At my 2 year old daughter's 2 year appointment they suggested that she have a blood screen for her cholesterol since high cholesterol runs in our family (it's a hereditary thing, the people who have it are not obese and neither is my daughter). We had it checked and it came back 208 and it should be between 120-170! They want to do a more extensive screening. At the time they did the first test she was still nursing and we have now stopped that cause I thought the breastmilk might be contributing to her high cholesterol. She is scheduled to go back for the extensive blood test next week and I have to make her fast 12 hours prior to the test. Has anybody else been through this with their little one? If so, what is the doctor going to do if the test comes back high again. I don't consider my daughter's diet to be poor and I seriously doubt they are going to put her on any medication this young. Do they just want to do this to keep an eye on her for future problems? Thanks for your help!
I got my daughter's test results today and her cholesterol is down to 182! I now feel like it was my breastmilk contributing to her high cholesterol on the first test. The doctor wasn't concerned at this point. We're just supposed to keep an eye on her diet which we do anyway. Thank you to everyone who replied to my post! I appreciate all the advice!!!
Check out pure coconut oil and how it helps with lowering cholesterol.
C.
Was her first blood test for cholesterol a fasting test? They sent my 2 year old for the same test since he was a big boy and it came back high and they freaked us out with all sorts of stuff and sent us to a cardiologist. We were told that he was fine and to not worry about it. The cardiologist said that her time and our time was wasted!
Don't let the dr freak you out about this but it doesn't hurt to have the blood work done to be 100% sure.
I am a registered dietitian. Diet and exercise are definitely important in cholesterol control. I like the suggestion of adding flax seed oil and fish oil to the diet. You can also add ground flax seeds. I buy them whole from Central Market and then gind them in a coffee grinder just before using. You can add the ground flax seeds to just about anything. I believe someone else also mentioned more fruits, vegetables and 100% whole grains to increase fiber intake. You also want to watch the saturated fats in the diet. These are the fats found in whole milke and cheese made from whole milk, meats and some processed foods. Also watch trans fats, which are commonly found in many processed foods. Have you tried some of the plant stanol spreads such as Benecol? These types of products have been shown to help lower cholesterol. Eating more monounsaturated fats such as olive oil, avocados and nuts can help raise your good cholesterol (HDL). A high HDL helps protect your heart.
Something that people may not realize about cholesterol is that our liver makes cholesterol. In some people, the liver makes more than needed and the body has a hard time getting rid of the excess. This is the more genetic type of high cholesterol and this is why you can have high cholesterol despite being thin, and eating right and exercising. I've seen both sides: athletes on cholesterol medicine and obese people with perfect cholesterol.
add flaxseed oil and fish oil to her food it will help lower cholesterol.
My son has had high cholesterol since he was 4. It runs in our family too. His at last check was 199. I have changed from whole milk to 2%, whole grains as much as possible, more veggies, and fresh fruits. Our family is now working out at the Y about 3 times per week. We are also trying to get off the couch more and do fun outdoor activities. Nothing thus far has helped lower his cholesterol nor has it helped to lower mine or my husbands. None of us are over weight (maybe my hubby but not by more than 20 pounds). We are all just barely high cholesterol. Anyway, my son's doctor is not concerned. They do check about every year and since last year his did not go up from the year before, he gets to wait 2 years this time. Hope this helps. I would not be too concerned at this point. Remember that at 2 kids are just really beginning to get active and run run run. That should help.
