higher protein diet equal high cholesterol?

[kacey06]

I have been trying to eat a high protein diet. I weight 124lbs. I work out with weights 4 days a week and on those days I try to consume at least 120 grams of protein. I just got my cholesterol checked and according to the doctor my levels are worse. HDL is down, LDL and total are higher. The only thing that has changed is that I have been trying to consume more protein. So, does anyone know if just by eating a higher protein diet, would this cause the "bad" cholesterol results?

If so, is there anything that I should be consuming that would help counteract the effect of the protein on my cholesterol levels?

My doctor put me on Welchol, by the way.

[perrogrande007]

What types of protein were you eating?

[coach hale]

Li D, Siriamornpun S, Wahlqvist ML, Mann NJ, Sinclair AJ
(2005) Lean meat and heart health. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr
14(2):113–9.
Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Zhejiang University,
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. Email:

duoli@zju.edu.cn

‘The general health message to the public about meat
consumption is both confusing and misleading. It is stated that
meat is not good for health because meat is rich in fat and
cholesterol, and high intakes are associated with increased blood
cholesterol levels and coronary heart disease (CHD). This paper
reviewed 54 studies from the literature in relation to red meat
consumption and CHD risk factors. Substantial evidence from
recent studies shows that lean red meat trimmed of visible fat
does not raise total blood cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels.
Dietary intake of total and saturated fat mainly comes from fast
foods, snack foods, oils, spreads, other processed foods, and the
visible fat of meat, rather than lean meat. In fact, lean red meat is
low in saturated fat, and if consumed in a diet low in SFA, is
associated with reductions in LDL-cholesterol in both healthy
and hypercholesterolemia subjects. Lean red meat consumption
has no effect on

in vivo and ex vivo production of thromboxane
and prostacyclin or the activity of haemostatic factors. Lean red
meat is also a good source of protein, vitamin B12, niacin, zinc,
and iron. In conclusion, lean red meat trimmed of visible fat,
which is consumed in a diet low in saturated fat does not increase
cardiovascular risk factors (plasma cholesterol levels or
thrombotic risk factors).’

My thoughts

: I would recommend at least a few portions of lean
red meat per week. Red meat is loaded with micronutrients and is
a good source of quality protein. Earlier studies that indicate the
negative affects of red meat on CHD markers mostly looked at
higher fat cuts of meat. It wasn’t the protein that resulted in the
negative effects but the higher fat content (while in positive calorie balance). Don’t be afraid to consume nature’s multivitamin mineral beef.

Thanks,
Jamie Hale
www.maxcondition.com

[kacey06]

I eat lean red meat a few times a week, chicken breasts a few times a week, pork once a week, turkey probably once per week, salmon and tuna a few times a week. I also use either 100% Pure Protein or Designer Whey (cottage cheese daily, string cheese or another cheese probably daily).

So, Coach Hale, you think this was not due to the protein but due to the higher fat content? Should I be reducing my cheese, etc to lower my fat? (I am trying to average 50 grams of fat a day, sometimes I am way less, sometimes I am up to 70+ grams a day)

[FrankZovko]

Based on my understanding of this subject, which is constantly evolving, HDL and triglyceride levels are more meaningful than your LDL level. High LDL isn't necessarily bad, if you have large LDL particles, which correlates well with having a high HDL/triglyceride ratio. I've found this guy's blog to be a good source of information regarding all of this: The Heart Scan Blog: LDL cholesterol

[kacey06]

Thanks for the link to the blog, FrankZovko. I will check it out. What concerns me most is that my "good" cholesterol was also down. I have a bad ratio now. It was 3. something and now it is 6. something. I am really not sure what to do as far as my diet, anymore, and I am frustrated!

[coach hale]

I don't think it is due to fat consumption. When you look at research done on ultra-high fat diets when their is calorie defiict cholesterol levels stay the same or get better (in most cases). In some cases high carb low-fat diets result in higher cholesterol levels. For the most part the worry about cholesterol levels and diet have bee over-exaggerated. Refer to Anthony Colpo's book The Great Cholesterol Con The Great Cholesterol Con.


Keep in mind genetics play a huge role in cholesterol levels as well. Btw what does your calorie intake look like?

thanks,
Coach Hale

[kacey06]

Thank you for getting back to me, Coach Hale. I definitely believe the genetics. My whole family has high cholesterol. My calorie intake is 1200 calories on cardio days (3 days a week), and about 1400-1500 on weight days (4 days a week).