Cholesterol and Me - Nov 1, 2024

n August 2024, I had a Transient Ischemic Attack! Yep, in my right eye. Lasted about 1.5 minutes and then it was gone. Scared the crap out of me!

The doctors at the heart and stroke centre said they could see no damage with their tests and I should take it as a warning. These are often followed by major strokes that can be life-threatening. They also said my cholesterol was very high and I needed to go on a statin drug for the rest of my life!!! Atorvastatin at 80 mg per dose (daily). I was already on Candesartin 32 mg daily for high blood pressure, again for the rest of my life, MY first thought was BULLSHIT!!!

I started taking the prescriptions but decided that before doing anything, I needed more information than my doctors were giving me. I started researching, everywhere and everything I could find.

 Ai is such a godsend. I found tremendous resources and actual people who had been in my situation. I needed to narrow down the scope of what I wanted, and had to evaluate to whom I would listen.

I knew I wanted off the prescriptions, but was it possible? Have others actually done this? And How?

I am starting to believe my goal of no prescriptions is realistic, and I am very aware of several tactics available to me. Approximately 6 weeks ago, I decided to eliminate white sugar, white flour and all processed foods from my diet.

My wife is an amazing cook (I should call her a chef but don't tell her I said that) and the best internet shopper I know she started looking up new recipes for us. We were both surprised at how easy it was to get started at this.

Over the last month, we have almost completely eliminated everything with cholesterol from our dietary intake. I now know our bodies can and will make all the cholesterol we need.

I have always exercised quite a bit, and now I have added a swim on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  On Tuesdays & Thursdays, I do fairly strenuous strength workouts. Weekends are for 1 long walk and some skipping rope.

I can already feel a strength increase, an energy increase and I am losing weight too.

In summary, I have identified 2 areas of concern, exercise and nutrition. I am only going to eat what is good for my body, and I am not going to eat what is bad for my body.

Can it be any simpler? Can It? If this works I will be dumbfounded at the simplicity! 

Stay tuned.