Has anyone gone through ADHD with genetically bad cholesterol and found a lifestyle that works for them?

[PizzaPatron]

I've been diagnosed with genetically bad cholesterol from my dad's side and have found that to be difficult in trying out ADHD medication and how it relates to what strategies I have to manage my ADHD symptoms. I was thinking next time I pursue getting medication again I could try the slower acting non stimulants that take a month to kick in due to the sensitivity of my cholesterol when

I talk to my healthcare provider again. I don't take any stations or cholesterol medication. I'm 25 years old and I move around a lot at my job, and I know about cutting saturated fats out and eating more vegetables in my diet.

I think it's a dopamine issue like most people have, but it's different for me when my arms swell up like a balloon from taking different medications in the past with the worst of them being atomoxetine," The Atom Bomb" as I refer to it.

[BLC89]

Hello PizzaPatron,What is your heritage? I'm of Irish decent and born of people who live on Potatoes, lamb, and dairy and I believe we run with "higher" cholesterol.

And if you look at the history of what constitutes "high/bad" cholesterol the numbers have been getting lower and lower over the years making meds more necessary.

If you have adverse reactions and have tried all the different meds may I suggest high cardio most days of the week. I know, it seems to be the cure for many things. There is science to back up the positive impacts it has on ADHD symptoms. It takes a couple weeks to notice a difference and continues to build over time, but there are ADHDers who use exercise instead of meds. Start with just 10 minutes and build from there. 10 minutes is hopefully easy to squeeze into your schedule🤞

It's not easy to start new habits I know. If you think of it as your medicine it may be easier to do on a regular basis. Just do it as often as you can and praise the heck out of it when you get it done., seriously. You run on positive reinforcement. Do NOT beat yourself up when you don't do it, just plan when you will get to it. Be kind as you learn a new habit.

If it's an option you could find a high cholesterol expert, Lipidologist, and see if they have knowledge of what meds work. Or there may be something else going on like an allergic reaction to an ingredient in the meds or the capsules?

A second suggestion is finding a type of meditation that works for you. There are many to choose from you don't have to just sit there chanting "oooommm" there are moving meditations as well. Or possibly yoga is a good fit?

You're young and your ADHD creativity will see options/solutions others don't, including the experts. Keep looking and learning.

I hope that helps or gives you some ideas.

BLC89

Full disclosure: I am an ADHD Parent Coach. I have been married to ADHD for nearly 30 years and raised two kids who have ADHD.

[PizzaPatron in reply to BLC89]

Thanks a bunch for the supporting suggestions. Changing my framework of what exercise means to me could be helpful. Maybe I could challenge myself everyday with a boxing sport in the future to really give myself a reason for doing it.

[BLC89 in reply to PizzaPatron]

That's a great idea, find something you love and do that. Reframing is not easy but once you can do it, it is huge! It can change your life in so many areas. Keep us posted on how it goes.

[StanleyThyroid]

Hello I have higher than normal cholesterol for a long time. I am anti statins and medication for this. A couple of years ago I discovered I had hypothyroidism. Getting medicated for that helped bring my cholesterol down qute a bit (still not good) though I am still getting my medication levels sorted. Worth getting that tested . (If you are there's a great forum here with lots of information)