This blog is about beer and life.
C’mon doc. Give me some good news.
For the last several years I have been on maintenance medication for my cholesterol. It’s not too bad, but bad enough that my physician wanted to control it. I’ve been trying to eat healthier and to get more exercise, but both are harder than I thought. (Having a long commute and young children at home doesn’t leave much time for working out.) At the very least, I’ve stopped eating like I’m eighteen years old.
Before that, I had been on maintenance for my triglycerides. Cholesterol and triglyceride numbers often move together. (The relationship is a mystery to me, although my wife could probably explain it. It’s not germane to this story, though.) Considering that there is Type 2 Diabetes and Hypoglycemia in my family history I’m not surprised that one got out of whack. But then it was okay and we were focused on my cholesterol.
I went to the doctor the other day to discuss my recent blood tests. My cholesterol is fine, but my triglycerides were high. High enough that my doctor is sending me for more tests to see if I’m becoming diabetic or pre-diabetic and is talking about having me see to a nutritionist.
Then she rattled of some foods that I pretty much need to drop from my diet. White bread (no problem, I eat whole grain), regular pasta (I actually like the whole grain pasta), white potatoes (damn; I love me mashed potatoes), white rice (I’m not a big rice eater), ice cream (uh-oh), beer…
No, say it ain’t so.
“Beer is pure triglycerides” is what she said, in fact.
Now, I’m not one of those guys who comes home from work and has three or five beers before going to bed. For one thing, considering the beer I drink, I couldn’t possibly afford it. It’s not uncommon for a six-pack of beer to last me a week or more. Oh, sure, that fluctuates (I can think of a particular weekend in October when that gets tossed out) but by-and-large I’m not that big a drinker.
Trouble is it’s a passion of mine. I mean, I write a blog about it.
Thankfully, it’s a passion and a hobby, and not my livelihood.
I think I’m in the “Bargaining” stage. I’m willing to never have chocolate, ice cream, milkshakes, etc. again. But don’t take away this delicious elixir.
Update: Well, a subsequent test shows my glucose is normal for the last three months. WTF?
About the author
Forty-something, married, with two kids. I generally prefer the English styles - ESB, IPA - but am willing to try just about anything. You can reach me at al@hop-talk.com.
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Man cannot live by bread alone. How about beer?
about 4 years ago - No comments
It’s kind of a running joke among those of us who love their beer. “I’m on a liquid diet!” is the usual refrain, somewhat slurred, after turning down some sort of morsel. I mean, we know that beer is chock-full of vitamins. Heck, there’s some who say that a man could live on nothing but
about 1 year ago
I would recommend reading In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manefesto for food advice. Lot’s insight on why traditional diets seem to work even if they are eating food that our nutritionist report as bad.
about 1 year ago
“”Beer is pure triglycerides” is what she said, in fact.”
There’s a good chunk of hyperbole for you.
Obviously she was trying to make a point, but it’s not like beer is equal to a pint of melted butter. A good, honest, science-based assessment on the nutritional role of beer in ones diet would be nice.
about 1 year ago
I’d get a second opinion before doing something drastic (cutting out foods forever and not looking back, or adding/changing medication.) It just seems like the doc is looking to find something and latching on to it. A nutritionist, though, might be the right person to talk to. Choosing whole grains when you can, high fiber, low fat, and moderated calories as an over all diet is what works for most people. A nutritionist might be able to identify somewhere you might be off track; or confirm that you are eating correctly. (it maybe something else is wrong… or maybe the triglycerides was an anomaly and just needs to be watched)
about 1 year ago
I received an identical diagnosis and prescription but more than one friend recommended a second opinion from a cardiologist, which I am going to do. Please keep us up to date on what the experts tell you about drinking beer – I can (and pretty much have) easily give up everything but that!