I have a total cholesteral level at 100mg/dl. Do i need to worry about any inner workings which may effect homeostasis in the future. I have Addisons Disease, take methadone 3x/d 5mg for pain management and had twelve previous surgical interventions. In 1991 i cut through a high voltage cable and sustained internal injuries. I also heard HV electricty can later DNA. I do not understand why I have suc a low cholesteral count when I no longer excerise and eat like a pig at times. Thanks
First, thanks for the article. It is SO difficult to find information on the internet about cholesterol that is TOO LOW.
Second, I'm worried that my low levels (106 total) might be behind other health problems: infertility, depression/anxiety/mood swings, fatigue, poor skin, hair loss, etc. I think my low levels are due to a surgery that removed my ileum and supposedly the valve that allows bile (and cholesterol) to be recycled to the liver. Also I take Cholestyramine daily to help with the bile transit out of my system.
I'm just wondering if A) the connection I've made between surgery/low cholesterol/health problems is possible, and B) if it's possible to try to counteract some of these effects by increasing the cholesterol in my diet?
Namaste from India! My brother and I have low cholesterol...usually in the range of 115-120. We must carry the gene for thallesemia since my father's brother had thallesemia major. I did find studies that have found a link between the thallesemia gene and low cholesterol. My questions are...
Since cholesterol is the building block for cell membranes, hormones and bile acids, how does low cholesterol impact endocrine health?
Would it lead to reduced hormone production?
Does it impact insulin/glucagon functioning? (My brother was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 5 years ago. I am hypoglycemic...low fasting insulin - 2 - chased by poor GTT results)
Cannot find any detailed information on low cholesterol and how it impacts the individual other than the mood/emotions connection.
Many thanks in advance...
Madhavi
I have noticed that many people are asking about low cholesterol and the impact on general health. Is there any research or medical talking emphasizing low HDL, LDL or TG levels rather than low total cholesterol? As there is stressed that high (total) cholesterol is less valued than HDL, LDL and TG levels in particular; is the same logic determining the low cholesterol? Thank you.
Hi Linda23,
That's a great point. I haven't reviewed information looking "deeper" to target LDL, HDL, or triglycerides when discussing low cholesterol levels.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps
Sorry that I have a very similar question that everyone else has. I've read that at least 10% of us are in the lower range, so it's no wonder that we have unanswered questions with the one-size-fits-all medicine we have now. I'm a vegetarian for life (life-threatening allergy), so maybe it's "normal" for me. But in the hospital ("tests") I was mega-overdosed w/contraindicted statins. (TERRIFIED of doctors now). My total cholesterol started at 71, ratio 1:1, no triglycerides. I have no idea where it's at now. How do you increase the LDL and triglycerides? Are triglicerides necessary as well? Are saturated fats bad or is this corn oil paranoid an extension of the way we view cholesterol now?
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
I am a 37 year old male who was recently diagnosed with genetically low cholesterol. No other medical issues are known. I read and appreciated your article on "Tips on How to Raise Your HDL." Specifically the description of the purpose of HDL in relation to LDL. With the function of HDL being to sweep up LDL and bring it back to the liver. I do not have a deep knowledge of LDL and HDL, but unless I am wrong I understand that LDL plays a vital role in various functions of the body although harmful in large quantities. Is it possible, when there is an abundance of HDL, for the HDL to collect needed LDL before it is used for vital functions of the body? My HDL is higher than my LDL.
Secondly, from a dietitian's standpoint, is it advisable to continue to try to increase your HDL when LDL is very low? My calculated cholesterol tests showed Total Cholesterol - 79; Trig - 43, HDL - 48, LDL - 22. Then I had a direct LDL test that was taken by another doctor and it showed LDL - 31. Not sure what direction to go with meals. Thank you for your consideration.
Just getting ready to log off my computer for the night, but saw your question and wanted to give a quick reply.
I recommend you look at your cholesterol particle sizes to determine where you need to focus your efforts (i.e. raising HDL; worrying about LDL). Check out this post to learn more about what I mean:
Can Cholesterol Really Be "Good" or "Bad"
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps
Hi I received my lab results yesterday. My total cholesterol is 128 mg/dl.
Here is the breakdown. My LDL is 63 mg/dl while my HDL is 48 mg/dl and lastly my VLDL is 17 mg/dl. I've been a lacto-ovo vegetarian for about 14 months now and I exercise by running 7-8 miles daily 7 days a week. Is my LDL too low? The test report failed to include a "range" for normal LDL (only saying that <130 mg/dl is normal) If it helps, my triglycerides is 86 mg/dl.
Thank you.
Mr. SoonToBeANursingStudent
Hello,
Just got back latest lab reports and my cholesterol, which has always been low, came in at 70 total. HDL was 37 and LDL was 2. Yes... TWO. My triglicerides were 183. I don't have any significant health problems except for type 2 diabetes which I control with diet, metformin and exercise. My blood sugar runs around 130 normally. I'm 64, active, alert and have no chronic concerns. Should I worry about these abnormally low numbers? Both my sisters have total cholesterol levels around 100. They're overweight, but healthy. I'm 6 foot and about 200 lbs. Longevity is prevalent in our family. Grandma was 102 when she died and she chain smoked. (I don't smoke, nor have I ever been a big drinker) Should I just go on enjoying my cheeseburgers, eggs, dairy products and bacon without worry?
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What can be done to raise a person's cholesterol that is too low?
I recommend starting with steps to promote a higher HDL level - Tips on How to Raise YOUR HDL.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
Heart Healthy Tips
Thank you for the info.