Question:

Hi everyone.  I have spent the last few days looking through over almost 2,000 posts, FAQs and as many links that I could open, to learn as much as I can about LCing. give me some help I would appreciate it. A little history……Overwweight for the last 7 years……max weight LCing first……so here I am Now on to those questions: a)  Anyone take phentermine while LCing it?  I have started on the phen and find it works well for my cravings.  My goal is to get adjusted to LCing as a WOL then stopping the Phen.  (basically using it as a crutch to get over the hump) b)  I am also on Zocor for cholesterol of 266.  I have been unable with my research to get a grip on the effect of LCs on cholesterol.  Any input would be great. c)  Is sugar-free iced tea okay?  Even if it is caffeinated?? d)  thanks Jackie 263/263/185 about to embark on my new life tomorrow

Response:

These are tricky questions, but I’ll take a stab at them. First, I’d encourage you to discuss your medications with your doctor and not to pay too much attention to my thoughts on the subject. Having said that, I don’t think you need an appetite suppressant while LC’ing.  You’re likely only ever going to be particularly hungry in the first week or two, while you’re making the transition into ketosis.  The best thing to do for this hunger is simply to eat.  The fats, meat, etc. you’ll be able to eat should help any feelings of hunger you’ll have in the first days.  Then, once you’re in ketosis, you’ll find it’s a natural appetite suppressant — and a very effective one. LC’ing will help your cholesterol levels over the long haul.  Many folks report slightly elevated cholesterol levels in the first 1-3 months, but nearly all the folks who have reported their numbers here have seen drops no later than four months after beginning, and continued gradual improvements thereafter.  I’m waiting until six months to get my blood work redone. Having said that, I have no idea whether you should continue with Zocor while eating this way, and I’d strongly encourage you to discuss this with your doctor. Sugar-free iced tea is probably okay, though you should check the carb count and assume at least 1g per serving, no matter what the label says.  At 1g per serving, you may do best drinking just water for the first two weeks, and then adding the sugar-free iced tea once you’re firmly established in ketosis.  As for the caffeine, people’s responses to it here vary.  A lot of folks have no problem with it at all (I’m one of them).  Others report stalls relating to caffeine.  At some point, you may want to try to test this out on yourself as best you can.  Or, you can simply wait until you seem to have stalled (no loss for six weeks), and then eliminate caffeine. Hope this helps! -Adam PP 5/10/99 272/237/205 http://www.shoplowcarb.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone.  I have spent the last few days looking through over almost 2,000 posts, FAQs and as many links that I could open, to learn as much as I can about LCing. to give me some help I would appreciate it. A little history……Overwweight for the last 7 years……max weight LCing first……so here I am Now on to those questions: a)  Anyone take phentermine while LCing it?  I have started on the phen and find it works well for my cravings.  My goal is to get adjusted to LCing as a WOL then stopping the Phen.  (basically using it as a crutch to get over the hump) b)  I am also on Zocor for cholesterol of 266.  I have been unable with my research to get a grip on the effect of LCs on cholesterol.  Any input would be great. c)  Is sugar-free iced tea okay?  Even if it is caffeinated?? d)  thanks Jackie 263/263/185 about to embark on my new life tomorrow

Response:

Hi Jackie, I am also on Zocor. However I am NOT a doctor of medicine nor do I play one on the internet. With that disclaimer, I would strongly suggest that as a fellow-LCer I would love to hear that you are taking 90mg of Co-Q10 (30mg 3x per day). I would not even CONSIDER taking Zocor without it. As they are fond of saying in this NG, your mileage may vary (YMMV). I take 30mg of pharmaceutical grade Co-Q10 3x per day and I have cut AWAY back on Niacin until I can get off Zocor. It is one of my chiefest goals on this LC WOL to get off cholesterol-lowering medication. All HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (of which Zocor/Simvastatin is one) reduce Coenzyme Q levels in the heart and liver (I’m not practicing medicine, just quoting the insert which by law must be provided by Merck & Co. to your doctor). Noto bene, also from the Merck & Co. insert, "In patients taking concomitant cyclosporine, fibrates, or NIACIN, the dose of simvastatin should generally not exceed 10mg." My cardiologist (I had quad bypass surgery in 1994) recently changed my prescription to 40mg WITHOUT EVER ASKING ME WHAT ELSE I WAS TAKING. I fired him on the spot, and as soon as I could get back to my GP (Doctor Steven Rodrigues) asked him never to refer me to that cardiologist again. It is my experience that doctors depend far more upon drug salesmen for their information than they do a careful study of the FDA required inserts. As above, YMMV. Richard in Texas — As God is my witness, I shall never go hungry again!                                 ~Scarlett O’Hara

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone.  I have spent the last few days looking through over almost 2,000 posts, FAQs and as many links that I could open, to learn as much as I can about LCing. to give me some help I would appreciate it. A little history……Overwweight for the last 7 years……max weight LCing first……so here I am Now on to those questions: a)  Anyone take phentermine while LCing it?  I have started on the phen and find it works well for my cravings.  My goal is to get adjusted to LCing as a WOL then stopping the Phen.  (basically using it as a crutch to get over the hump) b)  I am also on Zocor for cholesterol of 266.  I have been unable with my research to get a grip on the effect of LCs on cholesterol.  Any input would be great. c)  Is sugar-free iced tea okay?  Even if it is caffeinated?? d)  thanks Jackie 263/263/185 about to embark on my new life tomorrow

Response:

Jackie

Response:

Question:

I have been taking Zocor 20mg for several years along with anti-depressants. I have always associated my ED problems with performance anxiety and the mental meds. In any event Viagra has solved the erection problem but  I rarely can reach orgasm. Half a cake is better than none. Warren

Response:

I would like to know if anyone has problems with ED while taking Zocor.  I am taking 20 mg of Zocor daily and after a year I am having difficulties.  Any help would be appreciated.

Response:

About two months ago someone posted a question about the effects of Zocor. I’ve been away–were there any replies?  My problem started when my daily dosage of Zocor was increased from 10 mg to 20 mg about 18 months ago.  It seems to be a combined ED and libido problem.

Response:

About two months ago someone posted a question about the effects of Zocor. I’ve been away–were there any replies?  My problem started when my daily dosage of Zocor was increased from 10 mg to 20 mg about 18 months ago.  It seems to be a combined ED and libido problem.

In my net surfing on ED, I ran across the following article equating Simvastatin with ED.  Note that Simvastatin is the same as Zocor. http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/315/7099/31/a -Fred- Visit Fred’s Page of Impotence Information and ASI FAQ’s at: http://www.chesco.com/~fps/index.html

Response:

Question:

ALL of the cholesterol-lowering meds gave me a severe migraine!

My Dr was wandering if that was what was giving me my ha so he took me off them for quite a while to see if that was the cause but it wasn’t so now I am trying to figure out if the cause is because levels are so high! drying up in cal. Christine

Response:

The cholesterol thing has always confused me…my mother is nearly 90 and she has had the most unbelieveably high cholesterol all of her life. She took umpteen drugs, followed a low fat diet so severe that it dried up her scalp and skin ( hey, you have to have SOME fat in your diet to keep things lubricated!), exercised like crazy twice a day, all to NO AVAIL. She is healthy as a horse, spry , active, mentally intact, has had none of the problems associated with aging. They finally gave up treating it, saying obviously something else was going to get her first. Some people although they have high serum cholesterol, show no ill effects from it, has to be a genetic protection…lucky stiffs.. ALL of the cholesterol-lowering meds gave me a severe migraine! Some of them, constantly, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Lipitor is the one I take now and it has been the least offensive of the drugs so far. Jane "It is in the shelter of each other that people live…." (Irish proverb)

Response:

What are you taking to bring your cholesterol down?

I am taking Lipitor presently.I was taking Zocor,until about a month ago.We are trying to get everything under control as far as the choles goes.mine just keeps going up and up! Christine

Response:

What are you taking to bring your cholesterol down?  A year ago my chol. was 383 and I thought that was high… No meat of any kind… Or fish…. Cutting those out and with the help of med.  I got it down… Yours is way too high!!!! RonMum Queen Of Hugs                 Don"t Be Reckless With Other Peoples Hearts… Don’t Put Up With People Who Are Reckless With YOURS

Response:

I have only had my cholesterol tested once and although I don’t remember the details, it was low.  I try to maintain a low fat diet, but not quite as low as yours.   Suzie Melbourne, Australia There are three crowns: the crown of Torah, the crown of priesthood and the crown of royalty; but the crown of a good name exceeds them all. Pirke Avot 4:19.

Response:

The better part of two years ago I found out that my cholesterol was a hair over five hundred and have been on medication for control since then.  Has made do difference in my migr or tension ha problem. Some people genetically can have really cholesterol but not suffer any ill effects according to what I read a few years back. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is very off the waal but I have severly high cholesterol and migraines, and I was talking to a nutritionalist on the phone the other day(someone who I am going to start working w/ for choles.)and she said she remembers reading somewher that ther cpuld be a relation.I have always had ha but in the last 6 months they have turned into horrid migraines several times a week if I am not on prevenitive meds.then i adjust to that med after a couple of months and they are now getting bad again.My Choles is 599 w/mmy hdl at 26. My triglicerydes(spel?) are at 1800. I have been on meds for this for a year and they continue to go up instead of down.I don’t eat McD’s 10 times a day and drink fat on a regular occasion,as a matter of fact I am down to 5-7 grams of fat a day! So, enough ranting and raving(sorry)but if anyone has any knowledge or input I would greatly appreciate it.You have all been so helpful and I am so glad to have found such a great group of people. I have learned so much in the last couple of weeks about migraines and am starting to feel like MAYBE I am not completly loosing my mind(only partially) Good luck to all and have a good day! Christine

Response:

This is very off the waal but I have severly high cholesterol and migraines, and I was talking to a nutritionalist on the phone the other day(someone who I am going to start working w/ for choles.)and she said she remembers reading somewher that ther cpuld be a relation.I have always had ha but in the last 6 months they have turned into horrid migraines several times a week if I am not on prevenitive meds.then i adjust to that med after a couple of months and they are now getting bad again.My Choles is 599 w/mmy hdl at 26. My triglicerydes(spel?) are at 1800. I have been on meds for this for a year and they continue to go up instead of down.I don’t eat McD’s 10 times a day and drink fat on a regular occasion,as a matter of fact I am down to 5-7 grams of fat a day! So, enough ranting and raving(sorry)but if anyone has any knowledge or input I would greatly appreciate it.You have all been so helpful and I am so glad to have found such a great group of people. I have learned so much in the last couple of weeks about migraines and am starting to feel like MAYBE I am not completly loosing my mind(only partially) Good luck to all and have a good day! Christine

Response:

Question:

I was wondering–how do the labs figure total cholesterol? My Total cholesterol is 223( I know, not good) My LDL is 136 My HDL is 44 My triglycerides are 73 The ratio of TC/HDL is awful!! 5.13. Anything above 5 is not normal. The ratio of LDL/HDL is normal 3.09 The ratio of Triglycerides/HDL is good– 1.65 But… how are they getting my total cholesterol of 223? From what I have read, it’s the LDL + HDL + 1/5 of your triglycerides. If this was the case, my total cholesterol would be 195. I am confused. Jraney

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering–how do the labs figure total cholesterol? My Total cholesterol is 223( I know, not good) My LDL is 136 My HDL is 44 My triglycerides are 73 The ratio of TC/HDL is awful!! 5.13. Anything above 5 is not normal. The ratio of LDL/HDL is normal 3.09 The ratio of Triglycerides/HDL is good– 1.65 But… how are they getting my total cholesterol of 223? From what I have read, it’s the LDL + HDL + 1/5 of your triglycerides. If this was the case, my total cholesterol would be 195. I am confused.

Usually, it is reverse – they measure TC, TG, HDL and compute LDL. Mirek

Response:

Just got my results back after 5 weeks +.  As expected, my triglycerides have dropped 2, but I was amazed at how much.  They went from 196 a year ago to 115!  My LDL and total cholesterol went up, but not a lot.  100 and 172 to 127 and 182.  Those don’t bother me.  My HDL went down.  That does.  Not down a lot, 34 to 32, but starting low and going lower worries me some.  Can I expect it to go up after a few more weeks?  I know it’s the ratio that matters and my ratios have gotten worse.  Is there something else I can do to help it?  I am exercising pretty regularly, and taking multi +magnesium, potassium, garlic, and oils (EPA and DHA). Looking forward to your answers/suggestions, Jeff 268/242/200

Response:

If you are getting your EFAs and exercising (i.e. real cardio exercising), just trust the plan for awhile. Five weeks isn’t long. I’ve been struggling with cholesterol problems for twelve years and LCing is the first thing that has given me ANY hope of light at the end of the tunnel. Hang in there Jeff. Dr. A indicates you should wait at least three months before doing your first blood work. Give it time and enjoy breakfast! Richard in Texas — As God is my witness, I shall never go hungry again!                                 ~Scarlett O’Hara

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just got my results back after 5 weeks +.  As expected, my triglycerides have dropped 2, but I was amazed at how much.  They went from 196 a year ago to 115!  My LDL and total cholesterol went up, but not a lot.  100 and 172 to 127 and 182.  Those don’t bother me.  My HDL went down.  That does. Not down a lot, 34 to 32, but starting low and going lower worries me some. Can I expect it to go up after a few more weeks?  I know it’s the ratio that matters and my ratios have gotten worse.  Is there something else I can do to help it?  I am exercising pretty regularly, and taking multi +magnesium, potassium, garlic, and oils (EPA and DHA). Looking forward to your answers/suggestions, Jeff 268/242/200

Response:

I went to my doc and got my blood work done (as Dr. Atkins suggests before starting Induction).  I told him I was going to be changing my way of eating to low-carb.  Doc asked me what diet plan I was using.  I told him I had been reading a book by Dr. Atkins.  He said he knew of the Atkins diet and that he just had to take someone off of it because their cholesterol skyrocketed.  Have any of you who have been on it for a bit had trouble with cholesterol going higher?  I would think that as long as I did the low-carb and eat the rest sensibly (not hamburger 24 hrs a day) that I would be ok. Any comments or suggestions out there? Heidi Carr (who wants to look good in the bridesmaid dress at her sister’s wedding 07/17/99) TO REPLY REMOVE "nospam." FROM MY ADDRESS

Response:

Remember that the person the doc had to take off the diet may have been cheating. On average Atkins dieters achieve a 13% reduction in cholesterol.  More importantly the level of HDL (good Stuff) increases drastically while Triglycerides (bad stuff) drops.  The exact oppisite is true of "low fat" diets. If you are in Ketosis your body will burn the fat and thus the cholesterol. Tim 390/383/220

Response:

I went to my doc and got my blood work done (as Dr. Atkins suggests before starting Induction).  I told him I was going to be changing my way of eating to low-carb.  Doc asked me what diet plan I was using.  I told him I had been reading a book by Dr. Atkins.  He said he knew of the Atkins diet and that he just had to take someone off of it because their cholesterol skyrocketed.  Have any of you who have been on it for a bit had trouble with cholesterol going higher?  I would think that as long as I did the low-carb and eat the rest sensibly (not hamburger 24 hrs a day) that I would be ok. Any comments or suggestions out there?

In the book Protein Power, there’s a discussion of a fatty acid called arachidonic acid. It elevates cholesterol levels in people sensitive to it. It’s found most frequently in beef fat and eggs. It’s suggested that people who are following a low-carb diet and finding their cholesterol is going up may want to eliminate those items from their diets and check for results after a few weeks. — Brenda Daverin "Usenet is just email with witnesses." — Rob Hansen

Response:

I went to my doc and got my blood work done (as Dr. Atkins suggests before starting Induction).  I told him I was going to be changing my way of eating to low-carb.  Doc asked me what diet plan I was using.  I told him I had been reading a book by Dr. Atkins.  He said he knew of the Atkins diet and that he just had to take someone off of it because their cholesterol skyrocketed.  Have any of you who have been on it for a bit had trouble with cholesterol going higher?  I would think that as long as I did the low-carb and eat the rest sensibly (not hamburger 24 hrs a day) that I would be ok. Any comments or suggestions out there? Heidi Carr (who wants to look good in the bridesmaid dress at her sister’s wedding 07/17/99)

My cholesterol, which I could never get down thru exercise, and lots of low fat diets finally came down big time after being on Atkins for a few weeks.  My overall numbers were better, but I was tested a few weeks after getting off Atkins diet, so my body chemistry was stabilized.  I think there is a short term rise in cholesterol, but what counts is how things are later, rather than sooner. Good luck.

Response:

*Most* people see a lowered cholesterol on the Atkins diet. Some see an overall rise but an improvement in the ratios. There are a few who see a rise in cholesterol. Others have mentioned the explanation the Eades give in Protein Power. Personally I have seen my own overall cholesterol go from 218 to 177. — Debbie dcusick at prodigy dot net "You can’t leave footprints in the sands of time by sitting on your butt. And who wants to leave buttprints in the sands of time?" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I went to my doc and got my blood work done (as Dr. Atkins suggests before starting Induction).  I told him I was going to be changing my way of eating to low-carb.  Doc asked me what diet plan I was using.  I told him I had been reading a book by Dr. Atkins.  He said he knew of the Atkins diet and that he just had to take someone off of it because their cholesterol skyrocketed.

Response:

|Remember that the person the doc had to take off the diet may have been |cheating. Excellent point! Reality tells us that a very high percentage of those on ANY diet/plan cheat!…..:) |On average Atkins dieters achieve a 13% reduction in cholesterol.  More |importantly the level of HDL (good Stuff) increases drastically while |Triglycerides (bad stuff) drops.  The exact oppisite is true of "low fat" |diets. There are "rare" occurrences – due to unusual physiological conditions – where cholesterol counts, levels and ratios don’t improve, but they are "rare"……. I have a cousin – lady – who got her weight down with a low fat regimen, but her cholesterol did NOT improve! No matter how "little" fat she ate, it remained elevated – proof that the basic fact that cholesterol is manufactured in the liver as a byproduct of carbohydrate metabolism……she tried "my" low carb regimen and lost another ten pounds are her cholesterol plummeted to normal readings in three months…..! I think that’s what you can expect almost all the time……. |If you are in Ketosis your body will burn the fat and thus the cholesterol. Your body will burn fat, yes, but cholesterol isn’t "burned", it’s a chemical/physiological adjustment….. FER 290/226/160

Response:

In the book Protein Power, there’s a discussion of a fatty acid called arachidonic acid. It elevates cholesterol levels in people sensitive to it. It’s found most frequently in beef fat and eggs. It’s suggested that people who are following a low-carb diet and finding their cholesterol is going up may want to eliminate those items from their diets and check for results after a few weeks. ==== Brenda:   Don’t leave out organ meats and deli meats. These are also high in arachidonic acid.

Quite correct; and taking fish oil tablets can also help reverse the effects of arachidonic acid in the sensitive. — Brenda Daverin "Usenet is just email with witnesses." — Rob Hansen

Response:

: *Most* people see a lowered cholesterol on the Atkins diet. Some see an : overall rise but an improvement in the ratios. There are a few who see a : rise in cholesterol. Others have mentioned the explanation the Eades give : in Protein Power. Personally I have seen my own overall cholesterol go from : 218 to 177. I’m one of the NOT most.  My total cholesterol went from 240 320, LDL from 160 220, HDL from 51 59.  I did NOT cheat, and did take Atkins Essential Oil supplements. fwiw, I started taking Zocor last week, and have lost 2 pounds since then, so I have to think it is not interfering with my LC WOE. I have, however, given up heavy cream, and am cutting back on the eggs and red meats. The only thing I’ll miss is the pudding audrey 170/140/125        *  when the going gets weird LC since 4/98              *    the weird turn pro… (remove ‘nospam’)         *         -raoul duke

Response:

I’m one of the NOT most.  My total cholesterol went from 240 320, LDL from 160 220, HDL from 51 59.  I did NOT cheat, and did take Atkins Essential Oil supplements.

Did low fat ever do anything for your cholesterol?  Because mine continued to climb on a few years of low fat, and also continued to climb on low carb.  Even when I was taking Cholesteramine Resin (prevents all fats from being digested) on low fat, it didn’t lower. It’s an inherited faulty LDL receptor problem. My theory is that if low fat diet helps your cholesterol, low carb probably will also, and if low fat didn’t help, low carb probably will not help either. I was also prescribed Zocor, but I’m a little nervous about it, with the liver tests and all. I have, however, given up heavy cream, and am cutting back on the eggs and red meats. The only thing I’ll miss is the pudding

SF pudding made with milk is 11g (vanilla) or 13g (chocolate) per 1/2 cup serving.  You might be able to occasionally fit it in, if your CCL isn’t too low. In the ricotta thread, I posted my latest dessert, which tastes like a raspberry cheesecake pudding.   —                 "There’s a seeker born every minute."

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In the book Protein Power, there’s a discussion of a fatty acid called arachidonic acid. It elevates cholesterol levels in people sensitive to it. It’s found most frequently in beef fat and eggs. It’s suggested that people who are following a low-carb diet and finding their cholesterol is going up may want to eliminate those items from their diets and check for results after a few weeks. ==== Brenda:  Don’t leave out organ meats and deli meats. These are also high in arachidonic acid.         Harry

And MOST CERTAINLY don’t leave out peanuts and peanut butter, which are practically MADE of the stuff. -John Sangster  Wellesley Hills, MA

Response:

Hello!!!!! this causes great concern to me. I’m in this regiment (2nd week now) not only to drop weight, but also for the side benefits of lower bp and lower cholesterol. I’ve basically stopped beign concerned with fats, drastically increased my beef, eggs, pork consumption. Now I’m reading here that my cholesterol levels could go sky high?? PLEASE, more information on this subject, from someone who knows, would be greatfully apreciated. Thanks Tony – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In the book Protein Power, there’s a discussion of a fatty acid called arachidonic acid. It elevates cholesterol levels in people sensitive to it. It’s found most frequently in beef fat and eggs. It’s suggested that people who are following a low-carb diet and finding their cholesterol is going up may want to eliminate those items from their diets and check for results after a few weeks. ==== Brenda:  Don’t leave out organ meats and deli meats. These are also high in arachidonic acid.         Harry And MOST CERTAINLY don’t leave out peanuts and peanut butter, which are practically MADE of the stuff. -John Sangster  Wellesley Hills, MA

Response:

And MOST CERTAINLY don’t leave out peanuts and peanut butter, which are practically MADE of the stuff.

Question: I’ve checked the USDA database of nutritional content of foods, and they don’t list arachidonic acid.  Is there a master list of foods that contain it, or a database available that lists its content?  I seem to be one of the unfortunates whose cholesterol went UP on Atkins, and I’m trying to figure what I can do to stay on low-carb.  Thanks. Marc 180/157/155

Response:

: this causes great concern to me. I’m in this regiment (2nd week now) not only : to drop weight, but also for the side benefits of lower bp and lower : cholesterol. I’ve basically stopped beign concerned with fats, drastically : increased my beef, eggs, pork consumption. Now I’m reading here that my : cholesterol levels could go sky high?? : PLEASE, more information on this subject, from someone who knows, would be : greatfully apreciated. : Thanks : Tony it could go sky high.  and then again, it could drop. YMMV depending on your body!  make sure you get your blood work done! i am the only person i know – IRL – who has seen an increase in cholesterol low-carbing.  i’d really hoped it’d drop like it did for my husband, and a couple friends.  but then again, none of them ever had a problem with high numbers like i’d had in the past – maybe that’s the key…(i’d bounced from a low in the 230’s to a high in the 320’s over the past 15 years). audrey  170/140/125       *  when the going gets weird  LC since 4/98             *    the weird turn pro… (remove ‘nospam’)         *         -raoul duke

Response:

arachidonic acid  -  I cannot find this in any of the books I have at home.  I am trying to keep choesteral down also and use only the whites of eggs – don’t know if they have this "a" acid or if it’s just in the yolks.  Anybody else know?

Response:

I was just re-reading Protein Power and they have the info in there about arachidonic acid.  The Eades say it’s found in all meats, esp. red and organ meats, and in egg yolks. It is not in egg whites. SueP 156/136.5/118 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – arachidonic acid  -  I cannot find this in any of the books I have at home.  I am trying to keep choesteral down also and use only the whites of eggs – don’t know if they have this "a" acid or if it’s just in the yolks.  Anybody else know?

Response:

In that case – After how long into LC  one should decide that he is sensitive to the arachidonic acid? W’v just started – fourth day of Protein Power. We have to lose whight, lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol ratios. Thanks, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was just re-reading Protein Power and they have the info in there about arachidonic acid.  The Eades say it’s found in all meats, esp. red and organ meats, and in egg yolks. It is not in egg whites. SueP 156/136.5/118 arachidonic acid  -  I cannot find this in any of the books I have at home.  I am trying to keep choesteral down also and use only the whites of eggs – don’t know if they have this "a" acid or if it’s just in the yolks.  Anybody else know?

Response:

Question: I’ve checked the USDA database of nutritional content of foods, and they don’t list arachidonic acid.

Marc,  the other name for AA is 20:4w6…I’d check for the 20:4 group in the USDA list of fatty acids. Lynne 170 pounds lost the lowcarb way–maintaining since Feb ‘97

Response:

i am the only person i know – IRL – who has seen an increase in cholesterol low-carbing.  i’d really hoped it’d drop like it did for my husband, and a couple friends.  but then again, none of them ever had a problem with high numbers like i’d had in the past – maybe that’s the key…(i’d bounced from a low in the 230’s to a high in the 320’s over the past 15 years).

Well, in my case I went from the 190’s in 1995 to 267 recently… after being on Atkins for 22 months.  So my problem was not being high to start with. Marc 180/158/155

Response:

Question: I’ve checked the USDA database of nutritional content of foods, and they don’t list arachidonic acid. Marc,  the other name for AA is 20:4w6…I’d check for the 20:4 group in the USDA list of fatty acids.

Glad I asked… now, since I’m lazy and do not want to spend hours querying that database with every food I’ve ever eaten, does anyone have a list of AA rich foods?  If not, I guess I’ll post one after slugging through the database. Marc 180/158/155

Response:

Question:

Niacin sure upsets my stomach… taking 400 mgs a day so far.. doc wants me to go to 2000 mgs daily.. got high chloresterol…genetic I think. also taking Zocor, am 54 only acouple months now.

For what it’s worth, I’ve been taking 3,000 mg (that’s right, 3 grams) of niacin daily (three divided doses) for a year now to control cholesterol.  My physician approves, monitors for liver function, and we find it controls my total cholesterol better than Zocor, and raises my HDL cholesterol which Zocor did not do.  I am not now taking Zocor or any other statin drug. I had minimal flushing for about two months, none thereafter.  I got a whopping case of a skin rash, which abated after about three weeks (I didn’t stop the niacin) and it has not returned.

Response:

Dr. Weil mentions "flush-free" aka "inositol-bound" niacin (aka inositol hexanicotinate) as the only type he would recommend for the dosage levels necessary for cholesterol reduction.

Is this the same as timed-release niacin?  My physician insisted that I NOT take the timed release niacin in high doses, because it has a much higher incidence of liver function changes than the stuff which is not timed release.

Response:

<<<Is this the same as timed-release niacin?  My physician insisted that I NOT take the timed release niacin in high doses, because it has a much higher incidence of liver function changes than the stuff which is not timed release. This is correct.  The literature now shows that timed-release niacin is tough on your liver.  Stick with the regular dose, and increase it slowly throughout the month and your body will adapt. Stop whining about Chiropractic research and find it on MEDLINE: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/ RPG Greyhawk:  http://members.aol.com/emirikol7——-

Response:

I read recently about a substance that can modulate the vasodilating effect of niacin, but I cant remember what it is.  Can anybody help me out?

Probably aspirin — but I think you have to take at least one a day to keep the niacin flush away. Apparently, changing one’s EFA balance — notably by taking GLA supplements or extra omega-3’s — can also modulate niacin’s vasoldilating effect, but I can’t remember in which direction(s).

Syd

Response:

<<<Is this the same as timed-release niacin?  My physician insisted that I NOT take the timed release niacin in high doses, because it has a much higher incidence of liver function changes than the stuff which is not timed release. This is correct.  The literature now shows that timed-release niacin is tough on your liver.  Stick with the regular dose, and increase it slowly throughout the month and your body will adapt.

No, the inositol hexaniacinate form of niacin isn’t the same as slow-release niacin.  It’s a supposedly safer compound of niacin, and it isn’t slow release. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

: Is a dose of 750mg of niacin daily, in divided doses, going : to cause any liver problems? Or is 1g the starting point?

My physician had me on 4,000 mg daily for several years.  My liver enzymes were slightly elevated during this time.  I have taken 2,000 mg daily for many years now.  Liver enzymes are normal with this dose.   Check the orthomolecular sites.  They have alot of info about Niacin. Judith

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Is a dose of 750mg of niacin daily, in divided doses, going : to cause any liver problems? Or is 1g the starting point? : : Most professionals would caution against anything _near_ this amount. Hathcock, "Quantitative Evaluation of Vitamin Safety", from _Pharmacy Times_, pp. 104-113 (1985): "Niacin intakes up to 1,000 mg as nicotinic acid appear to be completely safe." Bryan

I disagree that it is completely safe. I developed a sever case of Acanthosis Nigricans and had to stop using it altogether.

Response:

   Vit C should do a better job of lowering cholesterol than does niacin.

My experience of taking Vitamin C would suggest that it does diddly in altering cholesterol levels. Nicotinic Acid ( niacin ) is a different story. Bye,

Response:

I read recently about a substance that can modulate the vasodilating effect of niacin, but I cant remember what it is.  Can anybody help me out? Stop whining about Chiropractic research and find it on MEDLINE: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/ RPG Greyhawk:  http://members.aol.com/emirikol7——-

Response:

  Vit C should do a better job of lowering cholesterol than does niacin. Personally, I’d recommend Garlic.  Niacin is a possibility (though I don’t need it), and I already take the Vitamin C. Eric Devotee of Dr. Andrew Weil’s books: _8 Weeks To Optimum Health_ and _Spontaneous Healing_

Niacin sure upsets my stomach… taking 400 mgs a day so far.. doc wants me to go to 2000 mgs daily.. got high chloresterol…genetic I think. also taking Zocor, am 54 only acouple months now.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Is a dose of 750mg of niacin daily, in divided doses, going : to cause any liver problems? Or is 1g the starting point? : : Most professionals would caution against anything _near_ this amount. Hathcock, "Quantitative Evaluation of Vitamin Safety", from _Pharmacy Times_, pp. 104-113 (1985): "Niacin intakes up to 1,000 mg as nicotinic acid appear to be completely safe." Bryan I just read that Niacin should only be taken when a persons serum cholesterol does not come down from diet.  It should be taken only under the supervision of a physician because it can cause serious disturbances in liver function.  It should not be taken any higher than 500 mg. check out cgi.pathfinder.com/drweil/vitaminprofiler for more information. J9

        Vit C should do a better job of lowering cholesterol than does niacin.         You should all be aware in this niacin thing that free niacin is generally not available in food, although ultimately the conversion is made to niacin.         No one can intelligently speculate on the safety issue.  Virtually every doctor/nutritionist will mention the alteration of liver function with high niacin.  You can gamble if you want, and perhaps luck out if this alteration happens to be beneficial.  But like genetic mutation, 99.9999% of the time it is _bad_.  Just be glad that these niacin experimenters and self-styled chemists don’t build rocketships or airplanes. —   Delivering God’s Messages on Post-Purchase Neglect Syndrome (PPNS),       Physical Concepts & HoloBarre Fitness/Stretching Systems, NY   Facts–plenty  Synthesis–glorious  Nice bodies–nice, but irrelevant

Response:

: : Hathcock, "Quantitative Evaluation of Vitamin Safety", : from _Pharmacy Times_, pp. 104-113 (1985): : "Niacin intakes up to 1,000 mg as nicotinic acid appear to be : completely safe." : : I just read that Niacin should only be taken when a persons serum : cholesterol does not come down from diet. What you read only refers to its use as a cholesterol lowering agent. It’s not particularly relevant to this main discussion because we’re discussing the safe levels of niacin usage *per se*.  For ANY use. :                                        …It should be taken only under : the supervision of a physician because it can cause serious disturbances : in liver function. Yes, but only above certain safe levels, of course.  The question is, what are those safe levels? : It should not be taken any higher than 500 mg. I think this must be an older, more conservative estimate of safe levels. Like back in the olden days when we were warned about vitamin C usage leading to spontaneous abortions, kidney stones, and B12 destruction. I’d put a little more credence in Hathcock’s analysis, frankly. Bryan

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : from _Pharmacy Times_, pp. 104-113 (1985): : "Niacin intakes up to 1,000 mg as nicotinic acid appear to be : completely safe." : : They might be for "typical" people, with "typical" livers. : I wouldn’t bet that my typical liver today would still be : typical after six months of 1,000 mg a day of B-3. A rather cryptic remark.  Can you spell out exactly what you mean instead of using insinuations?  Do you think there would be some irreversible and negative effects from 1,000 mg a day?  Or what? : Bill W, co-founder of AA took niacin at the rate of 2,000 mg : a day for depression from the early sixties til his death of : Emphysema many years later.  This is from a book by his non- : alcoholic secretary Nell Wing. And your point is …?  You speak in riddles, my friend!  Are you accusing his niacin intake of causing his emphysema?  Do you have any proof of this unusual claim? Bryan

Dear whomever, It would seem logical that taking alot of one vitamin may interupt the balance of other corresponding vitamins in your body. We are made a very complex makeup and I definitely would never suggest this. See a physician and last but not least the hunt and peck method just does not work. WHY???? SYNERGY. Sincerley, Ken

Response:

: <<snip : Hathcock, "Quantitative Evaluation of Vitamin Safety", : from _Pharmacy Times_, pp. 104-113 (1985): : "Niacin intakes up to 1,000 mg as nicotinic acid appear to be : completely safe." : : They might be for "typical" people, with "typical" livers. : I wouldn’t bet that my typical liver today would still be : typical after six months of 1,000 mg a day of B-3. A rather cryptic remark.  Can you spell out exactly what you mean instead of using insinuations?  Do you think there would be some irreversible and negative effects from 1,000 mg a day?  Or what? : Bill W, co-founder of AA took niacin at the rate of 2,000 mg : a day for depression from the early sixties til his death of : Emphysema many years later.  This is from a book by his non- : alcoholic secretary Nell Wing. And your point is …?  You speak in riddles, my friend!  Are you accusing his niacin intake of causing his emphysema?  Do you have any proof of this unusual claim? Bryan

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Is a dose of 750mg of niacin daily, in divided doses, going : to cause any liver problems? Or is 1g the starting point? : : Most professionals would caution against anything _near_ this amount. Hathcock, "Quantitative Evaluation of Vitamin Safety", from _Pharmacy Times_, pp. 104-113 (1985): "Niacin intakes up to 1,000 mg as nicotinic acid appear to be completely safe." Bryan

I just read that Niacin should only be taken when a persons serum cholesterol does not come down from diet.  It should be taken only under the supervision of a physician because it can cause serious disturbances in liver function.  It should not be taken any higher than 500 mg. check out cgi.pathfinder.com/drweil/vitaminprofiler for more information. J9

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Is a dose of 750mg of niacin daily, in divided doses, going : to cause any liver problems? Or is 1g the starting point? : : Most professionals would caution against anything _near_ this amount. Hathcock, "Quantitative Evaluation of Vitamin Safety", from _Pharmacy Times_, pp. 104-113 (1985): "Niacin intakes up to 1,000 mg as nicotinic acid appear to be completely safe." Bryan I disagree that it is completely safe. I developed a sever case of Acanthosis Nigricans and had to stop using it altogether.

Dear Interested; The RDA for niacin is 19 mg. The Colgan Institute uses 30-100 mg mostly as nicotinamide. In the niacin form, above 30 mg causes vascular dialation with flushing, burning and itching,  the niacin flush. Apart from that discomfort, toxicity is low up to 1,000 mg per day. Have a great day Ken

Response:

1000 mg/day of crystalline niacin is the lowest dose that helps.  There are some people that do develop hepatitis using niacin.  If you choose to use niacin then have your liver enzymes checked every year. Talk to your physician before taking niacin. Trust that this information is more informative. says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : <<snip : Hathcock, "Quantitative Evaluation of Vitamin Safety", : from _Pharmacy Times_, pp. 104-113 (1985): : "Niacin intakes up to 1,000 mg as nicotinic acid appear to be : completely safe." : : They might be for "typical" people, with "typical" livers. : I wouldn’t bet that my typical liver today would still be : typical after six months of 1,000 mg a day of B-3. A rather cryptic remark.  Can you spell out exactly what you mean instead of using insinuations?  Do you think there would be some irreversible and negative effects from 1,000 mg a day?  Or what? : Bill W, co-founder of AA took niacin at the rate of 2,000 mg : a day for depression from the early sixties til his death of : Emphysema many years later.  This is from a book by his non- : alcoholic secretary Nell Wing. And your point is …?  You speak in riddles, my friend!  Are you accusing his niacin intake of causing his emphysema?  Do you have any proof of this unusual claim? Bryan

Response:

   Most professionals would caution against anything _near_ this

amount. Lifer’s, however, will have you taking so much niacin you could run around naked in the North Pole, wet from a shower, and not feel the cold.

    Yes!  You remind me of Pearson and Shaw recommending sex while taking large doses of niacin.  What, I said?  You like to have sex while feeling like you’ve just been 3rd degree sunburned?  No wonder the leather costumes.      It would seem then, that Big Momma Nature had not intended boucou niacin flushes, unless, of course, you are using them as

sexual aids, as I once did, inadvertantly.<<     What?  You’re into that?   I’m agreeing more with your idea of torturing those small poodles with the niacin flush.  And other worse annoyances.  Pekinese.

Response:

: Is a dose of 750mg of niacin daily, in divided doses, going : to cause any liver problems? Or is 1g the starting point? : : Most professionals would caution against anything _near_ this amount. Hathcock, "Quantitative Evaluation of Vitamin Safety", from _Pharmacy Times_, pp. 104-113 (1985): "Niacin intakes up to 1,000 mg as nicotinic acid appear to be completely safe." Bryan

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Is a dose of 750mg of niacin daily, in divided doses, going : to cause any liver problems? Or is 1g the starting point? : : Most professionals would caution against anything _near_ this amount. Hathcock, "Quantitative Evaluation of Vitamin Safety", from _Pharmacy Times_, pp. 104-113 (1985): "Niacin intakes up to 1,000 mg as nicotinic acid appear to be completely safe." Bryan

They might be for "typical" people, with "typical" livers. I wouldn’t bet that my typical liver today would still be typical after six months of 1,000 mg a day of B-3. Bill W, co-founder of AA took niacin at the rate of 2,000 mg a day for depression from the early sixties til his death of Emphysema many years later.  This is from a book by his non- alcoholic secretary Nell Wing. Dr Abram Hoffer <sp has been using mega dose niacin to treat Schizophrenia for more than thirty years, but all references I have seen recommended that liver function be monitored for doses in the range above 500 mg, to imply that is a sage dose for everyone. TW Morey Not a Doc

Response:

Is a dose of 750mg of niacin daily, in divided doses, going to cause any liver problems? Or is 1g the starting point? Any info appreciated. Thanks…

        Most professionals would caution against anything _near_ this amount. Lifer’s, however, will have you taking so much niacin you could run around naked in the North Pole, wet from a shower, and not feel the cold.         If the intention of all this niacin supplementation is cholesterol reduction, you are much better off with Vitamin C, which has a known and direct role in cholesterol degradation.         Most people don’t realize that most niacin in food is not available as free niacin but as NAD or some other bound form, which is eventually converted to niacin (or niacinamide, or some ping-ponging back and forth).  It would seem then, that Big Momma Nature had not intended boucou niacin flushes, unless, of course, you are using them as sexual aids, as I once did, inadvertantly.         In fact, let me tell you the story…. —     If anything should be given 750 mg of Niacin, it should be one of those god-awful toy poodles.  Give it something to really yap about….            Physical Concepts & HoloBarre Fitness Systems, NY   Facts–cheap   Synthesis–glorious   Nice bodies–nice, but irrelevant

Response:

Is a dose of 750mg of niacin daily, in divided doses, going to cause any liver problems? Or is 1g the starting point? Any info appreciated. Thanks…

Response:

Believe the toxic level to be much higher than 1 gram, as I took 1-2 grams daily for years with no ill effects. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is a dose of 750mg of niacin daily, in divided doses, going to cause any liver problems? Or is 1g the starting point?

Response:

Question:

Does anyone have any information about cholestral lowering medications affection menopause or rosacea.   I read an article that said rosacea was affected by cholestral lowering meds but did not identify which meds.  Thank for any help.   Ronnie

Response:

Hi Ronnie, I don’t have personal experience with these drugs, but can offer you some advice.  Read the side effects of these medications in the product insert. Zocor is in the Sept 1, 1997 Women’s Day magazine and the side effects are listed in the real fine print on the next page after the ad.  It says "This list is not complete.  Be sure to ask your doctor about side effects before taking Zocor and to discuss any side effects that accur."  Here’s the list: DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: Constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, gas, heartburn, stomach pain’cramps, anorexia, loss of appetite, nausea, inflammation of the pancreas, hepatitis, jaundice, fatty changes in the liver, and, rarely severs liver damage and failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. MUSCLE, SKELETAL: Muscle cramps, aches, pain, and weakness; joint pain; muscle breakdown. NERVOUS SYSTEM: Dizziness, headache, insomnia, tingling, memory loss, damage to nerves causing weakness and/or loss of sensation and/or abnormal sensations, anxiety, depression, tremor, loss of balance, psychic disturbances. SKIN: Rash, itching, hair loss, dryness, nodules, discoloration. EYE/SENSES: Blurred vision, altered taste sensation, progression of cataracts, eye muscle weakness. HYPERSENSITIVITY (ALLERGIC) REACTIONS: On rare occassions, a wide variety of symptoms have been reported to occur either alone or together in groups (referred to as a syndrome) that appear to be based on allergic-type reactions, which may rarely be fatal…… OTHER: Loss of sexual desire, breast enlargement, impotence. As you can see from this list, these are not mild drugs, but have the potential for serious side effects and many of the side effects are similar to those of both rosacea and menopause.  It would follow that if you took one of these drugs, there is potential for exaccerbation of symptoms already existing or normally occuring in menopause or rosacea. Just my speculation. Cheryl Howdego wrote in article … – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

Does anyone have any information about cholestral lowering medications affection menopause or rosacea.   I read an article that said rosacea was affected by cholestral lowering meds but did not identify which meds.  Thank for any help. Ronnie

Response:

My E-mail address is incorrect on my first letter. Correct address is all…@nbnet.nb.ca A. Goodfelllow <A. Goodfel…@nbnet.nb.ca

wrote in article

<01bcc9cf$a7133b80$4160a…@System.nbnet.nb.ca

…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -

I am looking for anyone who is having a similar experience wit menopause

as

I am having. I have going through menopause for a few years. I am 55. My biggest problem is tingling and numbness in the head and it can also go

to

my arms and legs. I tried soya milk but that seemed to make both hot flashes and head problem worse. I have tried premarin and provera but the nausea is to bad that I loose weight because I can’t eat. I tried estrace and promitrium and that agreed with me much better but my first monthly bleeding was heavy so I was taken off it. I am presently going to try

3mg

of premarin and 200mg of prometrium. Has anyone had a similar problem and if so what are the solutions, if any?                            Thanks for you time                                            Nan

Response:

I am looking for anyone who is having a similar experience wit menopause as I am having. I have going through menopause for a few years. I am 55. My biggest problem is tingling and numbness in the head and it can also go to my arms and legs. I tried soya milk but that seemed to make both hot flashes and head problem worse. I have tried premarin and provera but the nausea is to bad that I loose weight because I can’t eat. I tried estrace and promitrium and that agreed with me much better but my first monthly bleeding was heavy so I was taken off it. I am presently going to try .3mg of premarin and 200mg of prometrium. Has anyone had a similar problem and if so what are the solutions, if any?                                 Thanks for you time                                                 Nan

Response:

Hi Nan, A. Goodfelllow wrote:

I am looking for anyone who is having a similar experience wit menopause as I am having. My biggest problem is tingling and numbness in the head and it can also go to my arms and legs.

I had the tingling and numbness for a six week period about a year ago when I was taking Premphase.  I never got it in my head, though.  A girlfriend of mine said that she also experienced this tingling and numbness during peri-menopause.  In her case she was hospitalized for a month with no definite diagnosis.

Has anyone had a similar problem and if so what are the solutions, if any?

I don’t have any solutions, per se.  I went to the doctor and had an excrutiating test where they stuck needles in my good arm and numb arm, gave me an electric shock and registered the muscle(?) response.  They found no difference between the numb arm and good arm.  My doctor, who was treating me for peri-menopause, never made the connection between this symptom and menopause.  On this newsgroup I was told that the original women who came up with the 34 symptoms list had also experienced this tingling and numbness and that it was included in #19: Headache change, increase or decrease.  What "cured" me was taking that horrible, money wasting, painful test.  I decided to put up with the numbness and just like having your foot fall asleep, I’d exercise my arm and hand to try to wake it up.  How you’re going to do that to your head, I’m not sure.  At any rate, mine only lasted six weeks.  How long has this been going on for you? Cool Runnings, HomemakerJ

Response:

Have you seen a neurologist?

Response:

On 25 Sep 1997, it was written:

I am looking for anyone who is having a similar experience wit menopause as I am having. I have going through menopause for a few years. I am 55. My biggest problem is tingling and numbness in the head and it can also go to my arms and legs. I tried soya milk but that seemed to make both hot flashes and head problem worse. I have tried premarin and provera but the

        Interesting Nan, on the soy milk part. Several of us had the same reaction with waning hot flashes getting much worse. Coincidence? I don’t know but we all reported this independently.         Others have mentioned the tingling numbness. A friend finally tied her into stress, shallow breathing. Hyperventilation? Any help? Joan L.

Response:

Question:

I recently started taking micronase (the name on the bottle is glyburide, but anyway).  The effects on my bG levels have been spectacular. Nontheless, my doctor has said something to the effect that "It’d be good if you could stop taking it, and control your diabetes through diet". She hasn’t recommended this as a course of treatment yet, but has mentioned it more as a long-term goal. My question is why?  I know the long term effects of not controlling my bG, so we don’t need to go into that.  I also know that it is possible, for some people, to manage their diabetes through diet.  But, if glyburide is working for me, why abandon it?

Actually, the problem is that many people develop a resistance to the medication over time (as I did) and end up going on insulin when it fails. If you don’t develop a resistance then another long term result is it overburdens your pancreas and possibly the liver with similar consequences. Part of the problme is how these drugs work – they stimulate the pancreas into overproduction of insulin to compensate for type IIs’ inability to use insulin effectively. If you lose weight (20 lbs. or more if your really overweight) you will likely raise your metabolism to the point where your body may go into ‘recession’ (as I did once). Regular exercise and a healthy low fat low carb diet is essential here to raise your metabolism long term. You may also consult with your doctor about using Glucophage which is a medication that helps the body utilize insulin more effectively rather than produce more. It should have the long term defficiencies that traditional treatments such as micronase have. Good luck, Howard

Response:

writes: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I recently started taking micronase (the name on the bottle is glyburide, but anyway).  The effects on my bG levels have been spectacular.   Nontheless, my doctor has said something to the effect that "It’d be good if you could stop taking it, and control your diabetes through diet". She hasn’t recommended this as a course of treatment yet, but has mentioned it more as a long-term goal. My question is why?  I know the long term effects of not controlling my bG, so we don’t need to go into that.  I also know that it is possible, for some people, to manage their diabetes through diet.  But, if glyburide is working for me, why abandon it? The answer could be that there are long-term side effects to this medication, and that wouldn’t surprise me (many drugs have long term effects).  That’s the basis of my question–I am ignorant about this, and would like to know if there is any data handy on long-term exposure to this medication.  Considering the risks of letting my bG float back up, I’d like to see some pretty good reasons to stop taking the drug.   —      |      |      +——www URL:  http://www.io.com/user/joeobrin/

Hi Joe!!     I was wondering about the long term effect of micronase also.  I am taking about 2.5 mg per day based on my morning blood sugar reading. According to my son, a physician (just graduated!!), in this dosage it doesn’t appear to have the longterm effects of the first generation drugs like Diabanese(?)  etc.  However, I am sure, that its better to be off a drug than on it.      I am taking zocor for hypercholesteremia and convinced my physician to reduce the dosage. Again, I would rather not take a drug than take it, if I had the choice.     I am not  sure what knowledge there is about long term effect for all these drugs…they haven’t been around for the long term!                                                         Best Wishes                                                        Al O

Response:

: The biggest long term side effect is that you can only take so much per : day, (I believe that it is 4 blue or green tablets whatever their : concentration) and after several years, the body grows immune to them.   : The micronaise or glybutrol is not an insulin, but a stimulus for the : islands which generate insulin.  If you grow immune to the medication, : you will then have to go onto real insulin, since your body will begin : shutting down its insulin manufacturing capabilities. Well, not exactly IMMUNE. In Type II’s, over time, the beta cells get "fatigued" and unable to respond to high glucose levels by secreting enough insulin. (This in addition to insulin resistance which means they need a lot of the stuff to begin with). The sulfonylureas stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin, but after a while, they become unable to overcome the increasing "fatigue" factor, and so become ineffective. The longer a Type II stays off them, the more years it will be before requiring insulin. There is also some evidence, but by no means agreement in the medical profession, that the sulfonylureas hasten the beta cell fatigue by overstimulating the cells.   Smiles, ._c- ._c- ._c- ._c- ._c- ._c- ._c- ._c- ._c- ._c- ._c- ._c- ._c- ._c- ._c- Natalie A. Sera, AKA Dr. Quack, with all her ducks in a row!!!!          ___ Type / 3, MI 4x (3Hs and an N) 30u a day, 2 years. Proud mother of Josh, age 22             ._c- ._c- ._c- ._c- ._c- ._c- ._c- ._c- ._c- ._(` ._c- ._c- ._c- ._c- ._c-                                          Can YOU find the Ugly Duckling?

Response:

I recently started taking micronase (the name on the bottle is glyburide, but anyway).  The effects on my bG levels have been spectacular.   Nontheless, my doctor has said something to the effect that "It’d be good if you could stop taking it, and control your diabetes through diet". She hasn’t recommended this as a course of treatment yet, but has mentioned it more as a long-term goal. My question is why?  I know the long term effects of not controlling my bG, so we don’t need to go into that.  I also know that it is possible, for some people, to manage their diabetes through diet.  But, if glyburide is working for me, why abandon it?

  Micronase works primarily by stimulating your pancreas to produce more insulin. It has generally been found that Type II diabetics who start with micronase eventually have to go on insulin which is the reason it is to your advantage to control your blood sugar without micronase. Also it is possible to get episodes of hypoglycemia on micronase(through less likely than on insulin). I am a type II diabetic who has used micronase but am now controlling my blood sugar with just diet and exercise (though my blood sugar is not as low as it was with micronase, but I am also not getting episodes of hypoglycemia).     Hope this is helpful to you.                                 Jerry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -The answer could be that there are long-term side effects to this medication, and that wouldn’t surprise me (many drugs have long term effects).  That’s the basis of my question–I am ignorant about this, and would like to know if there is any data handy on long-term exposure to this medication.  Considering the risks of letting my bG float back up, I’d like to see some pretty good reasons to stop taking the drug.   —      |      |      +——www URL:  http://www.io.com/user/joeobrin/

Response:

I recently started taking micronase (the name on the bottle is glyburide, but anyway).  The effects on my bG levels have been spectacular. My question is why?  I know the long term effects of not controlling my bG, so we don’t need to go into that.  I also know that it is possible, for some people, to manage their diabetes through diet.  But, if glyburide is working for me, why abandon it?

The biggest long term side effect is that you can only take so much per day, (I believe that it is 4 blue or green tablets whatever their concentration) and after several years, the body grows immune to them.   The micronaise or glybutrol is not an insulin, but a stimulus for the islands which generate insulin.  If you grow immune to the medication, you will then have to go onto real insulin, since your body will begin shutting down its insulin manufacturing capabilities. — &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Eddie Van Huffel NEVER TRUST A MACHINE THAT CAN’T COUNT HIGHER THAN 1

Response:

I recently started taking micronase (the name on the bottle is glyburide, but anyway).  The effects on my bG levels have been spectacular.   Nontheless, my doctor has said something to the effect that "It’d be good if you could stop taking it, and control your diabetes through diet". She hasn’t recommended this as a course of treatment yet, but has mentioned it more as a long-term goal. My question is why?  I know the long term effects of not controlling my bG, so we don’t need to go into that.  I also know that it is possible, for some people, to manage their diabetes through diet.  But, if glyburide is working for me, why abandon it? The answer could be that there are long-term side effects to this medication, and that wouldn’t surprise me (many drugs have long term effects).  That’s the basis of my question–I am ignorant about this, and would like to know if there is any data handy on long-term exposure to this medication.  Considering the risks of letting my bG float back up, I’d like to see some pretty good reasons to stop taking the drug.   —       |       |       +——www URL:  http://www.io.com/user/joeobrin/

Response:

Question:

Re the foregoing messages on the high-fat diet apparently used to treat severe epilepsy…got me to wondering about a related topic which I will toss out for consideration. There has been a statistical  correlation found (I have read) between _low_ levels of blood cholesterol and death from a: cancer and b: accidents and/or suicide.  The rise in these offsets any cardiovascular savings (again, in people with abnormally _low_ cholesterol). I have more than a passing interest in this, as I have never on a bad day had a cholesterol reading over 145 mg/dl, and more commonly test in the high 120’s to low 130’s.  (Good hdl/ldl ratio too). So:  of those people reading this newsgroup who think or know they have ADD, do you know your blood cholesterol level as well?  And is it high/normal/low or whatever?  Could there be some characteristic link between cholesterol (a precursor of several useful body products) and certain neurotransmitters? (a precursor of several useful body products) and certain neurotransmitters? I’m aware this would not be a scientific sampling, but I’ve been curious whether there might be some sort of link here.  (And not only because it’d be a kick to see whether my mail-order pharmacy service would honor a scrip for 90 days’ worth of spare ribs.) **Really, truly wonderful, witty & profound .sig available upon request **Chris Leithiser, in Bakersfield, the Lower Descending Colon of California

Response:

So:  of those people reading this newsgroup who think or know they have ADD, do you know your blood cholesterol level as well?  And is it high/normal/low or whatever?  Could there be some characteristic link between cholesterol (a precursor of several useful body products) and certain neurotransmitters?

my blood cholesterol level is between 145 – 168. — DON’T BLAME ME, I VOTED FOR THE "OLD ELVIS" STAMP!

Response:

So:  of those people reading this newsgroup who think or know they have ADD, do you know your blood cholesterol level as well?  And is it high/normal/low or whatever?  Could there be some characteristic link between cholesterol (a precursor of several useful body products) and certain neurotransmitters? my blood cholesterol level is between 145 – 168.

My cholesterol is 167. The desirable levelis below 200mg/dl, that puts me in the lower 9%. Regular jogging and eating 4 to 6 pieces of raw fruit probably helps. LDL is also 99, below the "desirable" 130mg/dl. Cordially, Jim

Response:

Re Choloesterol Survey restricted diet + 500mg niacin daily. M, 45, 5′7", 165lbs, very fit family history of diabetes and heart trouble but no symptoms personally so far. Good Luck w/Survey, my guess is that you’ll find no relationship between ADD and cholesterol. Jack Merritt

Response:

So:  of those people reading this newsgroup who think or know they have ADD, do you know your blood cholesterol level as well?  And is it high/normal/low

I had to go on a low fat diet because my cholesterol tested at 324. After losing 20 lbs, my level went back down to 191. But I was tested again this morning, and when I get th results, I can let you know if you are interested. —                                         Seth

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So:  of those people reading this newsgroup who think or know they have ADD, do you know your blood cholesterol level as well?  And is it high/normal/low or whatever?  Could there be some characteristic link between cholesterol (a precursor of several useful body products) and certain neurotransmitters? my blood cholesterol level is between 145 – 168. — DON’T BLAME ME, I VOTED FOR THE "OLD ELVIS" STAMP!

my blood cholesterol level is between 115 – 128 Of all the gin-joints in the world, why’d

Response:

cholesterol level was 230+, dropped to ~150 since taking zocor.

| Re the foregoing messages on the high-fat diet apparently used to treat | severe epilepsy…got me to wondering about a related topic which I will | toss out for consideration. | | There has been a statistical  correlation found (I have read) between _low_ | levels of blood cholesterol and death from a: cancer and b: accidents and/or | suicide.  The rise in these offsets any cardiovascular savings (again, in | people with abnormally _low_ cholesterol). | | I have more than a passing interest in this, as I have never on a bad day | had a cholesterol reading over 145 mg/dl, and more commonly test in the high | 120’s to low 130’s.  (Good hdl/ldl ratio too). | | So:  of those people reading this newsgroup who think or know they have ADD, | do you know your blood cholesterol level as well?  And is it high/normal/low | or whatever?  Could there be some characteristic link between cholesterol | (a precursor of several useful body products) and certain neurotransmitters? | (a precursor of several useful body products) and certain neurotransmitters? | | I’m aware this would not be a scientific sampling, but I’ve been curious | whether there might be some sort of link here.  (And not only because it’d | be a kick to see whether my mail-order pharmacy service would honor a scrip | for 90 days’ worth of spare ribs.) | | **Really, truly wonderful, witty & profound .sig available upon request | **Chris Leithiser, in Bakersfield, the Lower Descending Colon of California — Steve Wicker    205-730-8562

Response:

Concerning Cholesterol Mine has been up to 279 but most recently around the 230’s.  My triglycerides are very high I’m told.  The arterial sclerosis is from my mom’s side ( she died of a heart attack at age 61), the ADD is most likely from my dad’s side, as is hypertension and diabetes (late onset, I have neither so far) Best Wishes, Gwyn — Department of Physics University of Florida         –"I got the feeling that I mighta been blessed,                 I’ve just got to put these wings to test."                                         –Annie Lennox

Response: