Not MM: Nutritionalist? Dietician?

[holly116]

DH is 35, a normal weight, and has some stress at work and at home but nothing extreme or out of the ordinary. And yet, he's now on meds for high BP, cholesterol and just this morning found out that his dry skin is now the beginning stages of psoriasis.

His GP and dermatologist has told him to just reduce his stress level. Thing is, he doesn't even feel that stressed. He should probably run more and our diet isn't perfect, but we do eat pretty clean at home. With the heart stuff he cut away back on caffeine, salt, alcohol and processed stuff in general. It's been a few months and the numbers aren't really moving

He's had pretty extreme environmental allergies his whole life. He has normal full panel allergy testing done and is on a shot regime right now that's working for that. Still, my gut is telling me it's something (dairy, soy, wheat??) in his diet but I have no idea to even begin to read about it. Or if there's someone he should go and see.

Any ideas?

[darkling_glory]

The best way to lower cholesterol is to go on a plant based diet. Animal products contain cholesterol, plants don't.

My father follows the Eat To Live diet and he lowered his cholesterol and blood pressure and lost 50 pounds. Eventually, he added some meat back into his diet, but he still eats plant based for breakfast and lunch each day.

The book is very good, with sold science behind it.

[ddi741]

Is there any history or High BP or Cholesterol in his family? Some times it doesn't matter how 'good' you are, genetics will take over.

[goonfest]

If you want to work on diet, be sure to see a registered dietician, not a nutritionist. Good luck.

[holly116]

If DH lost 50 lbs he would be severely underweight. He's 5"11 and 180 right now. We eat fish twice a week for dinner and vegetarian at least once. He has sushi twice a week for lunch. When he eats steak, it's only a filet at this point.

His parents both have high BP and cholesterol issues but not until they were well into their 50s and they eat horribly, overly processed food 99% of the time.

He donates blood and has regularly for over a decade. Once he was diagnosed with the high levels, he pulled his info online and his total cholesterol numbers have been high all along.

He just feel like he's already done so much and it's not working. I'm frustrated too, I want him around for a while!

[magdala]

Is he on medications for these enviromental allergies? Does he have an allergist? If yes, talk to the allergist about how the medications can increase BP and cholesterol.

Also, daily moderate exercise can do wonders for reducing cortisol (that stress hormone) that could be elevating BP and cholesterol.  

[holly116]

He's getting allergy shots with vials mixed specific to his allergies to boost his natural response (and he's allergic to pretty much everything). He hasn't needed to take anything in addition to that.

[darkling_glory]

May 6, 2014 8:44:33 GMT -5 holly116 said:

If DH lost 50 lbs he would be severely underweight. He's 5"11 and 180 right now. We eat fish twice a week for dinner and vegetarian at least once. He has sushi twice a week for lunch. When he eats steak, it's only a filet at this point.

If he's already at a healthy weight he won't lose much, if at all. Eat to Live really was a game changer for my Father. And my mother. She lost a bit of weight, but she was already fit and active. Her triglycerides went down, though.

You might see you can pick it up at the library. If nothing else, a quick read through couldn't hurt and might help.

[holly116]

May 6, 2014 9:08:27 GMT -5 @pennypie said:

In looking back on my post it was more snippy than I intended. I didn't want to start a vegetarian vs. paleo kerfuffle. Either might or might not work for your DH's health issues. I agree on the daily moderate exercise bit. Diet aside, that is key.

But he might also just be facing some of these issues because of genes. So rx'ed meds might be something to consider.

Oh no worries from me! And I'm sorry if I appear dismissive of those suggesting cutting all animal protein, only because I know my DH will categorically fight it lol. He tends to be pessimistic to start so if I tell him no more filet is the answer, he'll probably choose to just die young.

He's on BP and cholesterol meds and takes his resting BP every morning (he has a cuff that attaches to his iPhone) and it's still way too high, even on the meds and it's been months.

[goonfest]

I'd take a look at his consumption of sugar and refined carbs. Those can be damaging to the body.

What are his levels of hdl, ldl, and triglycerides like?

[darkling_glory]

May 6, 2014 9:19:54 GMT -5 holly116 said:

May 6, 2014 9:08:27 GMT -5 @pennypie said:

In looking back on my post it was more snippy than I intended. I didn't want to start a vegetarian vs. paleo kerfuffle. Either might or might not work for your DH's health issues. I agree on the daily moderate exercise bit. Diet aside, that is key.

But he might also just be facing some of these issues because of genes. So rx'ed meds might be something to consider.

Oh no worries from me! And I'm sorry if I appear dismissive of those suggesting cutting all animal protein, only because I know my DH will categorically fight it lol. He tends to be pessimistic to start so if I tell him no more filet is the answer, he'll probably choose to just die young.

It’s okay! People get so upset when you suggest cutting out animal products. I’m used to it. But the thing is, even people who say “I don’t eat a lot of meat,” really DO eat a lot of animal products.


You have an egg sandwich or bagel with cream cheese for breakfast. Animal products.


Maybe you have a turkey sandwich for lunch and it’s got cheese and/or mayo on it. Animal products.


The salad you have for dinner has some shredded chicken, dairy based dressing, or chopped egg on top. Animal products.


Eat to Live is truly about recognizing all those not great for you fatty products – eggs, dairy, meat – and helping you come up with better ways to eat. The “main tenant” is this:


Breakfast – as much fruit as you want

Lunch – salad with chopped veggies, beans (chickpeas, black beans, etc…) and a light dressing (no dairy based dressings)

Dinner – more salad, a bean based dish (stew or wraps or something – there’s tons of recipes out there!), and some fruit for dessert.


When I first told me nearly 60 year old dad about this he was all, “No way!” But now he likes it and it’s easy and fast for him to make a decision. I think Eat To Live says you can have fish once a week and eggs every now and again. But all dairy and most meat are no-nos.


I’m sorry to come across as such a fanatic, but my dad is golfing again! He was able to get his hip replaced because he lost the weight he needed to. His blood pressure is perfect and so is his cholesterol (I’ll try to get the actual numbers for you).


If what your hubby is doing isn’t working – then sometimes you need to make drastic changes. This could be the kickstart he needs.


Whatever choice you make - good luck!

[holly116]

May 6, 2014 9:28:58 GMT -5 @pennypie said:

May 6, 2014 9:19:54 GMT -5 holly116 said:

Oh no worries from me! And I'm sorry if I appear dismissive of those suggesting cutting all animal protein, only because I know my DH will categorically fight it lol. He tends to be pessimistic to start so if I tell him no more filet is the answer, he'll probably choose to just die young.

He's on BP and cholesterol meds and takes his resting BP every morning (he has a cuff that attaches to his iPhone) and it's still way too high, even on the meds and it's been months.

How is his exercise? Does he eat a lot of sugar/processed foods?

He's been a long distance runner his whole life and honestly I think it contributed to some of his poor eating habits. He could literally eat anything he wanted in any quantity because he was burning through it so fast.

Now, that backfired once he turned 30, got married and "lost time" for running. I put that in quotes because I am trying to be as supportive as I possibly can but at the same time, I can't fully support a 10 mile run when he get home from work (which is what he used to do) because the kids go to bed so soon, he'd never see them. He will choose rolling around with the kids over running every time. But I've offered to get up with him if he wants to run in the morning and everything else I can think of. He does a lot of yard and around the house work and we walk a mile at least as a family almost daily.

He has some really good food instincts. He doesn't like creamy (dairy) stuff so no ranch dressing or sour cream anything. He's anti fake food so no diet, low calorie anything either. He'd rather have oil and vinegar on his salad and a touch of real butter or nothing versus margarine.

But in the same breath, his normal daily snack at work was a couple packs of combos and some Reece's cups with a regular coke before a heart scare a few months ago.

He cut all of that and now goes through a ton of oatmeal, plain Cheerios, almonds and dried fruit. He drinks juice (mostly carrot) at home but most if the time it's water. Or a good beer.

[holly116]

May 6, 2014 9:32:08 GMT -5 goonfest said:

I'd take a look at his consumption of sugar and refined carbs. Those can be damaging to the body.

What are his levels of hdl, ldl, and triglycerides like?

I think the carbs and sugars probably have a lot to do with it.

I asked him about his exact numbers, I know his good is low and his bad is high and his total has always been above 100 just off the top of my head.

[maddiepaddy]

May 6, 2014 9:19:54 GMT -5 holly116 said:

He's on BP and cholesterol meds and takes his resting BP every morning (he has a cuff that attaches to his iPhone) and it's still way too high, even on the meds and it's been months.

My father has been on cholesterol and BP meds for a very long time, and it seems that they often need to be adjusted (type/dosage) to find the right one at the right time. Has he been back to the Dr. to discuss that his BP is still high? Has his cholesterol improved since taking the meds?

Also, I don't know that I would discount the need to reduce stress. You know how sometimes if something is happening for long enough, it becomes the normal? He might honestly not notice the pressure he's under if it has been this way for a long time. In addition to seeking nutritional answers, I would try to encourage him to do things like meditate, yoga, take a walk after dinner, get a massage, etc on a regular basis. 

[evergreen]

As far as the stress to his body, I think that the allergy testing/shots could be adding to it.  That is probably where the psoriasis is coming from.  I know this sounds all conspiracy theorist, but think about it - he is introducing things he is allergic to into his body which causing an immune response.  Thathas to be physiologically stressful.  When DH had allergy testing, it triggered a cavalcade of stuff including a skin rash that didn't go away for months and shingles.

As for the cholesterol, if he is eating right and exercising, it might just be the way his body works.  He may need to up his meds.  He could try long walks.  I am fat, but I walk a lot and my BP and cholesterol has always been good, which I attribute to the walking.

[Deleted]

Someone can be a normal weight or thin and still have high cholesterol. What are his levels (total, ldl, hdl, triglycerides)?

How much saturated fat is he consuming? That is where I would start. Look at things like red meat and the fat content of his dairy products. So for example, if he is drinking 2% milk then drop it down to 1% or skim.

There is also a hereditary component to high cholesterol so if he makes some changes and doesn't see his levels go down then he may need meds.

[holly116]

May 6, 2014 10:14:42 GMT -5 evergreen said:

As far as the stress to his body, I think that the allergy testing/shots could be adding to it.  That is probably where the psoriasis is coming from.  I know this sounds all conspiracy theorist, but think about it - he is introducing things he is allergic to into his body which causing an immune response.  Thathas to be physiologically stressful.  When DH had allergy testing, it triggered a cavalcade of stuff including a skin rash that didn't go away for months and shingles.

As for the cholesterol, if he is eating right and exercising, it might just be the way his body works.  He may need to up his meds.  He could try long walks.  I am fat, but I walk a lot and my BP and cholesterol has always been good, which I attribute to the walking.

Well regarding the allergy shots, he's allergic to everything in the environment and I'm not really exaggerating. So without the shots it's either living in a bubble or taking a tranquilizer level of antihistamines to be able to breathe. He's prone to pneumonia because of the under treatment he received as a child and almost died in his 20s because of it. His allergist is ramping up his innate immunity and has an endpoint goal of five years of shot treatment. He's probably two years into the plan.

I think I'm going to suggest he meet with a diatician. Aren't skin issues sometimes linked to allergic food issues?

[evergreen]

Yes, it can be food allergies.  My poor DH is allergic to everything under the sun too and has asthma, so I know what you mean about needing to live in a bubble.  I'm not suggesting he stop the shots, just that they might be contributing at the moment.  Hopefully when his treatment is complete some of his issues will go away.  He could see a dietitian about food allergies and try an elimination diet to see what foods he is sensitive to, as well as ask about the cholesterol problem.  Unfortunately, he might have to try a lot of things.  I don't think there is a one size fits all approach.  Some people might do best on a paleo-type diet, while others might need to become vegetarians.   

[goonfest]

Have him track his food intake closely using something like MyFitnessPal prior to meeting with the registered dietician. He'll get the most out of the consult, and may find there are some hidden traps in his current diet.

Based on the diet you posted earlier, I'd cut out the juice and dried fruit, and replace with whole fruits and cut veggies.

[holly116]

May 6, 2014 10:42:28 GMT -5 @pennypie said:

You might want to see if he'd be interested in keeping a food diary for a while. Using something like MyFitnessPal just to track what he's eating--not necessarily to count calories or whatnot. But he might learn some interesting things along the way...like surprising amounts of processed sugars or something.

And if you did set up a dietician appt, all of that data would be wonderfully helpful to that conversation.

This is a great idea. Something chemically, is just off. So it's either what he's putting in his body or innately part of his make up, but I know he'd prefer to avoid meds if he can at all help it. His current meds make him sleepy (so, he's less likely to exercise.. Downward spiral...) and this is a guy that won't even take an Advil if he can avoid it.

Maybe it is his shots temporarily elevating his BP. Maybe once he's done with those he can control it with just his diet. I just wish there was someone that could look at all of the cumulative data and say yes, this is what's causing this to rise blah blah blah. I would think his GP would be that doctor but he's in and out in 10 minutes and just writes a few scripts. Same thing with the derm. He walked out with SIX prescriptions for $$$$ creams and steroids last year and now it's even worse. But it's not like DH is asking a lot of questions either. Gah.

Hopefully a dietician can help. And hopefully he can find one more into the whole foods approach because if he gets one that tells him to eat margarine instead, he's not going to listen to a thing they suggest.

[beefjerky]

This is going to sound random but you mentioned the beginning of psoriasis - is it in a certain location?

[imojoebunny]

Cholesterol and high blood pressure can be hereditary. My cousin had high cholesterol at 25 years old, and she has been a vegetarian since she was 8. Some people in my family have it and some don't. I am a don't, but it doesn't seem to matter the diet of those I am related to, skinny, fat, veggie, vegan, meat eaters, some have it very young. My dad is 73 and had it so high when he was in his teens and early 20's he was excused from Vietnam service.

Same with blood pressure, but there is more of a correlation with being heavier, the skinny people still have hypertension at fairly young ages. My grandparents had extremely high cholesterol in 3 out of 4 cases and all lived to be 86-95 years old. I just watched a 60 minutes episode about the benefits of high blood pressure for older people being beneficial.

I would ask him to talk to his family members and see if others have this, rather than chasing his tail and denying himself pizza. If he is the only one, then it could well be diet related, but if he is eating decently, and it is a family trait, it could well be his normal.

[jennistarr1]

May 6, 2014 8:35:27 GMT -5 goonfest said:

If you want to work on diet, be sure to see a registered dietician, not a nutritionist. Good luck.

Minor correction, it is dietitian, may matter in doing a good search...I recommend eatright.org...

however, i bet there are obvious lifestyle changes that can be made without consulting a professional

[AAM2012]

I always recommend a full blood panel test to include testing for celiac. Also , while it bay not be fair to the kids (or you) for him to run after work but why can't he wake up early before everyone else gets up and run then? Running is a great exercise and helps with multiple health issues.


I think the idea of him writing down EVERYTHING he eats is a great idea before seeing a nutritionist (who will require him doing that anyway). I bet he eats more sugar/junk than he realizes.

[holly116]

May 6, 2014 18:12:54 GMT -5 beefjerky said:

This is going to sound random but you mentioned the beginning of psoriasis - is it in a certain location?

Mostly on his scalp but I know he has some eczema type patches on his legs too.

[holly116]

May 6, 2014 18:32:32 GMT -5 imojoebunny said:

Cholesterol and high blood pressure can be hereditary. My cousin had high cholesterol at 25 years old, and she has been a vegetarian since she was 8. Some people in my family have it and some don't. I am a don't, but it doesn't seem to matter the diet of those I am related to, skinny, fat, veggie, vegan, meat eaters, some have it very young. My dad is 73 and had it so high when he was in his teens and early 20's he was excused from Vietnam service.

Same with blood pressure, but there is more of a correlation with being heavier, the skinny people still have hypertension at fairly young ages. My grandparents had extremely high cholesterol in 3 out of 4 cases and all lived to be 86-95 years old. I just watched a 60 minutes episode about the benefits of high blood pressure for older people being beneficial.

I would ask him to talk to his family members and see if others have this, rather than chasing his tail and denying himself pizza. If he is the only one, then it could well be diet related, but if he is eating decently, and it is a family trait, it could well be his normal.

His parents both have it, but as I mentioned earlier, it wasn't until they were much older. He's from good stock too, all his grandparents lived till their late 80s at least.

His BP readings are high, high. Like 153/99 when he first woke up this morning. His doctor has him on 100 mg cozaar (well generic losartan) and it hasn't touched it. I think it's time to try something else.

[holly116]

May 6, 2014 19:01:17 GMT -5 AAM2012 said:

I always recommend a full blood panel test to include testing for celiac. Also , while it bay not be fair to the kids (or you) for him to run after work but why can't he wake up early before everyone else gets up and run then? Running is a great exercise and helps with multiple health issues.


I think the idea of him writing down EVERYTHING he eats is a great idea before seeing a nutritionist (who will require him doing that anyway). I bet he eats more sugar/junk than he realizes.

Blood work is a good idea. I'm assuming this wouldn't be included in his full panel allergy testing? I agree that him running in the morning would be a stellar option. Hopefully he'll find the energy when some of this get better managed, the meds he already on are zapping him.

[holly116]

May 6, 2014 18:55:42 GMT -5 jennistarr1 said:

May 6, 2014 8:35:27 GMT -5 goonfest said:

If you want to work on diet, be sure to see a registered dietician, not a nutritionist. Good luck.

Minor correction, it is dietitian, may matter in doing a good search...I recommend eatright.org...

however, i bet there are obvious lifestyle changes that can be made without consulting a professional

Sorry for the typo! Typing from my phone earlier....

[AAM2012]

@holly16 blood work and allergy testing are two completely different things. He should go to his PCP and ask them to run full blood test. I hope HD finds the answers he's looking for.

[beefjerky]

May 6, 2014 19:17:13 GMT -5 holly116 said:

May 6, 2014 18:32:32 GMT -5 imojoebunny said:

Cholesterol and high blood pressure can be hereditary. My cousin had high cholesterol at 25 years old, and she has been a vegetarian since she was 8. Some people in my family have it and some don't. I am a don't, but it doesn't seem to matter the diet of those I am related to, skinny, fat, veggie, vegan, meat eaters, some have it very young. My dad is 73 and had it so high when he was in his teens and early 20's he was excused from Vietnam service.

Same with blood pressure, but there is more of a correlation with being heavier, the skinny people still have hypertension at fairly young ages. My grandparents had extremely high cholesterol in 3 out of 4 cases and all lived to be 86-95 years old. I just watched a 60 minutes episode about the benefits of high blood pressure for older people being beneficial.

I would ask him to talk to his family members and see if others have this, rather than chasing his tail and denying himself pizza. If he is the only one, then it could well be diet related, but if he is eating decently, and it is a family trait, it could well be his normal.

His parents both have it, but as I mentioned earlier, it wasn't until they were much older. He's from good stock too, all his grandparents lived till their late 80s at least.

His BP readings are high, high. Like 153/99 when he first woke up this morning. His doctor has him on 100 mg cozaar (well generic losartan) and it hasn't touched it. I think it's time to try something else.

That choice is interesting, losartan is an angiotensin receptor antagonist and definitely not usually the first choice in treating hypertension. I would actually ask the MD why he was prescribed that as opposed to a diuretic or beta blocker.

I asked about the psoriasis because there is a rash that is often associated with Celiac but that presents on the knees and elbows.