Ask A Healer Healthy Heart Series

Dietary Factors in Lowering Cholesterol - Nutritional choices you can make for heathier cholesterol levels
© Neva J Howell, All Rights Reserved


Lower LDL levels naturally

Do you take cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Lipitor or Crestor? If so, I hope you are also altering your diet with heart-healthy foods.

This means healthy fats, high fiber foods, whole grains, fruits and veggies.

Moderate exercise is also important. Check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program and be aware that exercise does not have to mean a grueling workout. Simply walking briskly for 15 minutes a day can help lower cholesterol levels over time.

Start reading labels on every product you buy. Look for products that do not contain hydrogenated oils.

Believe me, if the label doesn't specifically say non-hydrogentated, then it almost certainly has hydrogenated oils.

Seek out those breads, cookies, and other foods that are made with whole grain flour and without hydrogenated oils, for a healthier heart.

By the way, multi-grain is not the same as whole grain. The term multi-grain is sometimes used on products that contain refined white flour from several grain sources. Look for whole grains on the label.

Increase your Vitamin C intake. Vitamin C is a very, very heart-healthy supplement. Use a buffered form of vitamin C if you have stomach sensitivities.

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Health Care Disclaimer: While positive nutritional changes in your diet can definitely assist the body in restoring and maintaining health cholesterol levels, sometimes nutrition is not enough. Speak frankly with your doctor about your desire to incorporate nutrition as a vital part of your recovery regimen and ask that a qualified dietary specialist or nutritionist be involved. If you express your desire to depend on nutrition as much as possible, your doctor should be willing to adjust drug dosage downward as conditions improve and to closely monitor the effects of dietary changes on your cholesterol levels over time.