“Other signs of low manganese include fatigue, memory loss, loss of hair or hair pigment loss, allergies or hormone problems.”

As I read the list, I was thinking, maybe I am not getting older, maybe it is the fault of manganese! Seriously though, I do take a multi vitamin every day that has “175%” manganese. I also eat a LOT of whole grains, almonds and pecans, and leafy green vegetables. I probably have fatigue because of the three kids, memory loss from trying to cram too much in, hair loss thanks to my grandfather, allergies to grass pollen from who knows where, and sometimes I wish my hormones WOULD slow down! LOL!

Now turning off the attempts at humor, I really have nothing to complain about health wise. I feel great most of the time. People are always saying I look 10 years younger than I am and act 20 years younger. (Don’t know if the last one is good or not, but it is definitely true.) The only things that are off are a real intense melancholy for a few seconds when I first wake up in the morning and an intolerance to lactose and certain refined white carbohydrates which I rarely eat anyway.

Thanks again for your comments. I am going to look more closely at your site and try to learn more about the importance of grass fed meat and dairy.

-Will

You might consider a manganese supplement. A deficiency can cause low cholesterol levels. Other signs of low manganese include fatigue, memory loss, loss of hair or hair pigment loss, allergies or hormone problems. The fact your family members enjoyed longevity is a really good sign. Low cholesterol levels generally lead to other causes of death than heart disease. It would be interesting to know if they also the same low cholesterol levels.

Turkey is mysterious. The people operate under a different paradigm than westerners. There are many superstitions, interesting formalities, and tremendous value put on hospitality. I am looking forward to returning to familiar ground.

Linda

I don’t think I could get my level up to 180. I don’t really have a low fat diet. I try to eat healthy as you can tell from this site, but I do eat meat, cheese, butter, etc. I am also not too thin. I think my level is just genetic or something. There is not a single person in my family history that I know of that ever had a heart attack or heart failure of any type. Most people live into their 90’s, even a few over 100. Probably the only diet item I am low on is oil other than olive oil. I also do not really eat much traditional, American, commercially prepared food. Most of it is what I call “real” food. Generally my diet is balanced and I don’t really see any way to make much better. Maybe I will after reading your book!

Where in Turkey are you? Turkey is a country that has always held a mysterious fascination for me. Strange because that is based on no real knowledge and I have never been there.

-Will

Yes, high HDL is key, and in fact a better indicator of heart health than total cholesterol. You want it above 50. Omega-3 and saturated fats (yes saturated — they are actually necessary) help raise HDL. So keep up the sardines but add some wild salmon and real grass-fed butter to the program.

When I had my nutrition office in CA I used to see many Dean Ornish patients who felt chronically tired, emotionally off, anxious and had sugar cravings on their low-fat, no- cholesterol diets. They always felt better and craved sugar less when they added traditional fats and animal products. The quality of fats is key; you don’t want most vegetable oils, nor grain-fed animal products. Natural sources of cholesterol can be therapeutic. I am not suggesting a high intake, but the right amount for your needs.

I am living and studying diet in a Turkish village. Although they do eat olive oil and a little bit of fish, the fat intake here is still very low. People eat little or no meat, but a lot of dairy (they even make non-fat cheese) and lots of bread and rice. There is a lot of diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, respiratory problems and in women, obesity — all issues associated with low-fat diets. They do not enjoy the longevity of other Mediterranean people, who consume more meat.

Let me know what happens if you change your diet. Thanks for ordering my book; it is interesting to discover your constitution. I think you will appreciate my next book on Fats.

Best,
Linda
http://www.lindaprout.com

I wonder about the low blood cholesterol? Does the ration of good to bad not come into play? Some people like myself have a naturally low overall level. But my ratio is great. I eat a lot of olive oil. I can pretty much drink it if it is good enough quality! I also like sardines, (much to the consternation of my kids!). But my cholesterol level was measured years ago as low as 119. I think it is closer to 140 now, though. I have a very low level of oil intake besides olive. Just some nut oils and sometimes a little flavored wok oil when I use that.

Thanks for your comment! It reminded me that I never did finish the follow up I promised above and now November is over. I will still do it, though. Hope you find the time to come back to offer more insight and keep me accurate!

-Will

By the way - Your book, Live in the Balance, looks very interesting. I have added it to my cart and will get it with my next order.

Hey Will I hope you know about the 45 minutes limit, otherwise, seizures may occur, lol.