Being a vegan requires careful monitoring of nutrition intake to ensure adequate protein. Many folks who eat vegan rely heavily on refined carbohydrates (breads, pasta, crackers, white potatoes, white rice, etc.), which quickly turn to sugar and are contributors to many inflammatory conditions, including high LDL cholesterol and high triglycerides. – Coach Zoe

This is what confuses me. Is that what happened with Tana? Most of what they eat are fresh vegetables. They have done a ton of research and take in a healthy amount of protein and healthy fats with every meal, and take the supplements they require daily, B12, etc. They also avoid refined carbs, they eat pasta that is made of lentils. One of them is a nurse and stays VERY current on health information. Yet they all struggle very badly. When I heard Tana say that, I was hoping there was an answer there for them.

There is a genetic component to high cholesterol as well so that may be part of the answer. But additional lifestyle factors come into play including adequate exercise, stress, quality of sleep, etc. A thorough evaluation can be made from an integrative physician, or functional medicine doctor if they are interested in pursuing the underlying reasons for their higher cholesterol. Best! -Coach Zoe