Lowering Cholesterol & Triglycerides / Post Accutane Regimen

Lowering Cholesterol & Triglycerides-

Another common side effect of Accutane is the increased ldl (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides. Monthly blood test are taken during the course of the treatment to monitor these levels. I have done some research looking for sites with helpful information to help reduce these levels through a change in diet. Although Vegan diets are the best in reducing these levels, other nutritional values seem to be missing. Some recommended diets for lowering cholesterol would include; Nuts, olive oil, oats & barley (in limited quantities since high quantities increase triglycerides), fruits and leafy greens . While, diets lowering triglycerides would consist of lowering starches (white rice & pastas), alcohol, sodas, candy, chocolate, and fatty meats. A typical diet would include ; using brown rice, wheat pastas, soy milk, soy coffee, and fish. I have found several wonderful sites on these subjects and hope to have permission to add some of the pages to my web-site soon.

One is a virtual site where you buy groceries and make a menu for the day. It then calculates the intake based on each individuals weight, activity level, age and gender. It's a fun site, and I never realized just how poorly I feed my family.

In all cases: Exercise is a big factor!! Start slow and work up. Walking is #1, work up to 1 mile/day.


Post Accutane Info-

The lack of Vitamin A intake is mentioned to Vegans since their diet doesn't consist of dairy or meats. Since Accutane consist of a high dosage of Vitamin A (active ingredient to dry the over active oil producing glands that cause acne), while using Accutane this is not an issue. It is my opinion supplements of Vitamin A should be used after the treatment is over for most patients that don't intake the RDA of Vitamin A (I've read between 4000-10,000IU depending on weight, age, and activeness). It is my opinion that a Post Accutane regimen should include provitamin A to keep the oil glands from producing too much oil (serum), which is known to cause of acne, IF they are not intaking the RDA amount with their daily diet. My thoughts are: could the lack of vitamin A in our daily diet be a partial cause to our acne? Since it is Vitamin A used to clear up the acne by drying out the oils, maybe a lack of it in our normal diet is part of the problem. Although this is not supported by doctors, it has some logic to me. Just some food for thought.

Many Post Accutane Patients are also using retin-A gel as part of their daily regimen as a preventive maintenance program along with the same (no oil and fragrance) cleansers they were using while on the Accutane 4-6 month treatment program.

Just some research on these topics. Take what you like. I'm not a nutritionist nor a doctor. Just a Mom trying to get some facts on these subjects, and passing them on.

Good wishes to all- "Eat Healthy"
- Juliann