I know the total number is not as important, but I still would like to get it down. I've read some recent stuff that the protective value of the high HDL/good ratio is now being questioned. My triglycerides are average and my LDL is in the OK range.
Well, I must be weird as I don't feel different at all with any change of diet, or eating pattern. The only thing I feel is sick if I eat fried food or drink too much alcohol! I am sensitive (not allergic) to some dairy, but I hardly eat any of it. OK, the one change I notice is I gain at least 2 pounds if I have salty food (especially Asian cuisines).
And last year, my total cholesterol shot up about 50 points when I had been eating Paleo. It went back down within 8 weeks when I returned to my normal pattern. I still restrict my carbs from what I *really* would like, and I did like the Paleo way of eating. Obviously, it didn't like me, since that was the only thing about my habits that had changed.