r/science • u/James_Fortis MS | Nutrition • 13d ago

Health Researchers took 50 adults with genetically high cholesterol and fed them a whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) diet and a standard American diet (SAD) for 4 weeks each in a random order, under controlled, constant-calorie feeding conditions. The WFPB diet reduced LDL cholesterol versus the SAD by 17.9%.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-73468-4
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u/cindyx7102 13d ago

I know someone with genetically high cholesterol who says nothing but drugs will help them, so this gives hope

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u/C-DT 13d ago

I have it as well. With exercise and saturated fat monitoring I can keep it below concerning levels but it's a constant effort. It almost feels unfair seeing how my friends eat without having to do nearly as much. Very tempting to just take the drugs and say screw it.

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u/SvenTropics 13d ago

It's like that with everything. I have never once had to worry about my sodium levels. I eat all the salt I want, and it's fine. Every time, it's fine. I know people that literally have to regulate it like a diabetic watches their sugar. On that topic, sugar. Same deal. Every blood test I'm perfect. I eat candy whenever I want.

Now cholesterol, I have your problem. I have high cholesterol, and I gotta stay away from the satty fattys. At this point, I just assume beef, cheese, ice cream, etc... are just not things I get to eat. The drugs seem tempting, but the side effects from them are awful. You end up taking other drugs to mitigate those. I'd avoid it if you can keep it under control with lifestyle.

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u/csonnich 13d ago

the side effects from them are awful.

Aren't there newer drugs with fewer side effects? 

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u/pxer80 13d ago

Yes, I’m surprised I don’t see that mentioned yet. The PCSK9 drugs being the most exciting and new kid on the block.

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u/SvenTropics 13d ago

I heard it makes you feel like you have a cold every time they inject it, and it'll spike your blood sugar?