Expert: Todd Bublitz, RCEP - 2/21/2003

Question
Howdy Todd,
I think you may just be the person who can help me. My triglycerides are sky high, cholerstrol is high as well and my HDL is low.

I need some sort of exercise - but I am disabled by pain from back problems that keep me from doing anything rash.  I had heard of something called "Y Dan" and that it was the sort of thing that I could do.  Have you ever heard of this?  

If you haven't, could you please tell me what I can do, exercise-wise, that can help with these problems.  I could also stand to lose about 20 pounds.  

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks much,
sue

Answer
Sue,

I looked up "Y Dan", and for $31.00 they will send you a videotape to help you learn a simpler form of Yoga or T'ai-Chi.  This same company will sell you their "Cancer Formula" for $32.00 even though it is just vitamins.

It's a scam.  You won't lower your triglycerides or cholesterol or lose weight.  You will just lose your money.  Always be skeptical of health information from a source when they are trying to sell you something.

To lower your triglycerides, first look at your diet.  Simple carbohydrates (sugars) from candy, cookies, cakes, soda pop, fruit juice and alcohol are the most common cause of high triglycerides.  See if you can give up or cut down on most of these.  This will be more effective than exercise.  Exercise can help, if you watch your diet.  If you don't watch your diet, you may need to exercise every minute that you are not eating.

The more exercise you do, the more benefit for your triglycerides and HDL.  If you exercise only a little - a little bit a week, you should not expect to see much improvement.  Ideally, we ask people to exercise (brisk walk, bike ride, jog, swim) for 30-60 minutes a day 5-7 days a week.  This should give good improvements for triglycerides and HDL.  Think of it in terms of time and calories - the more time you exercise and the more calories you burn, the better the results.

For many people, their diet and exercise changes are not enough to bring everything back to 'normal', and they may eventually need lipid-lowering medicines.  You will need to discuss all of this with your doctor before considering such a step.

To learn more about lipids and diet, exercise and medications you can visit
http://home.attbi.com/~lipid-clinic/contents.html


I hope this helps.

Best of luck!

Todd