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Does Taking Welchol Decrease The Cholesterol Level?
My gall bladder liquified in 2000. I had it surgically scooped out of me. I am told by my colonoscopy doctor that Welchol 625mg Tabs can help me keep my acid levels down since I have GERD as well that causes severe burning in my esophogus. Will this medication help this condition? I read that it reduces cholesterol. My cholesterol is around 100 now. I also have diabetes type 2 which I am taking Lantus and Novolog shots as needed to keep sugar levels under control.
Thu, 2 Nov 2017
Welcome to HealthCareMagic,
Welchol is usually prescribed for primary hyperlipidemia, so yes it can decrease your LDLs and cholesterol. I agree that with a cholesterol of 100 I would be concerned about it going lower as well.
As far back as 1994, the American Heart Association Task Force on Cholesterol Issues published a groundbreaking report about a link between total cholesterol levels of less than 160 mg/dL and an increase in deaths from trauma, some types of cancer, hemorrhagic stroke, and respiratory and infectious diseases. Since then, most additional research links very low cholesterol levels to an increased risk of depression, suicide, anxiety, impulsivity and aggression in men and women, adolescents and adults alike. Cholesterol is used to make hormones and we do need some cholesterol in our bodies.
Welchol has been used as an adjunctive treatment in type II diabetes.
If you were my patient I would first look at prescribing a GERD diet (if, indeed that is the primary diagnosis and concern) and the medical recommendations that go with it such as using an incline pillow to sleep at night, not laying down after eating, losing weight if overweight, not wearing constrictive clothes. The GERD diet helps many people avoid the symptoms you describe without medication.
If you need a diet plan for GERD you may reach me at https://www.bit.ly/askkathyshattler here at HCM. I wish the best for you and hope I have answered your question.
Regards, Kathryn J. Shattler, MS, RDN
Welchol is usually prescribed for primary hyperlipidemia, so yes it can decrease your LDLs and cholesterol. I agree that with a cholesterol of 100 I would be concerned about it going lower as well.
As far back as 1994, the American Heart Association Task Force on Cholesterol Issues published a groundbreaking report about a link between total cholesterol levels of less than 160 mg/dL and an increase in deaths from trauma, some types of cancer, hemorrhagic stroke, and respiratory and infectious diseases. Since then, most additional research links very low cholesterol levels to an increased risk of depression, suicide, anxiety, impulsivity and aggression in men and women, adolescents and adults alike. Cholesterol is used to make hormones and we do need some cholesterol in our bodies.
Welchol has been used as an adjunctive treatment in type II diabetes.
If you were my patient I would first look at prescribing a GERD diet (if, indeed that is the primary diagnosis and concern) and the medical recommendations that go with it such as using an incline pillow to sleep at night, not laying down after eating, losing weight if overweight, not wearing constrictive clothes. The GERD diet helps many people avoid the symptoms you describe without medication.
If you need a diet plan for GERD you may reach me at https://www.bit.ly/askkathyshattler here at HCM. I wish the best for you and hope I have answered your question.
Regards, Kathryn J. Shattler, MS, RDN
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