Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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let's first get out of the way i'm not 100% paleo, nor do i wish to get a sermon as to why the "all or nothing" approach is magical for you.
I have a question regarding increase in blood cholesterol levels (which I'm aware low is more dangerous than high) and the potential for an increase in CHD on an 80% paleo diet. My concern is that of having normal levels of chol. after yrs of eating (what i thought was healthy) and a decrease in the ELC (ear lobe crease, which can be indicative of CHD/CAD) [coronary heart/artery disease].
After about half a year into the moderately paleo lifestyle, i've noticed the ELC is back and deeper than i ever recall it being. studies indicate this is due to an increase in saturated fat, obesity & dietary cholesterol. What information do you all have and/or recommendations? This is definitely a concern as I do not wish to walk the same path as some of my family members.

thank you.

flag	asked Dec 1 2011 at 18:30 SuZQ 1●1

Gotta say, I've never heard of this ELC thing. Very interesting. – Blueberry Dec 1 2011 at 20:46

AndyM · Answer 1 · 2011-12-01 18:59:41Z UTC

studies indicate this is due to an increase in saturated fat, obesity & dietary cholesterol

Studies that tend to indicate all these things together are generally rooted in the same flawed science. From what you've said, I would guess that (if any of it's true at all) the ELC correlates with dietary saturated fat and cholesterol. They've then used CW to relate either of these to obesity and either from there, or directly, concluded a correlation between ELC and CHD. I'd be highly sceptical of how such studies are reported.

Nance · Answer 2 · 2011-12-01 18:57:03Z UTC

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Here's a link to discussion about the ear lobe crease issue, which appears to be speculative at best.

Another link

I feel no need to preach to you and I respect your right to choose; I also assume you don't whine when you're sick. :-))

answered Dec 1 2011 at 18:57

Nance
29.8k●1●8●52

	thank you for taking the time to share links. much appreciated. – SuZQ Dec 1 2011 at 19:10
	You've triggered my curiosity because I have creases in both earlobes. :O – Nance Dec 1 2011 at 19:56

PaleoChimp · Answer 3 · 2011-12-01 20:10:30Z UTC

Maybe actually redoing your lipid panel would put you at ease or make you reconsider your diet especially if your triglycerides are high. My total cholesterol is now, after 14 months "paleo" at 229mg/dl and was flagged high by the lab however my triglycerides are 45 (down from a whopping 179) and HDL checked in at 72 (up from 61) so all the ratios put me at the lowest/negative risk for CHD. My doctor started to fuss about the "high" cholesterol, read the next couple of lines, and said, "never mind, keep doing what you're doing." Which is a lot coming from him because he thinks I'm a bit of a nutcase.

Tim K · Answer 4 · 2013-02-08 17:20:28Z UTC

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The evidence is overwhelming that ELC does indicate CHD. I would not listen to the paleo people completely. They are a pretty good bunch, nobody here is a MD. I would totally discuss it with your doctor asap!

answered Feb 8 at 17:20

Tim K
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cholesterol, cad/chd concern

4 Answers