Print Article for : High Cholesterol Diet Plans

Your Online Guide » Guide to Medical » High Cholesterol

[H317]High Cholesterol Diet Plans

by Arthur Nelson, Art

High cholesterol levels in over 105 million American adults has created one of the biggest booms for American Pharmaceutical Companies in the last decade. The best and most efficient way to lower cholesterol has sparked a heated debate over statin drug use, as opposed to implementation of a low cholesterol diet. Lowering cholesterol has also become a hot topic among the burgeoning ranks of Baby Boomers as they enter into their 40's and beyond. Sure, the statin drugs appear to be a magic bullet, but at what risk? An 8 week cholesterol cure through diet has been used successfully and safely by millions.

Lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor), fluvastatin (Lescol), pravastatin (Pravachol), and atorvastatin (Lipitor) are the five statin drugs that are currently marketed to the North American population. While all five do indeed lower cholesterol, they have also been shown to deplete the body of Coenzyme Q10. This is an essential nutrient our bodies make that is required for energy and the basic functioning of cells. Additionally, there have been numerous indications of liver damage and an increased incidence of myositis. Myositis is a rare and sometimes debilitating disease in which the body's immune system chronically inflames muscle tissue, progressively weakening it. In fact, Health Canada now requires the manufacturers of these statin drugs to include a warning on the patient safety information sheets, and to provide information about the potential for muscle damage, according to the Toronto Star. Some other possible side effects of statin drugs include diarrhea, nausea, and constipation; plus they have even caused severe memory and mental awareness problems in some patients.

On the other side of the fence, lower bad ( LDL) cholesterol and higher good (HDL) cholesterol levels can be achieved through use of a heart healthy cholesterol diet. Lowering cholesterol through diet can be started naturally and safely by following three immediate courses of action.

Lower intake of high cholesterol foods

Lower consumption of foods high in saturated fats and try to avoid trans fats completely

Increase consumption of foods that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids

Lowering intake of high cholesterol foods can be accomplished by eating less red meat, limiting yourself to one egg (USDA recommends limiting cholesterol intake to 300 mg and one large egg contains approx. 260 mg) or switch to an egg substitute. Eat less shrimp. Increase consumption of vegetables and fruit. Reduction in the amount of fried food you consume will make a substantial difference. Switch to whole grain breads, and make oatmeal with fruit your breakfast choice a couple times a week.

Lower consumption of foods high in saturated fat can be easily accommodated by reading labels and choosing healthier brands. Everyday more heart healthy alternatives are sitting in the potato chip and cracker aisle at your local grocery store. Another quick fix is to replace butter and margarine with one of the new heart healthy spreads. These butter and margarine alternatives are prevalent everywhere, even peanut butter has heart healthy alternatives.

Increase consumption of foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids can be accomplished by eating more fish, especially salmon (although it is believed that wild-caught salmon contains more Omega-3 than farm-raised). Start eating a couple handfuls of walnuts, almonds, or Brazil nuts as a snack (1/4 cup of walnuts provides about 2.5g of Omega-3). Flax seeds and chia seeds are also high in this essential nutrient. Omega-3 fatty acids are not produced by the body and must be supplemented through eating, so if you are not a fan of fish or nuts, take an Omega-3 supplement.

Another benefit of Omega-3 fatty acids besides warding of cardiovascular and heart disease, is that the National Institute of Health recently conducted eight evidence-based reviews on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids from food or dietary-supplement sources for the prevention and treatment of several diseases. Omega-3 has been shown to be beneficial in countering diabetes, cancer, asthma, dementia, and cognitive difficulties, just to name a few.

So it should be quite evident that cholesterol is much better managed by utilizing a cholesterol diet that will lower cholesterol naturally and safely. Avoidance of dangerous side effects of statin drugs and the added healing qualities of the use of Omega-3, should urge you to reconsider all the hype in the media and advertising that pronounces the miracle of statins. An 8 week cholesterol cure is in your grocery store now.

Resource box:

can be controlled naturally and safely, simply by making a few dietary changes. Increased consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids will go a long way toward taking your health into your own hands, you won't regret it. Learn more about cholesterol and heart disease prevention at . Visit us today to learn about an 8 week cholesterol cure!

There are many people out there who need to reduce their cholesterol levels. A blood test that is administered by a doctor, will determine whether your cholesterol is too high and if it is what can be done to correct this. Since cholesterol and diet go hand in hand, your doctor may recommend that you follow a low fat diet that is high in nutrients.

If you can reduce and keep your cholesterol level under control by modifying your diet, you may avoid taking medication. When first informed that you have high cholesterol, a diet and exercise plan is the first step to getting it under control. Your doctor will give you information regarding the type of diet you should be following or where to get more information on this topic in order to bring your cholesterol under control. If you don't feel like you can make the suggested dietary changes on your own and need some additional help, a nutritionist or dietitian can formulate a dietary plan fit for you.

A nutritionist can help you to see the relationship between cholesterol and diet. You'll learn what foods you shouldn't eat and the ones that are helpful to have in a healthy diet. Being informed about foods that are good for your heart is the best thing you can do to achieve a healthier life.

Most nutritionists recommend that you find foods which you like the most to eat so as to reduce your cholesterol levels but at the same time are healthier for you. Most of the time, trying to moderate cholesterol and diet will fail because a person is eating the same foods every day which will make them give up trying. If you change the foods and find new ways of preparing them then it is more likely that you will stick with it. Keep in mind that herbs and spices are your best friend when it comes to adding variety to the same old dishes.

When you're ready to tackle your cholesterol and diet and are armed with solid goals, it's a good idea to find appropriate cholesterol friendly recipes. Try teasing your taste buds with something different. You may find that you enjoy the new taste. Variety in your diet can keep you on the right track for lowering your cholesterol.

There is no doubt that the link between your cholesterol and diet will influence your cholesterol reading, however you must also take on a certain amount of exercise to increase your chances of reducing cholesterol and improving your general health. Exercising can be fun and stimulating and you should search for physical activities that will fit into your schedule and fitness level.

Keep in mind that managing cholesterol and diet are lifelong objectives. Don't fool yourself into thinking that once you've achieved your short-term goal of reducing your cholesterol levels, that you're done. Maintain your healthy new lifestyle by finding foods and exercise routines that you like and enjoy. This is the best way to be successful in keeping your cholesterol levels balanced and healthy for life.

Article Source : Pg. 13

About Author

Both Arthur Nelson & Adrian Fletcher are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Arthur Nelson has sinced written about articles on various topics from High Cholesterol, Cholesterol and Diabetes Treatment. It is my wife and my ultimate goal to educate and inform visitors to our website, , and a number of other maladies as an alternative to prescription drugs. Arthur Nelson's top article generates over 590 views. to your Favourites.

Adrian Fletcher has sinced written about articles on various topics from Information Technology, Cure Anxiety and Home Improvement. Find out more about getting a and what to expect of. Adrian Fletcher's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.