It was Mommy's turn to visit the doctor for a physical. No surprise that weight and cholesterol were high. Besides the diet of fast food, take out, and cafeteria food for the last six months, lack of opportunity for exercise and activity, and minimal sleep, stress can cause the body to secrete increased amounts of cortisol, AKA the Fight or Flight/Stress Hormone. One of the side effects of excessive cortisol is increased abdominal fat which can lead to higher levels of cholesterol.
Doc G is an osteopath, so he's more like to go to homeopathic, lifestyle solutions first than a pharmaceutical one. Hopefully, managing the stress will help - Mommy has started going to the occasional yoga class as well as doing a yoga workout on the Wii Fit Plus more regularly. Mommy and Daddy have also been getting more active and having fun with the Wii. We've also started taking fish oil and red yeast rice supplements to help with cholesterol levels. We'll try adding more fibre to our diet and eating better, and getting more sleep.
We've been running on adrenalin the last six months, just working on what needs to be done next. Balancing the special needs of both boys has been tough, but now we need to start taking care of ourselves too. Like they say at the start of every airplane trip, take care of your own oxygen mask first.
Judy,
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine how stressed your body must be after six months in and out of the hospital/treatment setting. You look G-R-E-A-T in your pictures but I know the stress adds up over time.
I think it's great that your DR would prefer to try the lifestyle changes before putting you on a medication that may have side affects. The YOGA class is a great idea! As far as high fiber goes, have you ever tried the DOUBLE FIBER wheat bread or the Fiber One snack bars? Both are very good and we buy them at Sam's Club. Also, if you like nuts, almond are good for you and they have the monounsaturated fat which can help lower LDL and triglycerides. Liam and I try to walk or jog a few times a week when the weather permits and that sure helps in the mood department but I know it's much more difficult to find the time when you're a mommy of two adorable boys. Plus, you're juggling school, DR's appointments, and life in general. Shall I send you your SUPERMOM name tag now or later?! Hang in there.
Hugs,
Michele