How can I safely RAISE my cholesterol levels?

Question

For years, I have had unusually low cholesterol readings - as low as 99 total cholesterol. For the same period of time I have been dealing with anxiety issues and depression. I recently found studies that linked the two. I have one child and notices that all my anxiety/depression issues resolved during pregnancy (a time when the body naturally raises the cholesterol levels) As such, I would like to raise my cholesterol levels in order to see if this is contributing to the anxiety - is their a safe way to do so?

Answer 1

I'm sorry to hear that you are dealing with anxiety and depression it's a tough road. Working with a psychiatrist and therapist you can determine what medication and talk therapy could help. Finding a medication can be tough - a bit trial & error , (sorry, but since they can't sample exactly what is going on chemically in your brain they have to try by experimenting with small doses).

Is it possible that you also took better care of your body during pregnancy? Better diet? More sleep?

You are so smart to realize that what you eat, and the blood chemistry results, may have an effect. Good nutrition is key to a healthy pregnancy AND to good mental health too! There are nutrients that your body cannot absorb and make us of unless there is sufficient fat in your diet along with other healthy foods. When adding fats, choose well. Olive oil is produced without as much processing and does not result in as much of the "bad cholesterol."

Examine your diet - keep a journal of eating, then review your habits with a nutritionist. If you identify possible imbalances and correct these your body will function better and produce a healthier balance of chemistry in your brain to support mental heath. Do not neglect exercise, even if you are down, because it also plays a part in maintaining your overall heath.

Regular blood tests are a good idea because your MD will be able to identify and hormonal or endocrine problems too.

Keep doing your best to take care of yourself, being responsible for your mental health! You are very important to your family and friends and my heaart goes out to you too! Time you spend maintaining your health is an investment in your loved ones too! God bless you & yours -- JA

Answer 2

You know that your cholesterol levels are pretty good where they are at. you can raise your good cholesterol levels by eating more oily fish, or just getting fish oil tablets. Try doing that first. Otherwise, you can just start to eat fatty foods, that will definitely raise your cholesterol levels, but that cannot be healthy. Try yoga, or exercise for your stress levels, that helped for me

Answer 3

You should be happy that your cholesterol levels are low. There are no medical conditions that are caused by cholesterol levels in the 100 range.

Answer 4

do you eat eggs? If you do, stop. I had high cholesterol and cut out eggs in my diet. Didn't change a think, except the eggs. Within 3 months, my cholesterol was checked again and it was in the pefect range.

Answer 5

I would look into the whole hormone picture - because progesterone is really high during pregnancy and that too has a calming effect. Just start reading any books -even Susan Summers has one about staying young, but I heard it discusses the whole hormone interaction. I'd be looking that way for answers not to clogging my arteries.

Answer 6

dont worry because of your sedentary life style you are already doing this. and the very important and fascinating fact is that cholesterol is endogenoulsy formed inside our body irrespective of the strict control upon our diets.

Answer 7

I think you better check with your GP. I have only ever heard of people trying to get it lower, high is very bad for you, so you bes get yourself moitored or you may do more harm than good. good luck

Answer 8

Put butter on your hot fudge sundaes and deep fry them.