Patients with high cholesterol are likely to need special medications. Contact your doctor to discuss a treatment plan.
It is also important to include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats such as omega-3, and regular physical activity (30 minutes a day) in your diet. It is recommended to stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption. See your doctor to assess your risk of cardiovascular events.
Is it possible to lower cholesterol by changing your diet?
Yes, you can. Some people can lower their cholesterol levels by changing their diet. But this doesn't always work. However, you can improve your overall health by eating better.
If you have high cholesterol, you should avoid or limit your intake of saturated fats. They are found in foods such as:
● Red meat;
● Butter;
● Fried foods;
● Cheese;
● Baked goods, such as cookies, cakes or pastries.
Other foods that can help lower cholesterol include:
Eating more soluble fiber - Soluble fiber is found in fruits, oats, barley, beans, and peas.
Vegetarian or vegan diet - A vegetarian diet does not contain meat. A vegan diet does not contain any animal products at all, including meat, eggs, and milk.
Sometimes substitute meat with soy products - soy products include tofu and tempeh.
In general, you can improve your health by eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You can also reduce your intake of carbohydrates, sweets, and processed foods.
Following a "Mediterranean diet" can help lower cholesterol levels. This type of diet:
● Includes lots of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains;
● Uses olive oil instead of other fats;
● Includes some fish, poultry, and dairy products, but not much red meat.
What about eggs?
Eggs are fine if you want to eat them, but don't overdo it. The news often talks about the health benefits or harms of eggs. The truth is that eggs are a good source of protein and do not raise cholesterol levels much. Saturated fats raise cholesterol levels more than eggs.
Are there certain foods that can lower cholesterol?
Yes. There are some foods that seem to help lower cholesterol levels in particular:
● Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids - studies show that people who eat a lot of these foods are less prone to heart disease than those who eat less. Examples of such foods include oily fish (such as salmon, herring, or tuna), olive oil, and canola oil. It is enough to eat 1-2 servings of oily fish per week.
Nuts - Some studies show that eating certain nuts can help lower cholesterol levels. They may even reduce the risk of heart attack or death. These nuts include walnuts, almonds, and pistachios.
● Fiber-rich foods - these foods lower cholesterol and are generally good for your health. For example, fruits, vegetables, beans, and oats. Some doctors even recommend taking fiber supplements.
What about designer foods that claim to lower cholesterol?
Be careful with such foods. Nowadays, there are many products that contain plant extracts called "sterols" or "stanols". Examples include special margarines such as Benecol. Foods with added sterols or stanols may lower cholesterol levels. But it is unclear whether they help reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke, and whether they are safe for long-term use. In addition, animal studies show that these extracts can cause health problems. Experts believe that more research is needed before they can recommend that people consume these products.
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