79 replies to this topic

[ageless]

new study just came out showing Cranberries/juice raise HDL quite well... search.

[ilanso]

There was one study saying cranberry juice is good HDL-wise for abdominally obese men.
But another said it was indifferent:

Plasma vitamin C increased significantly (P<0.01) in volunteers consuming cranberry juice. No anthocyanins (plasma) or catechins (plasma or urine) were detectable and plasma total phenols, tHcy,TC,TG,HDL and LDL were unchanged. The antioxidant potential of the plasma, GSH-Px, CAT and SOD activities, and MDA were similar for both groups. Supplementation with cranberry juice did not affect 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine in urine or endogenous or H(2)O(2)-induced DNA damage in lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Cranberry juice consumption did not alter blood or cellular antioxidant status or several biomarkers of lipid status pertinent to heart disease. Similarly, cranberry juice had no effect on basal or induced oxidative DNA damage. These results show the importance of distinguishing between the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of dietary anthocyanins in relation to human health.

PMID: 16032375 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

These are from '06. Do you know of a newer one?

[health_nutty]

Favourable impact of low-calorie cranberry juice consumption on plasma HDL-cholesterol concentrations in men.
Ruel G, Pomerleau S, Couture P, Lemieux S, Lamarche B, Couillard C.

Institute of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, Laval University, Québec G1K 7P4, Canada.

A low HDL-cholesterol concentration is an independent risk factor for CVD. Studies have suggested that flavonoid consumption may be cardioprotective, and a favourable impact on circulating HDL-cholesterol concentrations has been suggested to partially explain this association. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of consuming increasing daily doses of low-calorie cranberry juice cocktail (CJC) on the plasma lipid profile of abdominally obese men. For that purpose, thirty men (mean age 51 (SD 10) years) consumed increasing doses of CJC during three successive periods of 4 weeks (125 ml/d, 250 ml/d, 500 ml/d). Before the study and after each phase, we measured changes in physical and metabolic variables. We noted a significant increase in plasma HDL-cholesterol concentration after the consumption of 250 ml CJC/d (+8.6+/-14.0% v. 0 ml CJC/d; P<0.01), an effect that plateaued during the last phase of the study (500 ml CJC/d: +8.1+/-10.0% v. 0 ml CJC/d; P<0.0001). Multivariate analyses revealed that changes in plasma apo A-I (R(2)=48%, P<0.0001) and triacylglycerol (R(2)=16%, P<0.005) concentrations were the only variables significantly contributing to the variation in plasma HDL-cholesterol concentration noted in response to the intervention. No variation was observed in total as well as in LDL and VLDL cholesterol. The present results show that daily CJC consumption is associated with an increase in plasma HDL-cholesterol concentrations in abdominally obese men. We hypothesise that polyphenolic compounds from cranberries may be responsible for this effect, supporting the notion that the consumption of flavonoid-rich foods can be cardioprotective.

PMID: 16923231 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Related Links

* Effect of a low-glycaemic index--low-fat--high protein diet on the atherogenic metabolic risk profile of abdominally obese men. [Br J Nutr. 2001]
* Changes in plasma antioxidant capacity and oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels in men after short-term cranberry juice consumption. [Metabolism. 2005]
* Low-calorie cranberry juice supplementation reduces plasma oxidized LDL and cell adhesion molecule concentrations in men. [Br J Nutr. 2007]
* Cardiovascular disease risk factors in habitual exercisers, lean sedentary men and abdominally obese sedentary men. [Int J Obes (Lond). 2005]
* A two-year clinical study of the effects of two triphasic oral contraceptives on plasma lipids. [Int J Fertil Menopausal Stud. 1994]

See all Related Articles...

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[ilanso]

That's the same study I mentioned before, that seems to apply only to beer-bellies.
I tried some deeper searches, but the literature is scant on the subject.
Here is another one showing no effect:
http://care.diabetes...ull/26/9/2695-a

Fourteen subjects (aged 57.9 ± 10.6 years, 6 women, 8 men, duration of diabetes 6.0 ± 8.5 years) were randomized to the cranberry group; 13 subjects (aged 52.6 ± 13.7 years, 6 women, 7 men, duration of diabetes 4.1 ± 4.9 years) were assigned to the placebo group. Subjects consumed six capsules filled with either cranberry juice concentrate powder or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. Six capsules were equivalent to a 240-ml serving of cranberry juice cocktail. The artificially colored placebo mimicked the cranberry powder in all respects but flavonoid content. Subjects were asked to discontinue use of dietary supplements, but no other diet and lifestyle changes were made during the study.
More than one-half of the subjects had good control of blood glucose levels (<7.0 mmol/l) at the beginning of the study. No differences were found between the treatment groups in fasting serum glucose, HbA1c, fructosamine, triglyceride, or HDL or LDL levels after 6 and 12 weeks

I'm unconvinced cranberries help with HDL, although otherwise I'm a big fan and buy the extract by the case.

[brainengineer]

Keep in mind, Im taking a lot of Niacin in order to control *both* TC & HDL

You don't need that much. On 9/19, I quoted from some lipidsonline slides:

While niacin's LDL-C lowering is linear, its effect on triglycerides and HDL-C is curvilinear. Modest doses of niacin can significantly alter these two lipid levels. For example, 1 g/d of immediate-release niacin can increase HDL-C by 25-30% and reduce triglycerides by a similar margin. Niacin is the most effective drug available for raising HDL-C. It also lowers lipoprotein(a) by about 30%.

Another source (Medscape) ups it slightly:

The changes in serum triglyceride and HDL-C concentrations that are induced by niacin are curvilinear, whereas the changes in serum LDL-C concentrations are linear. Thus, a daily dose of 1500 to 2000 mg of niacin will substantially change the serum triglyceride and HDL-C concentrations without causing many of the mucocutaneous and hepatic adverse effects seen with higher doses.

Immediate release is better:

Hepatotoxicity has been reported in patients receiving niacin; it may be dose related (>2000 mg/d) and associated with the use of extended-release preparations. The symptoms and time course of niacin-induced hepatitis are similar to those associated with statins. Timed-release formulations of nicotinic acid are designed to minimize cutaneous flushing. However, the absence of flushing may indicate poor gastrointestinal absorption. Additional drawbacks of such formulations are lesser decreases in serum triglyceride concentrations and lesser increases in serum HDL-C concentrations than are induced with plain nicotinic acid. Healthcare professionals can suggest the timed-release formulations for patients who cannot tolerate plain niacin and can be sure to follow up for evaluation of antilipemic effect and effect on aminotransferase levels.

I am now taking 1.5g IR in one dose before bed.

Alcohol is another source:

Alcohol use increases HDL-C in a dose-dependent manner (although one must consider the amount of calories added to the diet by alcohol consumption), whereas caloric restriction acutely lowers HDL-C concentrations

Regarding MCTs (medium chain triglycerides), it seems my positive post on 9/18 is contradicted by:

Compared with the intake of high-oleic sunflower oil, MCT intake resulted in 11% higher plasma total cholesterol (P = 0.0005), 12% higher LDL cholesterol (P = 0.0001), 32% higher VLDL cholesterol (P = 0.080), a 12% higher ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol (P = 0.002), 22% higher plasma total triacylglycerol (P = 0.0361), and higher plasma glucose (P = 0.033). Plasma HDL-cholesterol and insulin concentrations and activities of cholesterol ester transfer protein and phospholipid transfer protein did not differ significantly between the diets. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with fat high in oleic acid, MCT fat unfavorably affected lipid profiles in healthy young men by increasing plasma LDL cholesterol and triacylglycerol. No changes in the activities of phospholipid transfer protein and cholesterol ester transfer protein were evident.

PMID: 15051598 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Well I was tracking my cholesterol #s weekly and I did not see a linear behavior, it was more of a step function once i reached a certain threshold, then becoming linear after that.

I found the book http://www.amazon.co...n/dp/0966256875 to be pretty good in terms of explaining a lot of the historical research on Niacin etc. If anyone is serious about Niacin for lipid control I recommend reading it.


LDL responds more favorably to SR niacin whereas HDL responds more favorably to IR forms. So its a bit of a balancing act to find what works for each individual.

--
BrainEngineer

[ilanso]

So let's eat avocados, but keep in mind they were getting 5g by 17.5g chow diet (almost a third by weight):

1: Arch Cardiol Mex. 2007 Jan-Mar;77(1):17-24.Links
    [High-density lipoproteins (HDL) size and composition are modified in the rat by a diet supplemented with "Hass" avocado (Persea americana Miller)]

CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of avocado in the diet decreased plasma triglycerides, increased HDL-cholesterol plasma levels and modified HDL structure. The latter effect may enhance the antiatherogenic properties of HDL since PON1 activity also increased as a consequence of avocado.

PMID: 17500188 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[jagged]

What is good for lowering LDL?

[nameless]

What is good for lowering LDL?

Lowering ldl seems to be a lot easier than raising hdl, at least from what I've seen.

Besides normal dietary changes, you could try oat bran and/or plant stanols (benecol). Aged garlic might help a little too, but the data on that is a little iffy.

Plant sterols are advertised as helping ldl, which they probably do, but I've read one study somewhere that said sterols were found within plaques, meaning it just takes the place of cholesterol. So stanols might be better.

Guggul, high-dose niacin and red yeast rice would probably also work, but they are basically medications. I wouldn't try any of those without being under a doctor's care. If your ldl is especially elevated, primarily small particles, and you have other risk factors, statins might be best.

[mirian]

Be very careful every recommending Guggul since taking it with thyroid mediction can cause a heart attack from too high of T3 levels which is the active thyroid hormone. Guggul will increase conversion of T4 to active T3!

200 mcg per day of chelated chromium will raise HDL:

http://www.iherb.com...1&pid=1069&at=0

You lower LDL by stripping all saturated fat-red meat (beef & pork) from diet. Plus, avoid trans fat.

[liorrh]

hmmm

sorry for playing captain obvious but the best way to increase blood cholesterol is to eat more cholestrol. (eps eggs, but this part is pure conjecture on my part)
(cholestrol in foods was shown to raise both HDL and LDL)

[Shepard]

hmmm

sorry for playing captain obvious but the best way to increase blood cholesterol is to eat more cholestrol. (eps eggs, but this part is pure conjecture on my part)
(cholestrol in foods was shown to raise both HDL and LDL)

Yeah, but you don't always see an improvement in LDL:HDL ratio (which, I would assume most would be after). Although, you do see an increase in lipoprotein size from eggs.

Manipulating cAMP through diet, lifestyle, supplements, etc. would be a better way of manipulating cholesterol synthesis.

[health_nutty]

[quote][quote]hmmm

Manipulating cAMP through diet, lifestyle, supplements, etc. would be a better way of manipulating cholesterol synthesis.[/quote]

Any specific pointers on how to manipulate cAMP?

[Shepard]

Manipulating cAMP through diet, lifestyle, supplements, etc. would be a better way of manipulating cholesterol synthesis.

Any specific pointers on how to manipulate cAMP?

You have some homeostatic regulation going on, but minimizing insulin over the long-term would be the big step. Insulin increases HMGR expression (what your body does naturally when cholesterol levels are low) and decreases cAMP.

[mirian]

Actually, there's a journal saying up to two eggs daily doesn't raise cholesterol because your liver makes less cholesterol when it senses dietary cholesterol. But, like most safety mechanisms in the body it can be easily overwhelmed byt simply eating 3 eggs daily.

Sugar & Carbs in general mainly raises triglycerides and saturated/trans fats raise cholesterol.

But, a diet that is too healthy can cause too low of total cholesterol under 180 which is not safe. Best to stay between 180 to 199.

Edited by mirian, 24 October 2007 - 02:57 AM.

[Shepard]

Actually, there's a journal saying up to two eggs daily doesn't raise cholesterol because your liver makes less cholesterol when it senses dietary cholesterol. But, like most safety mechanisms in the body it can be easily overwhelmed byt simply eating 3 eggs daily.

Sugar & Carbs in general mainly raises triglycerides and saturated/trans fats raise cholesterol.

Little simplistic. Cholesterol + polyunsaturated fat and cholesterol + saturated fat produce the same rise in blood cholesterol. There are some studies showing no increase in plasma cholesterol from moderate egg intake, there are some showing a slight increase, but the general trend is an increase (mild) in cholesterol from additional cholesterol in the diet. Could be just due to the short-term nature of most of these, though.

But, there is still no link between dietary cholesterol and heart disease deaths, as far as I know.

But, too healthy of a diet can cause too low of total cholesterol under 180 is not safe. Best to stay between 180 to 199.

Do you not understand the problems with this statement?

[mirian]

I know it sounds odd. I didn't think you could have a diet that was too healthy. But moderation in the diet seem important. I had a strict diet of mainly all black beans, lean chicken, bananas, RO water. My total cholesterol plummeted to just 145.

Studies clearly indicate optimal total cholesterol is 180 to 199. Just 3 weeks afterwards when I donated blood they do a free total cholesterol test that rated at 172. Amazing, how much cholesterol levels can change so drastically over such a shot time. I wasn't eating that bad those three weeks either. Still, eliminating all red meat, milk, etc. Just wasn't so strict as before.

[Shepard]

No, what I mean is that if we assume there is a set range for optimal cholesterol numbers from a longevity standpoint, then the diet that takes you away from that range is automatically not conducive to longevity (not healthy).

[HighDesertWizard]

I recently discovered a doctor (who writes many of LEF's recent articles on coronary artery disease) who writes both a blog and has developed a program for reducing coronary artery disease risk.

Participants in the program he writes about are reducing their plaque in measurable ways (via CT heart scans).

I had a mild heart attack at 43 ten years ago and a triple bypass 5 years ago (without a heart attack preceding it). Obviously, I've got a serious genetic thing working against me.

So, for 9 years I had been searching for some means of dealing with the problem and learned a good deal over the years. Finally, I came across this guy about 2 months ago. He's the real deal...

I finally have a very clear idea of what specific lipoprotein pattern I have that has caused my problems. If I had known 9 years ago what I know today, I believe the triple bypass could have been averted.

I've noticed at ImmInst.org that folks are thinking in terms of risk as measured by HDL/LDL, etc... i.e., the "standard lipid panel". These numbers, while important can lead you astray about what your real risk is.

If you worry some about coronary artery disease, you owe it to yourself to check this guy out. I've listed the links you need to get started below. I should say first that I have no business or personal relationship with Dr. Davis aside from the fact that he's the only guy on the 'net that is continually advising patitents and those patients are experiencing plaque regression. Scientific, believable, the real deal... And contrary to the conventional wisdom (e.g., Ornish) and more along the lines that the recent book by Taubes lays out.

I don't have time to describe in more detail but here are the links.

Blog : http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/

Track Your Plaque site : http://www.trackyour...e.com/index.asp

And check out this page...

http://www.trackyour...-00benefits.asp

the real deal...

Membership in his program is $40 for the first 3 months and $19 for each subsequent 3 month period. Cheap for someone like me who has found most cardiologists to be worthless.

Amazon Track Your Plaque book

And look for his name "William Davis" on more recent year articles on heart disease at LEF. I believe an article he's written will soon appear as a major LEF magazine article.

I believe Davis will become more and more famous as the experience of people who are actually regressing their plaque gets more well known. So, I'm proud to be the first here at ImmInst.org to provide info about him.

I'll see if I can't write more about all this later.

[ilanso]

1: Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Sep;86(3):790-6.
    Effect of low-fat, fermented milk enriched with plant sterols on serum lipid profile and oxidative stress in moderate hypercholesterolemia.
    Hansel B, Nicolle C, Lalanne F, Tondu F, Lassel T, Donazzolo Y, Ferrières J, Krempf M, Schlienger JL, Verges B, Chapman MJ, Bruckert E.

    Service d'Endocrinologie-Métabolisme, AP-HP, Hôpital de la Pitié, Paris, France Rangueil, Toulouse, France.

    BACKGROUND: Plant sterol (PS)-enriched foods have been shown to reduce plasma LDL-cholesterol concentrations. In most studies, however, PSs were incorporated into food products of high fat content. OBJECTIVE: We examined the effect of daily consumption of PS-supplemented low-fat fermented milk (FM) on the plasma lipid profile and on systemic oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemic subjects

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONCLUSION: Daily consumption of 1.6 g PS in low-fat FM efficiently lowers LDL cholesterol in subjects with moderate hypercholesterolemia without deleterious effects on biomarkers of oxidative stress.

PMID: 17823447 [PubMed - in process]

[stephen_b]

I came across this recent heart scan blog post? For people with very low baseline HDL that he's seen, around 20-30 mg/dl:

Add niacin, HDL increases another 5-10 mg/dl.

Perhaps we're now sitting somewhere around an HDL of 35-40 mg/dl--better, but hardly great.

Add vitamin D to achieve our target serum level . . . HDL jumps to 50, 60, 70, even 90 mg/dl.

He's currently targeting 60-70 ng/mL as a preferred range, which is towards the higher end of the recommended ranges I've seen.

I've never had great HDL. It has increased to 46 mg/dL after I had started supplementing with 2000 IU of vit. D, which brought my levels to 39.7 ng/mL. Now that I'm taking niacin and 5000 IU of vitamin D, it will be interesting to see the impact on HDL levels.

Stephen