lifting, cholesterol and whey protein - JP Fitness Forums

gocubbies · 04-28-2008, 01:11 PM

I recently got some blood work back from a wellness check, and my cholesterol was 239. My HDL is low and my LDL is high (185). I've completed the Break-in and and almost finished with FLI, so I was pretty surprised when my cholesterol reading came back so high since for the last 7 weeks I've been doing NROL 3x/week and the Afterburn intervals 2-3x/week as well. In the past when I've worked out a lot my cholesterol has really dropped.
I have a dr appt on Thursday to follow up about this and I'm wondering what effect the use of whey protein may have in this. I use Body Fortress; it's cheap, tastes ok and I thought the cholesterol wasn't that bad. Now I'm wondering if the 4 times a week that I have a protein shake before and after I workout in them morning is something I should cut out for the cholesterol, along with egg yolks.

So I guess I have these musings:

1) I eat pretty clean, pretty similar to Men's Health's Belly Off diet. Should I surprised that NROL hasn't apparently had much effect on raising my HDL?

2) Has anyone every decided to not use whey protein due to its amount of cholesterol?

3) Has anyone ever heard that more cardio/running is better at raising HDL?

thanks

Tamara · 04-28-2008, 03:12 PM

I can't speak much to what types of exercise influence HDL/LDL levels, But, different whey proteins have very different amounts of cholesterol, some (claim to) have none, and others have lots. Looks like Body Fortress has more than most, from the quick search I just did. It can't hurt to start using a powder with little to none (cholesterol, that is).

Cynic · 04-28-2008, 03:31 PM

According to cycomiko, some people are sensitive to cholesterol in the diet. I doubt exercise will have a greater impact on serum cholesterol than exercise for those people, though.

I would say, you should look first at your diet. You may need to cut back on some fats.

Kaiser · 04-28-2008, 11:30 PM

I'm in the same boat as you - high overall numbers driven by a high LDL number. All of the rest of my readings are good or great. Bad genetics.

I've read different (and often conflicting) things on dietary cholesterol and it's impact on serum cholesterol.

In answer to your question #2, I have gone to using whey isolate (no cholesterol). I have no idea if it makes a difference, but some days I am taking a bunch in, so I figure the shift can't hurt.

Cynic · 04-28-2008, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cynic

According to cycomiko, some people are sensitive to cholesterol in the diet. I doubt exercise will have a greater impact on serum cholesterol than exercise for those people, though.

Oopsie.

I doubt exercise will have a greater impact on serum cholesterol than diet for those people, though.

Lost Dog · 04-29-2008, 01:07 AM

What is the rest of your diet like?

gocubbies · 04-29-2008, 12:53 PM

My diet's not bad, if anything I could really ramp up the fruits and vegetables. I usually have a big lettuce salad and ham sandwich for lunch, then some fish/chicken and broccoli or other veggie for dinner. I need to increase that. I eat eggs or oatmeal for breakfast and yogurt/almonds/fruit/string cheese for snacks at work.

Lost Dog · 04-29-2008, 04:04 PM

The reason I ask is because my cholesterol got better, yet I eat more whey, ham, steak, egg yolks, chicken skin, etc. than ever. But, I eat less bread, oatmeal, and carby treats.

Everyone's different, but saturated fat in the presence of lots of carbs could be more to blame than dietary cholesterol. It might not be as simple as reducing a source of cholesterol. It still could be, if you're one of those that's susceptible.

Lost Dog · 04-29-2008, 04:09 PM

BTW, I use Body Fortress Whey, too.

bamazav · 05-01-2008, 01:55 PM

I went to the DR. in October 2007 and found I had high cholesterol. The first of Nov. I began TNT which is a restricted carb diet and weight training. I am now using the workouts from NROL, but continuing the nutrition tactics from TNT. I have used Whey Protein, not worried too much about fat ( I don't go crazy but I don't avoid something because of it either), restricted carbs (no processed sugar or grains). I not only lost about 25 lbs, I gained muscle weight and brought my cholesterol down by almost 40 points as of early April 2008. My ratio went from 5.2 to 3.7. Doc was very happy and I do not have to take meds, making me very happy.