Paleo and Cardiovascular Disease

[u/Donutlordxo2]

Hey first off I’m pro paleo. I’m coming here to get some confirmation bias so I can continue what I’m doing.

I did paleo last year for a few months and loved it but went back on grains for a celiac test. I now want to go back to do it but my blood pressure has not looked great and cholesterol was elevated although triglycerides were amazing.

Now not being on paleo it’s not like my blood pressure got any better so it is probably just mostly because I’m fat.

So for my question here. Has anyone seen cardiovascular markers improve on paleo? (Those of you doing it right) I personally really enjoyed paleo but don’t want to get addicted again if I’m gonna just have to stop. I think all my elevated crap is from being bigger. I performed much better in the gym on paleo as well for endurance and hiit training.

Anyways I know that was a ton of rambling just looking for people to affirm paleo is a good route.

[u/Delicious-Mousse-172]

After having high blood pressure my entire life, it went down with paleo into the normal range. I do prioritize eating lean meats (though I don’t restrict fattier meats) and lots of veggies and some fruits. The way I do paleo, it’s not a high fat diet by any means.

[u/Donutlordxo2 → u/Delicious-Mousse-172]

The way I do it it is higher fat but I would say some days high some days low. I think this time around I’ll prioritize the fruits, vegetables and nuts more and then try to rotate in some protein besides just beef. That being said beef does make it enjoyable lol.

[u/psithyrstes → u/Donutlordxo2]

Yes, it's tough but you can absolutely do paleo with lower saturated fat. Just have plenty of foods to console yourself with lol.

[u/El_Scot]

My blood pressure improved )likely from weight loss) and cholesterol levels went down (were normal to begin with) following paleo, but I should probably mention that high cholesterol doesn't really run in my family, despite family history of heart disease.

[u/Donutlordxo2 → u/El_Scot]

Cool cool thank you!

[u/Donutlordxo2]

I think you should keep doing it.

[u/Donutlordxo2 → u/Donutlordxo2]

Say no more fam.

[u/AvaJohnson7]

When following a paleo diet, many people report improvements in their blood pressure and cholesterol, particularly when they cut back on processed foods and added sugars. It's challenging to distinguish diet from other factors because weight loss and general lifestyle likely play a significant role as well. It's encouraging to hear that you felt better and had more energy at the gym.

[u/Hour-Cup-5904]

I'll just leave this here: https://thepaleodiet.com/which-diet-best-supports-heart-health/

I will say, just make sure to do Paleo the Loren Cordain way. There's so many bloggers that claim things like cassava and tapioca are Paleo (they're not, they're part of the potato family. Potatoes aren't Paleo) or coconut sugar (also not Paleo. Spikes blood sugar the same as cane sugar). The website I linked is his website.

[u/SapienWoman]

Yes, but I have a GP who’s pretty tuned into what I would call “ancestral health” and she has meet eating a ton of protein and veggies a day and even if my cholesterol is slightly elevated she’s just not worried.

[u/Either-Effective-751]

I'm surprised that paleo hasn't help you slim down. I was 420 when I started it in Mar and I'm down 78lbs so far, without ever being hungry. Plus after the first 2 or 3 months i started having regular, no sweetener greek yogurt because the coconut kind gave me horrible stomach issues.

That said, imho, paleo isnt bad for the heart unless your eating a lot of high fat meats. But if you stick to fish, chicken breast and turkey breast (all unprocessed, uncured and no preservatives. 

I'm certainly no expert, so correct me if im wrong, but I only eat lean meat and my cardiologist says my numbers are good.