pumpkin seeds for cholesterol

[Harmitage]

I have under active thyroid and high blood pressure and my cholesterol is high taking a ounce of pumpkin seeds can lower blood pressure and cholesterol I am going to try these and see the outcome

[Calceolaria]

I take pumpkin seed oil capsules. This helps with bladder irritation. I have diverticular disease so I don’t risk seeds etc. Medics now say they are fine to eat but they also accept that there is a lot of anecdotal info from sufferers to the contrary.

[CatsofCatford in reply to Calceolaria]

Many years ago on a trip to Turkey our local guide was elated to find his cholesterol had finally reduced, something he attributed to taking pumpkin seed oil. He had a family history of high cholesterol/heart problems and had been trying without success to lower his cholesterol for years. Hopefully you will find success too. Good luck!

[SlowDragon Administrator]

high cholesterol is linked to being on inadequate dose levothyroxine and/or low vitamin levels

nhs.uk/conditions/statins/c...

If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), treatment may be delayed until this problem is treated. This is because having an underactive thyroid can lead to an increased cholesterol level, and treating hypothyroidism may cause your cholesterol level to decrease, without the need for statins. Statins are also more likely to cause muscle damage in people with an underactive thyroid.

What are your most recent thyroid and vitamin results

How much levothyroxine are you taking

Always get same brand levothyroxine at each prescription?

What vitamin supplements are you taking

Is your hypothyroidism autoimmune

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested

Also both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once to see if your hypothyroidism is autoimmune

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

Low vitamin levels are extremely common when hypothyroid, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease

About 90% of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroid disease, usually diagnosed by high TPO and/or high TG thyroid antibodies

Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s

Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis.

Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.

Significant minority of Hashimoto’s patients only have high TG antibodies (thyroglobulin)

20% of autoimmune thyroid patients never have high thyroid antibodies and ultrasound scan of thyroid can get diagnosis

In U.K. medics hardly ever refer to autoimmune thyroid disease as Hashimoto’s (or Ord’s thyroiditis)

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins

Post all about what time of day to test

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Testing options and includes money off codes for private testing

thyroiduk.org/testing/

Medichecks Thyroid plus BOTH TPO and TG antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes BOTH TPO and TG antibodies, cortisol and vitamins

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

Only do private testing early Monday or Tuesday morning.

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/testing/thyro...

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

thyroiduk.org/signs-and-sym...

Tips on how to do DIY finger prick test

support.medichecks.com/hc/e...

Medichecks and BH also offer private blood draw at clinic near you, or private nurse to your own home…..for an extra fee

[tattybogle]

Re. lowering high blood pressure.. it's also worth trying Flax seeds ( ground , not whole)

it was discussed on Radio 4's 'Just One Thing' ( Michael Mosely )... 18th april 2024

episode title 'Try Flax Seeds' (why feasting on flax seeds could reduce inflammation , blood pressure and benefit your skin)

Search for it on BBC 'Sounds'