Flax Seed Helps Lower Cholesterol: Amaze Your Doc!
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Use Ground Flax Seed And Lower Cholesterol Numbers!
Flax seed was not going to be the topic of another hub from my computer quite this soon. Touching on the benefits of fresh ground flax seed and helping others know how to incorporate it into a diet seemed to be enough.
Then, adding a "how to" for making whole flax seed hot/cold packs seemed to be more than enough to cover the subject at that point. Surely my little collection of flax hubs would adequately cover the topic.
I had little faith that using flax seed would be a topic highlighted by my computer again any time soon. Not much bigger than a mustard seed, flax did not seem to have a lot more to say for itself.
I knew it had an interesting and important history, that it had been quite useful back in the day, but oh me, oh my oh, how I underestimated this little seed's benefits!
Turns Out That Lower Cholesterol Numbers Might Be Easier To Get Than Doctors Will Admit!
When I began my first flax seed article I was also beginning an experiment that resulted in an interesting turn of events because a surprising test result showed a big jump in my overall cholesterol count.
I knew that the week previous to the test had been filled with stresses and that I had not been drinking my ground flax seed in grape juice as usual or exercising right so I sort of expected a higher than normal-for-me reading, which was already borderline.
Having formulated a plan I thought I was mentally prepared for the conversation in which I would politely but firmly decline the Lipitor-type prescriptions.
Grind Flax Seed Fresh To Lower Cholesterol
However, a reading of 311 gave me some serious pause for thought as I sat in the doctor’s office--maybe I needed to rethink everything.
The doctor, in his infinite wisdom, made a mistake by throwing down the gauntlet. “Well, okay,” he said. “I’ll ‘let’ (as if he was in control) you try diet and exercise, but you should know that most people don’t succeed in dropping their cholesterol levels that way.” Hmmm...
He offered no encouragement or advice on how to work on my diet and exercise, only the Lipitor drug, but my plan had been settled before he finished his sentence. I knew I could double my flax intake, be faithful to my exercise routine, get the rest I needed.
Most importantly, I could be especially careful about praying, looking to the Lord according to the whole counsel of the Scriptures regarding the stresses, trusting the His way and timing to help with them.
In the middle of working on my experiment of diet and exercise that the doc ‘permitted’ me to begin, I read a hub from Peggy W on the benefit of using ginger to help reduce cholesterol. A little trial and error to get my perfect recipe for a cup of ginger tea and I was able to add a couple of cups per day to my diet.
Not carrying so much of the stress myself, but giving it to my Lord greatly relieved me so I had the energy to increase my exercising. My plan made me feel better no matter what the next test results might turn out to be.
Six weeks came and went, approximately my time hubbing so far, and the new test results came back. The cholesterol count was, drum roll please, “unheard of” according to the doc.
“I can’t explain it,” he said. His head was shaking in amazement, his hands were out in the air palms up. Then his eyes narrowed, “The only time we get readings like this is when people don’t fast for one of their tests.” I assured him that I had fasted properly for both tests.
The Benefits Of Ground Flax Seed Are Surprising!
There was no, “How did you do it?” Not even, “Good job!” I was very happy about the improvement and didn’t realize, at first, that my doc apparently did not believe that I had fasted correctly. If he had asked I would have told him how I had implemented my plan, but he wasn’t interested.
Cholesterol wasn’t my big concern when I went for the initial check-up anyway. I guess a cholesterol evaluation is done in a routine blood test for good measure. It makes me uneasy, though, to get the feeling that they (whoever that is) aren’t looking for real solutions.
Oh, yes, the cholesterol reading? I stunned myself, actually. Sticking to the plan had worked wonders--almost 100 points! From 311 to 223 was pretty good for an amateur!
I was very thankful, to say the least, and the doc couldn’t deny that I didn’t need Lipitor or that I had lost a few pounds. I do wish he had not insinuated that I lied, though.
Still, being more comfortable in dress clothes is a very nice bonus no matter what he thinks, and to know that he could not deny the benefits of ground flax seed makes me smile.
An Authoritative Word On Flax Seed:
My Conclusion On Using Fresh Ground Flax Seed To Help Lower Cholesterol?
Could the positive results be from the ground flax seed alone, mostly from the ginger, or was it the entire plan that I implemented? I don’t know for sure.
Since I feel better and have good test results I’ll be continuing with this plan even if the doc doesn't admit that it's working. I'll just keep up the good work and let him run around his own little gerbil wheel!
Grind Flax Seed in a Dedicated Coffee Grinder:
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Low Fat, Low Cholesteral -AHA, Christmas cookbook, The Good Stuff
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More Good For You Info:
- How to reduce cholesterol naturally - Eat healthy
How to reduce cholesterol naturally.. here are some specific pointers to reduce cholesterol naturally - a change in diet and lifestyle is all it takes to remain healthy. - Is A Vegetarian Lifestyle Better For You?
This hub will tell you what to eat to get all the necessary vitamins and minerals in a vegetarian diet, teach you the various types of vegetarians,how many vegetarians there are in the world, and links to great hubs with delicious recipes! - Cholesterol and Menopause
Cholesterol level in women is highest between the ages of 48 and 56. It is important for you to do a first check-up around 50.
Flax Seed is a Smart Move:
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Egg free, cow milk free, and gluten free? How can the cake have any taste? It is an amazing cake that you have to try to believe! This experiment has me looking forward to trying a new one.
The Wonders of Flax
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 | Flax oil recipes for your health. Amazon Price: $3.00 List Price: $6.95 |
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Mutual gratitude...'tis the season! :)
Great information,I have ground flax seed as an 'ornament ' in my cupboard for weeks-shall open it today.Thank you and Peggy W.
May your ornament be the gift you that it has been to me! Thanks for stopping by!
Just thought that I would check back with you... I am regularly now using the ground flax seeds mixed with fruit juice in the mornings and BTW...also works well mixed in with yogurt; applesauce...even put it over sectioned grapefruit and we liked it. The ground ginger, I am using it in tea but also sprinkling a generous amount in coffee since that is always made each morning by my husband. I have grown to appreciate the flavor.
No cholesterol tests yet to get hard facts...but it just makes sense that this along with more exercise and dropping some pounds will help.
When will you have another cholesterol test to prove this efficacy of this new regimen? The doc will HAVE to take notice if yours is still down then (one would think!)
So glad you are using the ground flax seed as it has huge benefits for our health. I will have to try the grapefruit soon. We like halved grapefruits slightly baked. Ginger in coffee sounds intriguing! We really enjoy our ginger tea...
However, my next visit with my doc is going to be interesting. I believe a test comes up again right after the first of the year. Our aging parents' health has seriously deteriorated and I am at the ER with my father as I write this. We have had a hard time keeping up the good work that dropped my cholesterol in the fall. So I expect that I will have to start from zero again, yet am encouraged with my experience of getting the numbers down quick. Interaction with the doc over it all should be fun stuff.
Will try to do a follow up on it for you. Feel free to ask again in February or March if you think of it. Thanks for stopping in again!
Happy 2010! This ER is one busy place... perhaps it's the full moon on a holiday?
Until I read your hub, I had no idea what Flax was! Thanks for the information! :)
Thanks for stopping in to read and for leaving a comment!
Thanks for pointing out the tips on Cholesterol, my dad has just begun taking tablets to reduce his and your advice may help!!
Ouch...I am sorry your dad is on those meds. I do hope that he is very successful with efforts to reduce cholesterol naturally. Thanks much for stopping in and commenting.
When I had a hysterectomy in May, the doctor recommended flax seed to lower LDL. I've been taking 5mg Crestor for a year, so I get blood tests every 3 months. One tablespoon with my morning cereal; wheat/oat bran and whole oats with milk takes 5 minutes in the microwave. I grind the flax in a dedicated small coffee grinder. If it's not cooked, I choke on it. Sometimes I add it to dinner food or just make a tablespoon in a cup with liquid. It expands and can make a mess, so put a little in a large cup or bowl. My tests this week showed LDL of 78, Triglycerides at 136, both good. I lost weight, but that was after the hysterectomy, not in the last 3 months. I'm going to stop the Crestor for 3 months to see if I can keep the numbers down. Please, all taking flax, report your numbers, too.
That's great! Thanks so much for sharing. I have not gotten around to a new test so I can report on mine again but am planning to get to it. I would definitely like to have reports from several people coming in regularly.
Flax seed is amazing, and not just for lowering cholesterol levels. I try to incorporate flax into daily meals. So good for you!
Thanks much for stopping by and commenting. It is indeed a good-for-us food!
My doctor recently recommended flax seed. I really wasn't sure what it was but was willing to give it a try. Your article was a tremendous help to me. It has encouraged me to give it a wholehearted try. Thanks for the information.
Well, KoffeeKlatch Gals, sounds like you have a good doc! Seriously, more of them are recommending the use of flax seed. I have several hubs on the topic and I hope you can take a look at the info and tips on them since you have a need to give this a try. Best wishes and good success with your new plan for health!
Flax seeds are great! I have used it for years. I add it to my fruit salad in the morning, and add it into my baking as well. I knew some of the health benefits flax seed provided, but I was unaware it could lower the cholesterol levels. This could explain why I never had problem with my cholesterol!
This is a great and very useful hub!
Rated Up!
Thank you for putting a link to my "Vegetarian Lifestyle" Hub. I appreciate it so much!
Sannel
SanneL:
Having used flax seed for years, you have experience with its benefits--some you didn't even know about--funny, and great story! :)
Thanks kindly for stopping in with your generous comments!
I think it's awesome how you lowered your cholesterol numbers! I am not surprised by your doctor's reaction though, that's one less patient to prescribe a pill to, his pharmaceutical rep won't appreciate that! Too many pills prescribed these days. I use flax seed oil myself, I think I'll try that ginger tea thing too. Thanks for a great, informative hub!
Amazing Hub! I am glad I found this. I need to lower my numbers. Impressive results, almost 100 pts? way to go! Thank you,thank you, thank you. I'm gonna do it!
gryphin423:
The doc's reaction surely isn't surprising once you think about it. The flax seed oil can beneficial if it is stored correctly. The ginger tea is delightful and helpful!
Thank you for checking this hub out and for leaving your comments!
Another new lesson learned to keep my cholesterol levels on a normal level. Thanks!
heartconscious:
You are welcome. Hope to hear about your results!
Thanks much for stopping by this hub and letting me hear from you!
rebeccamealey:
So sorry it's taken me so long to get back with you--I thought I had replied to your comment! Anyway, you can do it! I hope its going well for you already.
I'm in the process of developing recipes using flax seed as an egg substitute. Already posted 2 on the topic and hope to have another done by the end of the week. This egg replacement is another way to work on reducing cholesterol using flax seed so I'm enjoying thinking the recipes through.
Hope your experiment using flax to lower cholesterol goes as well as mine did. Would love to hear back on it!
I have a question I have been taking ground flax seed meal now about 3 weeks now and I am proud to say I am addicted to it!! I am just hoping and praying my cholesterol And triyglcerides drop down . I have heard it helps reduce them I just need alittle reassurance please advise me thank you
Bonnie Seip:
So glad you are taking advantage of flax seed's benefits. All I can share with you is what I've researched along with my experience of using flax seed to help balance my cholesterol levels as I've reported in this hub.
I can tell you that a recent visit to the same doc brought a favorable reply from him regarding on all that I'm doing to keep my cholesterol levels in the right range. If I were you I would continue using the ground flax seed, but keep in mind that many things work together to balance the systems in our bodies.
Eating good-for-you foods combined with not eating junk foods, proper exercise, and managing stress levels are all important aspects to address when we have any physical problem. The more severe a physical problem is, the more important the related issues are to address.
Hope this is helpful. Appreciate your visit very much!
how much ginger do you put in the tea? does it have to be fresh. I know it's prob. better.....
bfree:
For ginger tea you can use 4 thin slices of the root boiled for 10 minutes in 2 cups of water. I've used the ground ginger for baking--1/8 tsp in a hot cup of water, steeped for 7 minutes. Ginger tea bags are available and good quality ones are great to have on hand. Fresh is probably better, but the other options work well.
Thanks much for stopping by this hub and letting me hear from you!
Going to add the ginger tea to my lower my cholesterol plan. I have also added 3 T spoons daily of pure coconut oil. It's supposed to help raise good cholesterol. Will go back to the Dr. in August. Will update then.
Thank you for all the good information.
befree:
Sounds like you have a great start to lowering your cholesterol. It would be very interesting have your August update--and helpful to others, I'm sure.
Thank you for joining this dialogue on using flax seed and ginger to help manage cholesterol!
I forgot to mention that i am also taking 2 T ground flax seed in 1/2 cup cottage cheese 2 x a day.
Thanks for the encouragement. It's great to have sort of a buddy system here.
bfree:
Thanks much for updating on using the cottage cheese. If not allergic to cow's milk I would be using that too. I hope you are able to keep up with using the flax seed and that we get to hear your doc's reaction! Do feel free to check back here anytime you find new info or better way to get the flax into into our diets. Glad to have your input!
Peggy W Level 8 Commenter 2 years ago
This is so good...I can't wait to start incorporating all of this into my diet (and my husband's diet) ASAP. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS GOOD INFORMATION. I would always try and use natural remedies first rather than prescriptions which often have so many side effects...not to mention the cost.
You paid more attention to that link about ginger lowering cholesterol in the hub I did about Ginger plants than I did. So happy that you caught that bit of information and tried it in order to pass the results along to the rest of us.
Just noticed after commenting that the ginger link is below the comments for those interested...
Again, THANK YOU!