Remember that only animals produce cholesterol. Therefore, if you are on a whole plant-based diet you have zero intake of cholesterol. So, the cholesterol has “risen” because of one of several reasons
- You have stopped the cholesterol medications that you were taking. This should not be a reason to restart the cholesterol medication. Cholesterol medications hardly improve health but raise blood sugar levels and have other side effects. The decision to restart cholesterol medications must be carefully weighed if you are on a whole plant-based diet.
- You had accumulated a lot of cholesterol in your arteries in the past. This does not show in the blood report because it’s not in the blood but lining your arteries. As your blood becomes thin, it starts dissolving this cholesterol and the serum cholesterol goes up. This is good for you because arteries are becoming wider and blood pressure would have reduced.
- You have a lot of stress. Stress raises cholesterol.
- You have hypothyroid and are not taking medications for it.
It is best to weigh all the pros and cons carefully. It’s important to note that medicines do not cure diseases. But they may help control or avoid serious repercussions.