New Vegan has a Question!!!

Hey All,

I've been Vegan for what, 2 mos. or so now? Not long, but long enough I guess. I got a complete physical that included Blood work and everything. I'm in really good shape except that my HDL levels are really low. HDL is the "Good Cholesterol" that your body needs. It moves the "Bad Cholesterol" out of your vessels and back to your liver so that it can be reprocessed. This keeps your circulatory system running great. When you have low HDL levels, you're at increased risk for Cardiovascular Disease and Heart problems since if they are not there, they can't move the LDL out of your vessels. If the LDL stays there, it builds plaque in the vessels.

My question is, that my Doctor recommended that I either stop being Vegan, or take Fish Oil supplements to get my HDL levels back up. It doesn't matter that I have very little of the "Bad Cholesterol, she was very concerned and alarmed about the low HDL. I don't really want to stop being Vegan... it's actually sticking this time, and things are going great, and I'm fired up about it. So I'm wondering if I should take the Fish Oil, and if that ruins my Veganism? They have something... Omega, something or other that my Doctor says I'm in great need of.

Any recommendations? Or is the Fish Oil supplements okay? Does that violate the Veganism?

From what I've seen, flax seed is one of the best vegan sources of omega 3s.  You can get ground flax seed or flax seed oil and add it to all kinds of foods.

I'm not a vegan, BUT in my experience, one of the best ways to boost HDL (and I swear that I have read studies about this, but I am currently too lazy to research them) is cardiovascular exercise (running, in my case).  I don't know what you're doing as far as exercise now, so please ignore me if you're already hitting the trails every day or something like that.  =)

Original Post by calvinator:

Hey All,

I've been Vegan for what, 2 mos. or so now? Not long, but long enough I guess. I got a complete physical that included Blood work and everything. I'm in really good shape except that my HDL levels are really low. HDL is the "Good Cholesterol" that your body needs. It moves the "Bad Cholesterol" out of your vessels and back to your liver so that it can be reprocessed. This keeps your circulatory system running great. When you have low HDL levels, you're at increased risk for Cardiovascular Disease and Heart problems since if they are not there, they can't move the LDL out of your vessels. If the LDL stays there, it builds plaque in the vessels.

My question is, that my Doctor recommended that I either stop being Vegan, or take Fish Oil supplements to get my HDL levels back up. It doesn't matter that I have very little of the "Bad Cholesterol, she was very concerned and alarmed about the low HDL. I don't really want to stop being Vegan... it's actually sticking this time, and things are going great, and I'm fired up about it. So I'm wondering if I should take the Fish Oil, and if that ruins my Veganism? They have something... Omega, something or other that my Doctor says I'm in great need of.

Any recommendations? Or is the Fish Oil supplements okay? Does that violate the Veganism?

I wonder why she would advise you to stop being vegan. Are you eating processed foods? Because that will really lower your HDL cholesterol due to all the hydrogenated oils. Everyone should eliminate hydrogenated oil from their diet.

You should focus on lowering your saturated fat intake and exercising regularly. And you should maintain a healthy weight.

There are many sourced of Omega 3's besides fish. Flax oil, hemp and some eggs (not that I think you should eat eggs) are all good sources.

Also, oatmeal will help suck out the bad cholesterol.

I will agree with the others that say you do not need to stop being vegan. Yes, you probably need your Omegas, but you don't need to eat fish oil(yuk!) to get them. Eat a handful of walnuts a day, and add 2 TBSP ground flaxseed in to either smoothies, oatmeal, over cereal, or on salads. Makes sure you're using the ground kind, not the whole ones, because grinding helps release the nutrients in the seeds. Flax is one of the most wonderful, and important, ways that vegans can get all the nutrients they need. They also are high in protein and fiber and other fabulous vitamins. You can buy them in most natural food stores, or places like Whole Foods. Get the kind that is refrigerated if you can, or a sealed airtight pack that you can stick in the fridge after opening. This is b/c the oils in the seeds are perishable. You can also buy flax seed oil and use it in cooking, such as in salads, but not for high heat.

Flax is a tad pricey, but don't let that keep you from buying it. It really is an important part of a healthy vegan diet.

In addition, there are fortified cereals and breads that have omegas in them. However, I'd be careful as to which ones you buy, and check ingredients, b/c they can be from animal sources-such as fish. Natures Path makes some fortified breakfast cereals that I know of, and also many places that have bulk food have FlaxPlus granola.

I'm a vegan, I eat my flax and all my other important supplements(like nutritional yeast for B12s, for example) and my blood levels are fantastic.

:)

The main way to raise your HDL is to exercise. Do cardio several times a week. Fish oil does help, but cardio is way, way better. My doctor has given me all types of retarded reasons to eat meat Please- if you live on pork and eggs you don't have to explain yourself. I don't eat fish but I do take fish oil for my skin, but I make sure I buy the ones that are mercury and PCB free. If you have good insurance there is a fish oil that extracts the saturated fat from it.

Flax oil is pricy, but the seeds are not.  I bought a large bag of organic brown flaz seeds at WHole Foods for less than $3.  Flax seeds need to be crushed or ground before you eat them...if you dont, you will not get the benefit of the oils inside.

Hi there

fellow vegan here i suggest looking at Udo's Choice oil that you can take daily, had a nutty taste and also can be put on salads taken by the spoonful or added to a thick shake!  you can be inventive about it,! also as your doctor they should respect your beliefs (religion belief is a moral and ethical choice after all! so no different) and as such seek to help you in finding suitable alternatives or recommending you to a nutritionist! at the least, hope thats helpful! cheers ;)

Apart from grounding the flax seeds, you can also soak them in a bit of water for a few hours... Then they become soft and you can add them to smoothies, cereal, salads... anything cold. You only need a spoonful a day.

I've been vegan for 14 years and I am quite healthy (apart from being overweight... I am working on it!)

Wow... you guys are really supportive. Thanks for all the advice. I'm loving the "freedom" that come from being Vegan and don't want to give it up on any circumstances. Thank you all!