem.

[@joshmiller8392]

"it can cause an organic heart attack" Thats was a good one! 😅 👍

[@itz_aymi41]

IKR!!

[@louiseschuler6163]

Love this show great information!! My question have you discussed nitric oxide and its benefits for cardiovascular systems?

[@animalsareherewithusnotforus]

someone asked about coffee and cholesterol, but Dr, Barnard did not mention cafestol which DOES affect cholesterol. briefly, it is an issue with inadequately filtered coffee, such as that from french press. i pour my french press coffee through two layers of cotton cloth which i place in a cone bodum set up. 🌱

[@marylambeth2561]

Do avacados elevate bad cholesterol? Thank you! Great program!

[@JoStegeman]

How do you feel about plant based omega 3 fats, like chia and flax seeds and/or flax oil? Do we still need to limit these.

[@LaurentSaintJean]

I've been happily plant based for over 10 years, but last year I switched to VeganSOS (low added oil-salt-sugar) my cholesterol is now rock bottom, so are my triglycerides. Trouble is my vitaminD and pregnenolone numbers have also dropped well bellow safe range. I reed that both VitD and PREG are produced from cholesterol . I really would like to stay low fat, but I don't want to risk screwing up my blood profile. Happy new year to all the PC Team !

[@cps7915]

Wow! I just found you guys. I’m all in

[@cs9134]

This was great. Thanks for addressing it after a FB post! Question: Benecol was mentioned as a butter spread to help lower cholesterol, but it has coconut and palm oil which are bad. Plus it has whey so isn't vegan. Do the plant sterols negate the oils? It also says on their website to eat 4 Tablespoons! I didn't eat that much butter when I was omnivore/vegetarian! 😅

[@23Bentley45]

Wonderful interview! Dear Dr. Bernard, I am 59 years old. I have been a vegan for 13 years (after 20 years being just a vegetarian). I don’t consume palm oil (I don’t consider it vegan due to the cruelty behind it) and I use coconut oil/ coconut milk very VERY rarely. I am a really healthy person, I exercise daily, I don’t consume alcohol or other drugs, I don’t take any medication…. and my triglycerides are higher than the normal. The doctor said it is genetic. What can I do? At my age, if I don’t eat nuts, avocados, etc. I will get wrinkles 😂

[@Jeffs60]

You can follow the same diet as Dr. Fred Kummerow and not people on youtube with no credentials in nutrition or biochemistry.

[@sk.n.9302]

I tried the "portfolio" diet (adding nuts, soy, oatmeal, mushrooms). It seems to be working on my stubborn cholesterol (have been a WFPB vegan for 7 yrs).

[@buckmurdock2500]

therein lies one of the problems with veganism. As long as it's not derived from animal sources, it's acceptable. Just because something is not derived from animal products does not mean it's healthy.

[@H-jb4tf]

Yes! I have.

[@muratkinikoglu]

I am a cardiologist. Thanks to Dr. Barnard and other pioneering doctors, I have been on a whole food plant based diet for the last ten years and I apply this diet to my patients. I witnessed that total cholesterol decreased by an average of 100 mg/dl in my patients who followed the nutrition exactly. So far, only two of my patients have had any decrease in their cholesterol despite careful nutrition. (I'm sure they don't consume olive oil or any fat. I think they don't have familial cholesterolemia because their total cholesterol was below 250 mg before they changed their diet.) If there is an explanation, I would be happy to hear it.

[@kevztunes]

Hi Doc, I have been 100% plant-based (vegan) for more than 50 years now (since I was almost 20) ...and my natural cholesterol has always been high since the age of 40. At the age of 40...it suddenly jumped from a very normal reading of 3.00 overnight to 6.80 (UK/Canadian measurements) and I have never since been able to lower it without a low dose (20mg) of Lipitor, which I have now taken for almost 30 years. I guess, some folks are just predisposed-hardwired to have a higher cholesterol level at a certain age...and that's it. Also note, I have also been a competitive, elite level, distance runner since my late teens and still run 12K (5x times per week) now pushing 70..so hard exercise and a very active lifestyle has also not corrected the situation one iota. I predominantly cook/eat Eastern Mediterranean (Cretan, Greek, Israeli) and south Indian traditional plant based (vegan) foods...so it's all very healthy ingredients. WE do use a lot of Cretan Olive oil though in our diet...about 3-4 litres per month...but that is normal for a Mediterranean home kitchen...plus quality Olive oil has zero cholesterol... I've always wanted to get off the statins...but the low dose keeps it perfect...at the 3.20 level. Nothing else seems to have any effect...

[@muratkinikoglu]

@@kevztunes Thank you for your response, it was enlightening. There is still a lot we don't know about cholesterol metabolism, especially the influence of genes and physical activity.

[@kevztunes]

@@muratkinikoglu As a cardiologist...here is another little snippet of personal info that should interest you. I was born with a bicuspid aorta valve...which I knew would (at some point in time) of course need replacing. Well, at age 59, that time arrived and I needed the replacement. During my pre-surgery camera-catheter scan...the two cardiologists performing the procedure (whilst showing me the images on two large monitor screens)...both together exclaimed (quote) "WOW, we've never seen a man your age before with crystal clear arteries...you literally have no plaque or narrowing...what is your secret?"... When I told them that I had been 100% plant-based vegan for 40+ years (at that time) and that I was a lifelong runner too...they both gave me the BIG thumbs up...and replied (almost in unison)..."YES!, that's it" 😎 After my open heart surgery, it was just 6 weeks...until I was actually running again and only about 3-4 months before I was almost completely back to normal and training like I always did. Gotta love modern science and technology...

[@muratkinikoglu]

@@kevztunes You are very fortunate (and clever) to have discovered plant-based nutrition many years ago. We were not told how important nutrition is for vascular health when I was studying at medical school and doing cardiology specialization. After my brother, who was 9 years older than me, passed away in his first heart attack at the age of 54, I started looking for a way out. Dr. After reading Esseltyn's scientific articles, my life changed. I have great difficulty convincing my patients and the people around me to follow a plant-based diet. It gives me great pleasure to have a small number of my patients who show miraculous improvements with plant-based nutrition. Also, what you wrote was a great morale boost for a patient of mine who was about to decide on an operation due to bicuspid aorta. Thank you...

[@knittersknots]

I think the answer might lie in the environment which no plant based drs are talking about. I’ve been whole foods plant based for the last 15 years or so and I’ve had high cholesterol no matter what I eat or eliminate. The real cause was I was living in a moldy environment unbeknownst to me. The reason mold I believe can cause high cholesterol is that mold makes the liver very sluggish and causes not enough bile flow.

[@hikinggirl1601]

This doctor is absolutely correct. When I was vegan my cholesterol was normal. Low LDL and triglycerides. When I incorporated eggs in my diet my cholesterol my LDL and triglycerides drastically increased even though I am in fit shape and work out at the gym. I cut down in animal products and back to mainly plant protein, vegan. Legumes, nuts and vegetables.

[@GinnisMcGinnis]

I've been super healthy plant-based, no junk food, either no or super low oil, no tropical fats etc., lots of green leafies, high fiber, and more than a little athletic (do crazy long bike rides - like across Canada). My cholesterol barely budged after all of that effort (6 years). Now I know that the reason I have high LDL is that my body does not clear the LDL, and the PCSK9 option addresses that issue. Given that, I am still healthy plant-based and I exercise. I think it is important that the cause be determined if a person does not respond to lifestyle modifications. For example, a person who eats too much saturated fat and cholesterol and then goes plant-based, and sees noteworthy LDL lowering, then that individual's high cholesterol comes from diet (lucky and I think typical!). Another person is one whose body makes too much, and a statin should help that person. But for many healthy people, it can be one's ability to clear LDL due to genetic mutations. I think there are a lot of people who won't try everything like I did, and I am glad I did (and I continue eating plant-based), but it would have been great if they id'ed the problem quicker. When I started on a PCSK9 inhibitor and responded immediately, it was clear that my problem is LDL clearance. My LDL Is (at last) super low. I bought the diet and statin story hook line and sinker - and, unfortunately, none of that worked for me. Certainly genetic bad luck. I just wonder how many more people have the clearance issue that is being ignored. I sense some criticism of plant-based people who can't get their LDL down - like we are doing something wrong. My healthy diet was beyond crazy rigorous low fat and 0 cholesterol of course. The clearance issue should be mentioned IMO.

[@christinaheesakacowden-wut3809]

A great product to make anything taste like eggs is Kala Namac salt. It is a sulfur salt. You do not need much to give foods the egg like taste and smell. Use it over scrambled tofu or if you liked egg salad before, cut up some mushrooms, mash some avocado and mix it with the mushrooms and then add some kala namac. It is amazing.

[@lovinglife419]

Yes, me too. I make tofu scramble with it. Turmeric, black salt, pepper, onion powder. It’s a so good for that eggy taste.

[@rawcurls1]

I have FH (familial hypercholesterolemia - abnormally high levels of cholesterol due to a genetic mutation) and I've been plant based for over 23 years, I've been fine-tuning my diet a lot lately since just eating plant based and not as careful with the oils as I should have been when away from home, has not been enough. I am now strictly whole food plant based, and treat oil like my kryptonite so not a drop of it for me whereas before I avoided it but would have vegan restaraunt food etc when I was away from home. I also stay away from nuts and flour products as well. Dark chocolate is another kryptonite due to the saturated fat content, but I have used a little of the fat-free wonder cocoa in my banana nice cream on occasion. I do have a family history of early heart attacks, as well as I had a scary carotid scan a few months ago. I also went through the McDougall 12-day program last month. I used to use the Just Eggs and Morningstar Farms every so often, however they are pretty processed with oils, and the MF products contain egg whites. So that has been eliminated as well. My cholesterol is slowly going down, very slowly since it is familial/genetic and very stubborn.

[@CharlieFader]

The oils that you have to avoid for LDL are palm and coconut. Dark chocolate has very little effect (if any) on raising LDL.

[@rawcurls1]

@CharlieFader to answer your question, chocolate has saturated fat, which raises cholesterol, and *all* oils have been proven to compromise endothelial function. See Dr. Essesltyn for more information. Dr. Essestyn has worked with patients at death's door by reducing their heart disease by avoiding those foods as well adding nitric oxide producing plant foods to the diet to heal arterial damage.

[@gloryb-tv]

In recent bloodwork, a functional medicine specialist I go to said my LDL of 65 is too low! They said they like LDL to be closer to 90 to 100 since the brain needs fat to stay healthy (and I agree about that). I've been WFPB for 25 years and am the only person in my family, and in our generation, with naturally low cholesterol. I also had a cardiac calcium score CT scan 2 months ago, and my score was 0. And I'm almost 64. I do eat nuts, seeds, and avocados, with very little added oil.

[@allencrider]

LOL an ldl of 65 is definitely not too low!

[@CharlieFader]

You need to change doctor ASAP! He's dangerous. Blood cholesterol does not cross the blood brain barrier, so no matter who how high you LDL gets, it will not affect the brain. But it will advance atherosclerosis. He's just repeating unscientific low-carb nonsense.

[@xtrwq]

65 too low? Sorry but that's a dumb thing to say and that explanation makes no sense. LDL is causually linked to ASCVD and studies made regarding it show that lower than 70 is better, though it's not that common.

[@susanfabrican2244]

Neurologist dr Ayesha Sherzai says LDL 70 and below is fine for the brain.

[@z.j.maayan8458]

I have had great success having my patients with high cholesterol add 2 Tbspns of ground flax seed daily. Obviously, I also promote plant based diets or as-vegan-as-possible diets. I may also reach for a red rice yeast before considering a statin. But it always depends on what the patient is willing to do!

[@Casmige]

The FDA forced the producers of Red Yeast Rice to change their formulaic profile & therefore the statin like compound that used to be in Red Yeast Rice?, is no longer there. It’s a waste of money

[@susanfabrican2244]

@@Casmigeoh no! I was thinking of trying… 😢

[@lynnkitty9499]

I've been a sugar and oil-free and mostly salt-free vegan for 2 years. My labs are good, but LDL is 127. My cardiologist prescribed Red Yeast Rice to reduce my LDL to below 100. I have not started the Red Yeast Rice yet. I would love to hear Dr. Barnard discuss Red Yeast Rice if possible! I love your podcast! Thanks!!!

[@Casmige]

Before you start doing anything?, I would recommend that you take an advanced lipid test & find out exactly what your LDL profile is - it matters.

[@CH-hm8ud]

My son in- law is a pharmacist and he recommended me the Red Yeast Rice.

[@Puerto_Rican_Hiphoppa]

What brand of Red Yeast Rice do you use please?

[@lynnkitty9499]

@@Puerto_Rican_Hiphoppa I haven't started using it yet. My doctor recommended buying it at Costco. Apparently it's a good buy there. However, I don't know what the ingredients are or if it's vegan.

[@Puerto_Rican_Hiphoppa]

@@lynnkitty9499 I’ll have to check it out. Thank you so much. 🙏🏽

[@ledacassandra]

so the "Just Egg" and the Morning Star products are full of chemicals, preservatives and inflammatory oils so why recommend them?

It would be good if blood measurements could also include results as per UK/EU units for cholesterol/Hba1c Many people follow your podcast and it would help if the doctors added the alternatives. Many thanks.

[@veganangel68]

Menopause causes high cholesterol, even in long time vegans. So tired of it not being addressed by any plant docs. Just another place we are invisible I guess.

[@suzannebrach2812]

That’s what happened to me. Post menopausal high ldl.

[@klaurvick4501]

​@Fearzero No processed foods. Exercise daily. Rarely to a sweat however. I will workout with a video and the person will say they're sweating and I feel ive kept up the pace with them but I'm not sweating.

[@Shellbee22]

Yup 👍

[@VeganWellnessTribe]

I’m working on giving up smoking. Thank you for saying to take off my party hat Dr. Barnard.

[@magalissantiago2817]

I have the same problem even taking meds for high cholesterol

[@jwoolman5]

Just Egg folded frozen patties are really tasty. They also are seasoned with some garlic and onion. No fiber because only the protein part of the mung bean is used (6 or 7 grams protein each). I like to crisp them up in the toaster/convection oven (even pry open the fold at some point to get the insides crispy also) and just eat the pieces all by themselves. They’re pricey so I stock up during sales. I never really liked eggs (especially the egg white) and they made me feel a little odd while eating as a kid, even scrambled was a bit cringy even when drowned in cheese. I liked the yolk and could manage to eat egg salad sandwiches or scrambled eggs (only with cheese) but absolutely refused to eat the white part of fried eggs. I ate eggs as an adult only when other vegetarian protein options were rare when visiting or at conferences. Turned out I’m allergic to eggs and my adult symptoms were primarily overwhelming head-falling-on-chest fatigue for an hour (dangerous when driving, annoying everywhere else). Sorry, aunt and uncle, for assuming I needed to go back to bed after breakfast because you were boring…. It was especially annoying at conferences, because I would lose an hour (unable to focus on the talks at all) both after breakfast and after lunch. It was a mystery for years. Crisis point came when I decided I needed more protein and started having eggs every day. I had to fast until my work was finished or else I would need to sleep after every meal! Took a while to get it figured out. First all-egg meal during testing solved the mystery, within 10-15 minutes I was exhausted again with that unique type of fatigue. BUT despite my unfortunate history with real eggs, I really like Just Egg. Not only no unpleasant reactions but no unpleasant tastes/aftertastes even eaten all by themselves.

[@itz_aymi41]

Yes. All them oils!!

[@RichS.73yroldbodybuilder]

If you want to lower your blood pressure and nothing else, diet etc isn’t working, start doing aerobic exercises for at least 30 minutes. You have to sweat and raise your heart beat to 75% of its maximum . That is your age -220 then take 75% of that. I lowered my blood pressure by 15 points without drugs. Even beyond having a good diet. Its not always diet.The problem is if you’re sedentary or even not moving as much as you used too or as fast try this. I happen to use a stairmaster, but any thing that makes you sweat works.💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@andreaburchill8254]

9:11 I have been waiting for a topic like this for a while and I missed it! I was diagnosed with heredity high cholesterol @ 18, i am now 55. I became vegetarian and live that way for a very long time with no movement in my cholesterol. I went plant based four years ago, Also eliminating oil. My total is 200, ldl 125 and hdl is 60. My doctor keeps telling me it's fine but I don't think so. I also don't look like a walking heart attack waiting to happen. I am thin and exercise regularly. What do you think?

[@debbiehowell9867]

I accidentally came across this video. As a vegan for 24 years lately my cholesterol has been high. It shows up as normal in my blood work, but when I see 2 iridologists, they saw that it's high and not going down. I also did a total body scan and another body scan with a wet and dry blood analysis, and it's high. I use olive oil and, on rare occasions, use grape seed oil for frying, which is not on a regular basis. I don't use any white products, fake foods, soy products, canned foods, processed juices, cereals, or sodas. My iridiologist said that I need to exercise more and sweat because I don't sweat. Once in a while, I'll use a vegan butter, shortening, or cheese. That's exactly how I eat. I use chickpea flour to make my eggs. Ok. I make my own coconut milk. Could it be what's causing my cholesterol to be high? Sometimes, I would use some coconut condensed and evaporated milk. I'm going to see what's the tat content because it makes no sense to me. SMH.

[@judithverabarra5607]

What about red rice yeast and amla (Indian gooseberry)? My cardiologist recommended the yeast, and Dr. Michael Gregor recommends amla, so I'm taking both. Unfortunately, although I've been vegan for over 5 years, I still seem to have higher than normal cholesterol. I'm hoping that the amla (taking about triple the dose) will eventually help me.

[@barbarabailey5178]

WFPB for decades; cholesterol was always in 170s - until menopause. Now 235. My 92yo mother has a terrible diet (corned beef hash for lunch today, ice cream almost daily....) and has never had a high cholesterol. Wish I had gotten her genes! Guess I'll give up the coconut milk based yogurt and see if that helps.

[@andanssas]

I wonder if her gut flora/microbiome eats up the excess sugar/fat... Some parasites may never leave the gut and are able to "request" those to the brain. A faecal transplant experiment would be interesting if you are willing to take that chance.

[@HikingUtah]

I would love to hear more about overprescribing statins. According to the AFCAPS Primary Prevention Statin study, they provided benefit even to those with low to moderate risk. For this reason, my cardiologist wants me to go on them.

[@marilynpeoples5099]

I prefer adding turmeric and cumin to tofu a whisper of salt yields a tofu egg salad. So good.

[@Marleydia]

Check out Simon Hill podcast The Proof. LDL is not the only marker to consider. I believe the new studies are pointing to ApoB. It takes years for new science to reach clinical practice! I’m asking for these additional tests from my doctor now. I also believe that the microbiome is part of the puzzle here. (Dr. B). Light fasting like time restricted feeding, and exercise will also affect overall health! Down 10 pounds over 6 months, with 10 to go. In no hurry, as I’m building a lifestyle!

[@k.h.6991]

LDL is a decent proxy for apob. So it doesn't change anything, if you already know your LDL is high.

[@CharlieFader]

@@k.h.6991 unfortunately for some people LDL and ApoB are discordant, so it won't hurt to check both.

[@CpRocksters2000]

Did you mentioned some thing about margrene helps for reducing cholesterol? I didn’t get that clear?

[@nomane18]

I am having a lot of cavity issues, my dentist mentioned that because I am on a plant based diet the grains that I eat have a nutrient blocker called phytic and that is why I am having cavities Suggestions?

[@danmarquez3971]

WOW! Great discussion. Do you think that a fiber supplement (typically a powder) can knock down LDL? Also, is it true that bears have large cholesterol levels (~400 milligrams per deciliter of blood) but they don’t suffer heart attacks? Or is that marketing? THANKS!!

[@daw7773]

There are some people with very high cholesterol levels genetically. Of course there are many reasons for naturally high cholesterol. Another reason for high cholesterol level(e.g. LDL)is that the liver produce ~1000mg of cholesterol per day naturally to compensate dietary cholesterol body requirements . If the liver is damaged (e.g. fatty liver) then cholesterol may over produce cholesterol .

[@elmapieterse3239]

My annual physical shows a very high red blood count. Are there any foods that I can add to lower my count?

[@ba936]

What about cacao butter? This fat must also be saturated though plant based

[@Equinox1.5]

Rose at Cheap Lazy Vegan makes a Just Egg substitute from scratch. Useful for people who can't find it in their part of the world!

[@carolwehle9216]

Just egg has oil. Soak yellow mung bean and put in blender with spices and nutritional yeast. No oil and really good!

[@dandelionrising4584]

@CharGC123 That is very discouraging, I feel for you❤️ What symptoms of your muscles did you experience? What are your other options?

[@bonniebenz8792]

I have given up anything made from flour, sugar and red meat. Continued to eat fish and chicken and Olive oil on everything. Test this week total cholesterol 247, LDL 170, triglycerides 86. Going to stop the chicken and Olive Oil and eat Salmon once a week and recheck. 🤞any advice appreciated!

[@lovinglife419]

You’re not alone. Almost identical numbers. I noticed my cholesterol has gone up even though I’m eating less meat. BUT for the last year, I’ve been trying Mediterranean diet and using a tablespoon of oil everyday - between salads, hummus, etc. I looked back at my numbers from 7/8 years ago and even then my cholesterol was high, but the doctor never mentioned it. It’s got to be the oils 😢 We’ve got this!

[@brooksrogers1975]

Benecol ingredients from their UK site include rapeseed oil, whey powder and palm oil in both original and light versions. Would it not be wiser to try a plant stanol esters supplelement without the processed food baggage?

[@user-jd8ok5bf5f]

Anyone able to find the Benacol or Take Control margarines Doctor Neal Mentioned? I cannot even find them googling the internet. Just been to two grocers looking for them.

[@dabthompson]

PLEASE talk about cholesterol in caffeine!

[@mamat792]

More re stand and sterol, please. Can you buy a butter/margarine/oil like form?

[@ndf888]

What advice would you give to someone who has a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol- like 25% of the population with an ApoE-4 mutation? I am one of those people unfortunately and despite being on the WFPB diet and experiencing regularly, I still take a lose dose statin to keep my cholesterol level low. Also, do you think people with ApoE-2 variant could probably skip WFBP altogether because they never develop high cholesterol in their blood?

[@djs7249]

I had blood work just yesterday and was disappointed that my cholesterol was 255. My LDL was also high, HDL was good. I’ve been plant based for more than a year and a half. A year ago it was 190 which is still higher than I’d expected. No animal products, no oils. I do take thyroid medication and have for years. I’m 70 years old, female, fairly active and not overweight. My dr will check again in 3 months, I’m just hoping for better.

[@jgrysiak6566]

Your thyroid is dead if u are taking thyroid medication. High potency Iodine would wake up your thyroid & lower cholesterol.

[@xtrwq]

I'm also disappointed with my cholesterol after 6 months of being vegan and less than that mostly WFPB and mostly no oil. I'm at 146 (88.9 LDL). I also have hypothyroidism and I know it's linked to higher cholesterol but didn't expect LDL to still be this high, had 94.6 LDL when I was eating meat, dairy, also overweight and a lot more sedentary. I'm determined to lower my LDL to less than 70.

[@menarussell]

I have to disagree with the Just Egg product. Everyone should look at the ingredients and decide for themselves. Personally, I avoid Canola oil and dehydrated onions, etc.

[@ladory7533]

I have been on the WFPBSOS diet for at least 10 years. I am a woman, 72 yo. I'm 5'4" and weigh between 160 and 165. I can't seem to lose weight. I go work out as hard as I can at the gym 3x per week for an hour each time. I do my best to get a minimum of 5,000 steps per day. Yet at my last blood test, my triglycerides were at 354, Cholesterol was at 314, and my A1c was 5.8. Diabetes 2 runs in my family. My mother and both of her brothers had it. My mother lived to exactly 90 years old. My paternal grandfather lived to 90 as well (my dad died at 36 in a plane crash). My doctor recently put me on Rosuvastatin. I am getting more forgetful and I worry about getting diabetes. I have excruciating peripheral neuropathy in my feet and take Gabapentin so I can get some sleep. I absolutely cannot eat any oil, salt, sugar, or tomatoes without causing unbearable pain in my feet. None of my 3 siblings has diabetes or high cholesterol, as far as I know. They are all younger than I, but not by much. I am single and have no offspring. Am I doomed?

[@RichS.73yroldbodybuilder]

try reducing the amount of calories you have by 10% . You may be Whole Foods plant based SOS but remember that portions are important and if you were eating the same as your partner or people around you who weigh 160 you will too. Figure out what 10% is of your calories and reduce that,after a month you should be lower.💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@jewlj.5595]

check out Gillian Berry. She's a Raw vegan and interviewed people who are in their 60s, 70, 80s, 90s and been raw vegan. They are very healthy.

[@sandybayes]

I'm 82 and I lost weight with time restricted eating 7am- 3pm daily. My weight is now easy to manage and just eat more beans, nuts and seeds if I need to add weight. I'll take a day off if I'm eating out with friends.

[@sk.n.9302]

You might try the "portfolio" diet. It's mentioned in the video but not enough. It's WFPB but w/ a focus on foods like oatmeal, soy, nuts & mushrooms. It's slowly helped my very stubborn cholesterol.

[@Fearzero]

As another tuber said, eat earlier in the day in a strict time window. No food after 5pm is best and last meal very light. Good luck.

[@rjaquaponics9266]

i have had a stroke. but, I've been vegan for 12 years. what the heck? Sleep Apnea along with popcorn made in Avocado oil gave my high blood pressure. When to ER three times! B;ppf Pressure was 265/145. They through I should be dead.with BP that high! The Cholesterol (overall was 113 taken a year after stroke) as high but unknown because I didn't visit a doctor for almost a year after the stroke. I through (stroke) it was vertigo and was seeing my chiro for it. Listening to this podcast, it dawns on me what happnened and why. WE were eating popcorn made in our popcorn machine and a cup of avocado oil whish is 13 percent saturated fat! It plugged my return path to the heart and add sleep apnea and bam, the perfect storm! I went to Advent and they helped me tremendously. I also saw a dozen doctors and took dozens of tests. Cpap helped my BP come down over time. the ER warned against bringing the BP down too fast as it would cause a stroke. So over time BP came down. 130/80s. It was rough! I am lucky to be alive!

[@susanallen8214]

There's other factors to consider before being scared of a heart attack or stroke. What is their blood pressure, visceral fat level? Cholesterol total exclusively is not something to be afraid of.... What is the HDL? What is the Total/HDL ratio? Is it higher than 3.5? If the Total cholesterol is up to 200 or above due to the amount of HDL (good cholesterol) (50 or higher ) pushing up that total, then it's fine. If a vegan has high triglycerides, low HDL, and high LDL, then I would suspect they are consuming processed sugars...check A1c and insulin.

[@dalairem]

Another longtime WFPB vegan with familial hypercholesterolemia, here, who has managed it with avoiding tropical oils/coconut, keeping sodium and saturated fats as low as possible, as well as adding a plant sterol supplement. I am also a marathon runner, so my BP and HR remain low. The LDL was my one hangup. (Perimenopausal, so I'm mindful.) *PLEASE take care to read the margarine labels!* Benecol added (copied from site) "a little WHEY & BUTTERMILK for a rich, buttery taste!" (boo, hiss) so that is not an option for anyone wanting to keep dairy out of their diet.

[@Fearzero]

Just eat a whole plant diet. No need for margarine.

[@dalairem]

@@Fearzero I understand that. I have learned to live without it already. Dr. B's mention of plant sterol margarine was what prompted my reply.

[@MDF9128]

I am really surprised that they were pushing Just Egg, given the canola oil in this product. I can see it as a transition product, like Morningstar or Beyond Meat products, but they seemed to be advocating it for long term consumption. Was anyone else surprised by this?

[@janicesutherland1176]

Yes I agree!!

[@roxanaarmendariz-hackett7685]

Donate blood o a rebuil regular basis will decrease and help with cholesterol ?

[@gormleyb3]

I read that sugar and other ultraprocessed foods are worse for cholesterol than meat or fats. That could explain it for some vegans.

[@Micbren68]

I have been WFPB vegan for 8 years. My ldl has been steadily going up over this time. I finally broke down and started taking a statin.

[@MrJuitjuit]

I'm in the similar situation. I'm whole food plant exclusive, oil, salt and refined sugar free since 2020 but my LDL level is still at borderline high ☹️

[@jean-chritophedesjarlais8435]

Statins lower cholesterol but increases blood sugar. Say hello to polyuria, cause your kidneys get rid of a lot of water to get rid of the excess sugar, and constipation resulting from dehydration. Soon they'll put you on blood sugar lowering drugs given that high blood sugar disposes to so many diseases, especially cardiovascular disease. I can't help but thinking that tackling cholesterol issue at the root, at the level of eating (and abstention) is the way to go.

[@DoyuLoveMe]

Examine your WFPBD more closely..your lifestyle like sleep & walking on sunshine, stress.levels, inflammation? Any foid allergies or intolerances? Eating nuts? Fats? Oils?, etc..taking supplements? Hydrating well? Length of time attempting changes? Salts or seasalt- levels of artery damage? Taking in fresh ground flax seeds daily? Choosing a good variety of leafy foods? Closely check all habits first off..

[@guitarszen]

That really tell us nothing. You could be eating any kind of "vegan" food, not a healthy assortment.

[@Amanda_downunder]

videos @Peter Rogers MD - on fat, chol etc

[@LucyFre]

What will you advise for person 🤔 with autoimmune gastritis suffering from anemia b12 and iron deficiency? Eat non heam iron from plants😂 or going for blood transfusions? Or rather eat red meats beef steaks eggs seafood?

[@DianaHylandTX]

I’ve been on stats 20 years. No side effects. Everyone in my family has heart disease, strokes and bi-pass. Plus elevated Liproprotein (a). My doc wants me to do everything to prevent…diet, exercise 6 days a week-boot camps, dance, yoga, strength training. I’ve been WFPP for 5 years.

[@Halfpace52]

Also I individual’s liver has lot to do cholesterol.

[@CorpsDiplomatique22]

If your LDL is high (but not over 200) but HDL is also high and triglycerides are low (under 100), you exercise and eat whole food (no processed food, no sugar) then there is no need for a statin.

[@Wholefoodshealth]

Hi Chuck, I just started a new KZbin channel called Whole Foods pregnancy Whole Foods health. Would you ever be open to do a zoom interview. You are one of the influencers that really opened my eyes. Many blessings. Scott .

[@susanfabrican2244]

Plantbased GI doc Will Bulsiewicz recommends sourdough bread.

[@klaurvick4501]

This is interesting. Ive been plant based 8 years. I continue to perfect my diet but my cholesterol and LDL are still on the high side. I rarely eat soy products (hmm! Am having soy milk a couple times/wk recently).

[@Fearzero]

Whole plant diet, no processed foods. That is the key.

[@klaurvick4501]

​@@Fearzeromy diet is more "whole food" now than 5 yrs ago and my cholesterol is higher...

[@Fearzero]

@@klaurvick4501 Try no coconut oil or butter and no meat or eggs.

[@klaurvick4501]

@@Fearzero I'm vegan so I don't eat dairy or eggs. No oils.

[@Fearzero]

@@klaurvick4501 That is a good start. No processed foods and exercise daily to a sweat?

[@Marleydia]

New to Wfpb. Looking for a good brand of B12. I went down a rabbit hole on types, dosage, vegan, organic, some have fillers. I’m in B12 hell. Help!

[@janicesutherland1176]

I take Solgar 1,000 mcg once a week