What Does a Low Carb Diet Do to Your Cholesterol?

For many people, a low carb diet not only makes weight loss possible but also improves blood sugar, boosts energy and mental focus, and puts them in control of hunger. However, when carbs decrease, dietary fat increases. This leads to questions about how a low carb or keto diet affects cholesterol.

In this video, I share what the research has to say about the relationship and what you can do if you have high cholesterol on a low carb diet.

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Disclaimer: Dr. Becky Gillaspy, DC received her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1991. Her use of “doctor” or “Dr.” in relation to herself solely refers to that degree. Dr. Gillaspy was a licensed chiropractor in Pennsylvania, but she no longer practices chiropractic in any state and does not see patients. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Gillaspy and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Dr Becky Fitness LLC and Dr. Rebecca Gillaspy, D.C. are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any conclusions drawn, services or product you obtain through this video or site.

[cardmonty]

I’ve lost 150lbs on Keto. My lipid profile is outstanding now. My total Cholesterol is 158, HDL=61, LDL=81, VLDL=16, Triglycerides=84. I’ve been doing Keto, IF & OMAD for 2 years now. I’ve gone from 321lbs to 170lbs, & I’m 60 years old & have Hemochromatosis, Hashimoto’s Disease, & other autoimmune diseases. Keto saved my life.

[wilkinsonmdw]

One of my worries about going on keto was how it would impact my cholesterol. I started in mid Feb and have lost 32 lbs. I had a doctor visit last week and my total cholesterol is down from 197 to 127 and triglycerides down from 315 to 85. And feeling so much better than I have in quite awhile!

[Panda-uwvb]

My friend and I do low carb/keto since 2019 and her psoriasis is gone, complete, without any drugs!

[jakehayes]

Thank You!!
I am one of those people whose LDL went very high on Keto (always over 200) BUT- all other markers improved. Trigs/HDL and A1C. Very low sat fat in my diet. ( sardine/avocados lots of salads/sauerkraut, etc)
In the end I had the NMR test from Labcorp and found that my LDL particles were very large (good) and all the metrics showed I pinned the scale in being metabolically healthy. All my lipids were viewed on their scale as metabolically healthy.

[peggydalton]

It's crazy I went plant based for 7 months. Believe this my cholesterol and triglycerides increased. So now back to low carb.

[snackpack]

Luckily, since starting keto my cholesterol has been the lowest in thirty years. Even when I was thin my numbers were high. Thanks for your videos.:)

[HUGEbanks]

I’ve been carnivore for months. I’ve sliced my cholesterol numbers by 2/3! Triglycerides were 300+ and now under 100. I’m no longer a high risk for CVD.

[debbieheine]

I do Remnant Cholesterol:
Total Ch. minus HDL minus LDL equals remnant cholesterol
<15.5 No risk of heart disease
15.5-23 Low risk of heart disease
23-27 Low-Medium risk of heart disease
27-42.5 Medium-High risk of heart disease
>42.5 High risk of heart disease

[zhangyoulv]

Just to share, I've done half year keto, and my LDL is at 162 mg/dL. One years ago, it was 84.
My HDL also raise, which I guess also make sense.
So keto indeed likely to raise your LDL.

[kathyfarndell]

I want to thank you so much for making losing weight and making my body healthier the easiest it's ever been, using intermittent fasting and low carb diet methods. You even make Science and Biology (2 subjects I loathed at school), interesting, and making perfect sense. I have lost a few pounds already, having started a month ago in earnest. But it's how much better I feel inside and out, and in my head that I'm so thrilled about! Love your videos, info, and calm sensible approach to it all. Thanks again, Kathryn xx

[joebarbuto]

I was just wondering this past week if and how a high fat diet might effect cholesterol levels. And then you come out with the video. Amazing!
Thanks again,
Dr. Becky
🫂 🇨🇦

[ketoneedoh]

Hi Becky, how is your husband feeling ? Haven’t seen him since your last YouTube please pass on my love n prayers that he recovers quickly

[BobZoomU]

I lost 18 lbs, but otherwise Keto didn't do so well for my lipids. Although my triglycerides and VLDLs remained the same, my cholesterol increased by 70 points. My LDLs also rose to the danger zone, increasing by 60 points. I went from having good lipids to my doctor saying I should go on Crestor. There were also indicators that my liver and kidney functions were impacted.
No more keto for me. I went from being a little overweight with good lipids to being at a more correct weight but with bad lipids and with signs of kidney/liver issues. I'm switching to a Mediterranean diet and hopefully my cholesterol and LDLs will get back to normal levels. I'm not going with Crestor for now.
The worst part about this: I do feel better on keto. I have more energy. I play much better chess. I do a lot of yard work, and I can just keep going and going. Friends say I look a lot better. Is it all worth a fatty liver and maybe a heart attack? No, I don't think so.

[JV-tgne]

4-6 grams of niacin per day will regulate cholesterol very effectively, the flush will occur for 1-2 weeks as you increase your intake from .5 to 4-6 grams per day, your body will acclimate and after 2 weeks or so - no more flushing and you’ll enjoy the benefits of lower LDL while remaining on a high fat zero sugar keto diet

[darrylmusic]

My ldl went ski high from keto and my Dr wanted me on statin drug so I said no, I switched to plant based diet and my ldl went back to perfection, 8 months now and I love this way of eating but I did put eggs back in my diet and my ldl is still perfect

[ardiris]

One of the more frustrating aspects of being laid up in the hospital is the meal menu. Even the supposed low carb, low salt menu has both more salt and carbs and less fiber than I eat at home. Try to get fresh strawberries from a hospital kitchen; you won't. :(

[getter_done]

Thank you Dr Becky (Dr Keith too). Warm thoughts, wishes & prayers for your family. 🙏❤️

[cherylpaniccia]

This video is so timely for me. I increased my saturated fat and my cholesterol went off the rails. My doctor is barely speaking to me. I have adjusted to a lower saturated fat approach and leaner protein options. I am anxious to see my results in 6 weeks and will request the the NMR test if I receive poor results again. Thank you so much. BTW your new book is incredible. 😊

[russellgallman]

How is Keith recuperating from the surgery? Kind thoughts and best wishes!

[keithzastrow]

Yep yet another reason why I do Atkins and NOT keto. Exactly. Atkins is higher protein but not as much fat as keto. Both are low-carb. Lost 40 lbs in 7 months on this.