Can You Follow a Keto Det if You Have High Cholesterol?

In the diet world, there are two common opinions about cholesterol: 1) Statins are a must on a keto diet. 2) Statins are a must when consuming over 2000 mg of cholesterol per day. Many people are led to believe that the former is true, but it appears that this is false. This article is written for those who want to learn about the keto diet, but also want to know if they can follow it if they have high cholesterol.

High cholesterol is a serious concern, particularly if you’re over forty and already have a family history of heart disease. But following a ketogenic diet may reduce your cholesterol levels. The ketogenic diet is a high protein, low carbohydrate diet that forces your body to produce ketones—energy molecules that can be used by your cells as fuel instead of sugar (glucose).

 

Is it hazardous to eat a low-carb, high-fat diet if you have high cholesterol? On the keto diet, how much fat should you consume? And, on a keto diet, how much snacking is permissible? Get the answers to these and other questions in this week’s Q&A with me:

Should I stop eating LCHF since my cholesterol is too high?

Hi,

Thanks to your website, I began the LCHF diet in September. I’ve dropped nearly 14 pounds (6 kilograms), which I’m pleased with, but I had my bloodwork done last week, and my cholesterol was extremely high, at 10, and apparently my bad cholesterol was also high. It had been about 5 o’clock before. I was taking a statin and stopped taking it around two months ago after viewing some videos and reading up on it. My doctor wants me to start taking statins and eating a low-fat diet, but I’m doing well on LCHF. Is there anything you could advise me on?

Thanks, Ber

Hi Ber!

We can’t tell you whether you need a statin or not since we can’t and shouldn’t provide you customized medical advice.

Stopping statins seems to cause a substantial rise in cholesterol on its own in most cases.

For a small percentage of individuals who attempt keto, cholesterol levels may skyrocket. The cholesterol profile, on the other hand, generally improves, with the good cholesterol (HDL) rising the most, which is linked to a reduced risk on its own. See this guide for additional information on the subject.

Best, Eenfeldt, Andreas

What is the smallest quantity of fat I can consume when on a ketogenic diet?

My blood sugars aren’t dropping, despite the fact that my oral monitor often shows me at 0.1. (I am insulin resistant). Typical carbohydrate content is 20-25 grams, with 120 grams of fat and 80 grams of protein. I’m 71 years old, don’t take any medicines, and am fairly active. I’ve tried intermittent fasting, but I don’t believe you can obtain all of the macros you need in one meal. I’d want to know how much fat I can eat and yet be healthy. I’m a retired registered nurse, and all that weight gives me the creeps. Keto bars are the only processed foods I consume. Since October 4th, no sugar, flour, or cereals have been consumed. My goal is to keep my blood sugars below 95. (108-ish now).

Thanks, Richelle

Hello, Richelle!

You don’t need fat energy from food if you have extra body fat reserves, as long as you can survive off your fat stores.

You do, however, need certain important fatty acids, such as omega 3 and omega 6. To prevent gall stones, it’s also a good idea to consume some fat every day.

Finally, consuming too little fat may cause hunger and exhaustion. But, once again, you don’t need much.

Best, Eenfeldt, Andreas

Cholesterol levels have risen dramatically

Hi,

My cholesterol was 189 before I tried keto. My cholesterol went up to 295 after two months on the keto diet (following the two-week challenge recipes). This makes me very concerned. Thoughts?

Terri

Hi Terri!

For a small percentage of individuals who attempt keto, cholesterol levels may skyrocket. The cholesterol profile, on the other hand, generally improves, with the good cholesterol (HDL) increasing the most. This is linked to a reduced risk on its own. See this guide for additional information on the subject.

Best, Eenfeldt, Andreas

Please let me know how many snacks we can have on the keto diet

Hi,

Please let me know how many snacks we can have on the keto diet. What is the recommended quantity of nuts if we are snacking? Is it okay if we just take them once a day?

Thanks, Kiran

Kiran,

No snacking may be the greatest choice if you’re trying to reduce weight. You may be better off eating more during your regular meals if you feel the urge for snacks. However, a snack may be a good option on occasion; see our suggestions here.

Best, Eenfeldt, Andreas

More

Beginners’ guide to Keto

Beginners’ guide to intermittent fasting

How to Drop Pounds

More inquiries and responses

There are a lot more questions and answers:

Low-carb Q&A

With all the talk about the benefits of the keto diet, some people are worried about the impact of ketosis on cholesterol. So, let’s look at what’s happened to cholesterol levels in people following a keto diet. Here are the numbers from a study published in the Journal of Translational Medicine in June.. Read more about how many carbs should i eat a day to lower cholesterol and let us know what you think.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I lower my cholesterol on keto?

The best way to lower your cholesterol on keto is by eating a healthy diet and exercising.

How does the keto diet affect cholesterol?

The keto diet has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, but it may also increase cholesterol levels.

Is keto diet good for high cholesterol and high blood pressure?

Yes, keto diet can be beneficial for people with high cholesterol and high blood pressure.