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I’m On Keto Diet For More Than 3 Months, I
Question: I’m on keto diet for more than 3 months, I never cheated, I did a lipid profile testing today and my cholesterol and LDL levels were extremely elevated, cholesterol 277 mg/dl and LDL 210 mg/dl ( I fasted 12 hrs before testing)
Although my life quality went from terrible (on regular diet) to awesome quality on keto diet ( fully energetic, NO GERD on keto, increased endurance, easy digestion, no constipation, increased focus and mental clarity, no ups and downs in energy, no need to sleep after lunch or take a nap) just tons of benefits from keto I don’t want to quit but this cholesterol LDL thing kept me worried
Note Triglycerides level is very normal at 112 mg/dl and liver functions are all okay
Blood urea ok
Although my life quality went from terrible (on regular diet) to awesome quality on keto diet ( fully energetic, NO GERD on keto, increased endurance, easy digestion, no constipation, increased focus and mental clarity, no ups and downs in energy, no need to sleep after lunch or take a nap) just tons of benefits from keto I don’t want to quit but this cholesterol LDL thing kept me worried
Note Triglycerides level is very normal at 112 mg/dl and liver functions are all okay
Blood urea ok
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
I understand your concern and would explain that sometimes Keto diet can lead to high LDL levels, although it can help reduce Triglyceride levels.
This depends on your metabolism and genetics.
Coming to this point, I would recommend trying initially some natural tips to help lower LDL cholesterol:
- performing regularly aerobics
- try to lose some weight if you are overweight
- taking food rich in omega 3 fatty acids( fish, fish oil, olive oil, etc.).
If after a couple of months, high LDL levels persist, I would recommend starting a statin ( atorvastatin, etc.) to help lower LDL levels.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr.Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
I understand your concern and would explain that sometimes Keto diet can lead to high LDL levels, although it can help reduce Triglyceride levels.
This depends on your metabolism and genetics.
Coming to this point, I would recommend trying initially some natural tips to help lower LDL cholesterol:
- performing regularly aerobics
- try to lose some weight if you are overweight
- taking food rich in omega 3 fatty acids( fish, fish oil, olive oil, etc.).
If after a couple of months, high LDL levels persist, I would recommend starting a statin ( atorvastatin, etc.) to help lower LDL levels.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr.Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
I run daily on the treadmill for 65 minutes ( 8 min running, 6 min jogging, 6 min jogging at high incline, 15 min fast walking on high incline, 15 min slow walking on high incline, 1 min sprinting at XXXXXXX speed then the rest of the time maybe more running/jogging and cool down)
I%E2%80%99m not overweight
but I do not eat fish regulary maybe once a week
another question: is the keto diet safe as a permenant life style? does it lead to heart attack? should I increase plant-based fats and fish oils and lower other animal fat tremendously?
I do eat like 3-5 tablespoons extra virgin cold pressed olive oil daily (I do NOT expose EVOO to any heat I consume it raw)
I%E2%80%99m not overweight
but I do not eat fish regulary maybe once a week
another question: is the keto diet safe as a permenant life style? does it lead to heart attack? should I increase plant-based fats and fish oils and lower other animal fat tremendously?
I do eat like 3-5 tablespoons extra virgin cold pressed olive oil daily (I do NOT expose EVOO to any heat I consume it raw)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
It seems everything is OK with your lifestyle and I would encourage you to continue following this lifestyle.
I would just recommend alternating this diet with a normal diet, rich in all the components of food (fat, sugar and proteins, vitamins and electrolytes), because Keto diet is not a lifetime diet. It can lead to several adverse effects if used for a long period of time.
I would also recommend repeating blood lipid profile after a month. If LDL levels continue to be this high, I would recommend starting atorvastatin to help lower LDL levels.
Hope to have been helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
It seems everything is OK with your lifestyle and I would encourage you to continue following this lifestyle.
I would just recommend alternating this diet with a normal diet, rich in all the components of food (fat, sugar and proteins, vitamins and electrolytes), because Keto diet is not a lifetime diet. It can lead to several adverse effects if used for a long period of time.
I would also recommend repeating blood lipid profile after a month. If LDL levels continue to be this high, I would recommend starting atorvastatin to help lower LDL levels.
Hope to have been helpful!
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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