Doreen T.

Below is a copy of a Reply Letter I sent to the WebMD after reading an article on "Cholesterol IQ"

As of Dec 4th./2000, I have yet to have a serious reply from them.

What do you think ?


Dear WebMD,

I have just finished reading your article on Cholesterol IQ and I must say I am very disappointed in what you have to say. My own research and personal experience has revealed some things completely the opposite to what you have claimed in your article in regards to how cholesterol and tri-glycerides are introduced into our "system". You have made it clear in your article, or at least seemingly clear to the reader that the fat(s) we eat is the same fat we find on our body.

Also, current research shows no exacting relationship between fats and cholesterol alone in the diet, to the fat on our body and cholesterol and tri-glycerides in the blood. It is definitely accurate to say that a "bad" ratio of LDL to HDL is not good and that a high tri-glyceride level in the blood is also a contributing factor to cardiovascular disease and related problems. There has however, been too much attention put on how do we control it (the above mentioned levels) after it is discovered to be high and not enough true research on how it got to be high in the first place. When we truly understand how the levels become high, we will have an easier time answering the questions of how do we lower and control the levels.

My own personal experience contradicts traditional thinking on controlling the levels of cholesterol and tri-glycerides in my blood chemistry. Please note that I am a poly-organic chemist as well as a C.E.T. and have a background in research. I am not a medical doctor but I have studied and researched the morphology of cholesterol and fats in the Human diet extensively. My research and personal experiences have led me to rethink some of the accepted thoughts and practices on cholesterol and fats in the diet. I have discovered several "mumpsimii" ( persistent beliefs in mistaken ideas ). Here are some of the major ones:

A diet high in cholesterol and animal fats leads to a high cholesterol level and increased tri-glyceride levels in the blood
A diet low in cholesterol and animal fats leads to a low cholesterol level and decreased tri-glyceride levels in the blood
A diet high in whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, fruits and vegetables leads to a lower cholesterol level and decreased tri-glyceride levels in the blood
High cholesterol and tri-glycerides in the blood are genetically linked and cannot be reversed
Dietary cholesterol plays no significant positive role in human physiology
On June 5th., 1998, I became a "CABBAGE Patch Kid" ( Coronary Artery Bypass Graft ) at the age of 46. I found it easy to relate to the thinking above as my father was also a CABG recipient himself at an early age ( age 53 ) and passed away with related problems at age 64. I became determined to not let the circumstances that took my father away from me, happen to me.

Relying on "Current acceptable thinking" and under the supervision of my family doctor, I dove into a Low Fat, Low cholesterol, High Fibre diet. I gave up red meat entirely, gave up on eggs and bacon, limited my diet to a maximum of 25% of calories from fats, ate lots of whole grain (stone ground only) breads, lots of oat bran cereal, pasta, broccoli, three fruits minimum daily. I ate a lot of rice, chicken ( without the skin ) and fish. I increased the quality of my food and decreased the overall amount of food that I would normally eat. I also took a Vitamin C and Vitamin E supplement and a Salmon Oil capsule. ( essential fatty acid and Omega 3 ) I remained on drug therapy for my heart rate and blood pressure and I take an aspirin a day. I take these religiously every day. Here was my results after two years:
I had lost twenty pounds during my stay in the hospital in regards to my CABG operation. I gained that all back plus ten more pounds
My Cholesterol levels almost doubled
My Tri-glyceride level tripled
My blood pressure at least remained the same
My heart rate was increased
My waist line had increased to a size 40 pant i.e. more fat on my torso
I was devastated. It began to look to me that the "Genetic" factor was looming large in the background. I almost gave in and was ready to accept my fate. But my research into this area became more extensive into the role of cholesterol, tri-glycerides and I now included insulin. After consulting with my family doctor and armed with some new research, I started on a totally different route for my diet. I go back often for blood tests and monitor my Blood Pressure and heart rate three times a day. My doctor felt that I would not see any improvement in my blood chemistry for at least 3 to 6 months, if any. Here is my results in 52 days:
My cholesterol dropped from a high of 9.4 ( Canadian levels - very high ) to 5.7
My tri-glycerides dropped from 6.22 ( Canadian levels and very high ) to 1.14 ( amazing result )
My blood pressure was 121/70 down from 145/95
Heart rate dropped from 83 to 67
Lost 34 lbs and down to a very loose 38 and soon to be size 36 pant
Increased energy level
My Doctor was amazed and I am ecstatic. I have broken the chain of circumstance that I was in and that my father had died from. Understand that I am not done yet. Further research through my family doctor's practice reveals that I am not alone in the predicament I was in. The diet suggested to us to follow by the Canadian and American Health Institutions is not working like it was told to us it would.

I have not told you what my diet pattern has been to effect these positive changes in my blood chemistry. That is on purpose. I believe you already know what it is and if you really care to know, email me to request my answer. kentid2k~hotmail.com

Thank you,
Sincerely,

Kenneth T., C.E.T., F.L.M.I.