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LDL Levels with a Lacto-Ova Diet

Dear Anai,

I have recently {3 months now} become a "Lacto-Ova" vegetarian. I have become more energetic, I'm less fatigued and I believe have a stronger sex drive. But I recently had my blood levels drawn and they are higher in LDL and lower in HDL than when I was a carnivore. Any reasons for this other than maybe I should go strictly vegan? Or am I expecting results too quickly? I do try to consume soy products whenever possible.

Thank you for your time and a very informative site,

Bill Lanham

Answer:

Since you have not been on the lacto-ova diet enough time to show a change to your levels, I would suggest giving it another three months or so. You can purchase a kit to check your cholesterol levels at home now. Check with your pharmacy for details and brands that would suit your lifestyle. This way you have more control over the testing.

In some individuals, even with a change of diet and exercise, they see very little difference in their blood work. The reason for this is that their liver is producing too much cholesterol naturally. It is too soon to tell if you fall in this category just yet.

LDL Cholesterol:

• Less than 100 is considered optimal
• 100-129 is near optimal/above optimal
• 130-159 borderline high
• 160-189 High
• 190 Very high

HDL Cholesterol:

• Less than 40 is low
• 60 is high

Total Cholesterol

• Less than 200 is desirable
• 200-239 is borderline high
• 240 High

The following general guide has been suggested by the National Centre for Health Statistics:

Saturated Fat Less than 7% of total calories
Polyunsaturated fat Up to 10% of total calories
Monounsaturated fat Up to 20% of total calories
Total fat 25-35% of total calories
Carbohydrate: 50-60% of total calories
Fibre 20-30 g/day
Protein Approximately 15% of total calories
Cholesterol Less than 200 mg/day

Trans fatty acids are another LDL-raising fat that should be kept at a low intake. Avoid them all together if you are able.

Carbohydrate should be derived predominantly from foods rich in complex carbohydrates including whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables. The canned and frozen varieties are just as good, but if possible - go with fresh foods.

I would like to point out that the lacto-ova diet contains foods that contribute to your higher LDL score. You can stick with this diet for another three months as I have suggested above, or go completely vegan.

Becoming a vegan is best approached when previous elimination has been incorporated into the diet. Your choice to cut meat, fish and poultry out of your diet was a wise choice.

Do not let your cholesterol readings discourage you from continuing. If you find there is little change in the coming months, try vegan. Wait a few months for the levels to drop (this goes with any healthy diet). If you find yourself going nowhere with regards to laboratory results, ask your doctor for cholesterol reducing medication.

As a word of caution - any medication you are given should be thoroughly researched. Some cholesterol busters have caused significant damage to muscle mass, leaving a good percentage of patients with unrecoverable weakness. Not all medications are made alike, nor are they a catch-all for each individual.

Thank you for writing Bill!

Anai Rhoads 01 June 2003

Copyright ©2003 Anai Rhoads.