Wellness

[AlleyCat]

I have been asking for your advice on sodium and sugar lately (as I eat a lot of fruit and my sodium routinely is over 2300 mg) and I recently had my blood work done. I decided not to make any changes to see how the results would come out at my current status. Here are some of my results: (Fasting)

Sodium = 136 mmol/L Range (135-146)

Glucose = 79 mg/dL Range (65-99)

Calcium = 9.0 mg/dL Range (8.6-10.2)

These results seem really good to me although I have not consulted with my doctor yet as I accessed my results online. My Gyno did recommend that I start taking Calcium though a month ago so I need to add that to my daily regimen I guess.

What is concerning to me and I need to make an appt with my physician are my cholesterol numbers.

Triglycerides: 63mg/dL - Range (<150)

Non HDL Cholesterol: 84 mg/dL_(calc)

(Target for non HDL is 30 mg/dL higher than LDL target)

LDL: 71mg/dL_(calc) - Range (<130)

(Desirable range <100 mg/dL for patients with CHD or diabetes and <70 mg/dL for diabetic patients with known heart disease.)

HDL: 41 mg/dL - Range (> or = 46)

Total Cholesterol: 125 mg/dL - Range (125-200)

Chol/HDLC Ratio: 3.0 - Range < or =5.0)

These results indicate that my HDl is low. I don't really know how bad this is and as I said I will be making an appt to find out but in the meantime does anyone have any insights on cholesterol? I have never smoked, I am at an optimal weight for my height, and I exercise daily. The only thing I can figure out is all the processed foods I eat maybe are contributing to the low HDL?

Thanks so much!

[LilacTree]

You look pretty healthy to me. HDL should be 50 or above, but the rest of it, the "tri's" and the LDL looks very good, and the total cholesterol is excellent. Your sodium is borderline low, not anywhere near what you say you had prior in your OP, so you have obviously done pretty well with your salt intake if not more than you should have. Our bodies do need salt.

However, I certainly don't see where you have anything to worry about.

[makeup addict]

Best way to increase hdl is working out with weights. It can be two lbs hand weights a few reps a week. I wish i had your numbers. . You did good!

[adoreqvc]

Also having a bone density test when at least age 60 gives a broader picture.....

Many people do take additional calcium pills, but since there is also calcium in many dairy foods you need to discuss all these issues with your physician to see what their medical recommendation is.

14 Non-Dairy Foods That Are High in Calcium

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20845429,00.html

18 Surprising Dairy-Free Sources of Calcium

http://greatist.com/health/18-surprising-dairy-free-sources-calcium

5 Non-Dairy Foods With Calcium

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/living-well-usn/articles/2012/03/14/5-non-dairy-foods-with-calc...

[child prodigy]

On 2/21/2015 adoreqvc said:

Also having a bone density test when at least age 60 gives a broader picture.....

Many people do take additional calcium pills, but since there is also calcium in many dairy foods you need to discuss all these issues with your physician to see what their medical recommendation is.

14 Non-Dairy Foods That Are High in Calcium

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20845429,00.html

18 Surprising Dairy-Free Sources of Calcium

http://greatist.com/health/18-surprising-dairy-free-sources-calcium

5 Non-Dairy Foods With Calcium

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/living-well-usn/articles/2012/03/14/5-non-dairy-foods-with-calc...

Thanks for the great info, adoreqvc! I'm lactose intolerant and already eat lots of the foods on those lists but have now learned more sources thanks to you. OP, I hope the links are helpful to you too.It will be interesting to hear what your doctor says.

[adoreqvc]

On 2/21/2015 child prodigy said:

On 2/21/2015 adoreqvc said:

Also having a bone density test when at least age 60 gives a broader picture.....

Many people do take additional calcium pills, but since there is also calcium in many dairy foods you need to discuss all these issues with your physician to see what their medical recommendation is.

14 Non-Dairy Foods That Are High in Calcium

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20845429,00.html

<br />

18 Surprising Dairy-Free Sources of Calcium

http://greatist.com/health/18-surprising-dairy-free-sources-calcium

<br />

5 Non-Dairy Foods With Calcium

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/living-well-usn/articles/2012/03/14/5-non-dairy-foods-with-calc...

Thanks for the great info, adoreqvc! I'm lactose intolerant and already eat lots of the foods on those lists but have now learned more sources thanks to you. OP, I hope the links are helpful to you too.It will be interesting to hear what your doctor says.

Glad you find the information helpful, and I hope everyone else does too, and good luck!

[child prodigy]

Not to sidetrack, but I have to say you are an asset to the forums, adoreqvc! Lots of very helpful information and love your fabulous recipes!!!

[sktchy]

I agree child prodigy - Thanks so much for posting the useful information AdoreQVC ! - I am also lactose intolerant.

[adoreqvc]

Dear child prodigy and Pie 1993,

I read both your replies and am so very humbled.

Blessings and many thanks from the bottom of my heart for all your kind words.

I always try and add some helpful information if I can because I believe we must all help others as we walk our path on Earth.

Below are some more links which I believe can help you both, as well as also help others receive calcium which is needed for healthy aging and bone structure:

Again bone density tests at age 60 and the gyno usually does them for me, and remember to have blood tests drawn to see if you are receiving enough vitamin D.

The Sun gives us plenty of vitamin D providing we get at least 20 minutes daily exposure to the Sun, but many do not and many also worry about cancer which is understandable, so they always keep their heads well covered.

If that is the case your blood work will inform your physician if you need vitamin D supplements.

I many times do not sit in the Sun for 20 minutes at a time with my head uncovered so I take 50000 vitamin C caps....it is 4 pills per month (1 pill per week), and that gives me all the vitamin D I need.

(Best to ask your physician for their medical recommendations after they receive your blood test results).

I wish everyone good health, and again thank everyone for all their kind replies, which mean a great deal to me.

10 Ways to Get Enough Calcium if You're Lactose Intolerant

http://www.spine-health.com/blog/10-ways-get-enough-calcium-if-youre-lactose-intolerant

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http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/ss/slideshow-calcium

Lactose Intolerance: How to Get Calcium and Vitamin D

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http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/lactose-intolerance-14/rm-quiz-calcium

Healthy Living With Lactose Intolerance

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http://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health-pictures/food-substitutes-for-lactose-intolerance.asp...

8 Food Substitutes for Lactose Intolerance

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http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=1061

11 Dairy-Free Calcium Sources

[sidsmom]

Thanks for posting about non-dairy sources of calcium.

Milk is a lazy go-to for calcium needs, but many plant-based doctors are saying Dairy can actually CAUSE osteoporosis. Too much acid...and to neutralize that acid, minerals are leeched from your bones. Ironic.