Good Advice for Decreasing Cholesterol

If you know from your previous visit to your doctor’s office that your cholesterol is running a little high, there are some things that you can do within your diet which may help to reduce your numbers.  The best thing to do is to try to bring some of these foods into your daily lifestyle. 

 

1)           One to two cups of black tea per day (Green tea would be even better)

2)           Dark grape juice.  One to two glasses per day (Perhaps it is best to substitute dark grape juice in place of other types of beverages. 

3)           Soy.  One to two ounces of soy per day.

4)           Oatmeal.  One large bowl of oatmeal per day or if you have to go to instant you may require two or three packages of instant. 

 

In addition to the above named foods, which will help lower cholesterol, it is also important to supplement your diet in order to improve your HDL’s and lower your LDL’s.

 

1)           Antioxidants C and E are very useful to make the LDL’s less harmful.

2)           Niacin (B3) is known to be able to increase HDL’s.  One problem with Niacin is that it can cause a person to flush i.e. hot flash. 

3)           Omega 3 fatty acids.  Essential fatty acids like those found in cold-water fish i.e. salmon, have proven to be beneficial for lowering cholesterol (Just like the Eskimos.  They eat a lot of meat and a lot of fat and yet they do not have the high cholesterol of the normal American diet.)  Another good source of essential acids is flax seed oil.  Flax seed oil may be taken daily or utilized as dressing to your daily intake of salad.  These essential oils preserve HDL’s and of course, the ratio of HDL to LDL is what is really important. 

 

There appears to be increasing research, which also suggests that patients with a history of thyroid function problems tend to be patients who also have problems with cholesterol.  Although many patients are put on drugs like Lipitor to decrease their cholesterol, it is important to understand the physiology behind why the blood tests show increased cholesterol.  Important information about foods and dietary supplements which will decrease cholesterol can still be used to your advantage even for those patients who are currently taking the medication.  In general, some patients have actually been able to come off their cholesterol lowering drugs once they establish a healthier lifestyle of proper diet, exercise, and the correct supplementation.  Anyone wishing additional information should contact our office.  It is important however not to change our medication until you have discussed this with you health care practitioner who originally placed you on the medication.  As always, if there are any questions please feel free to contact us at 518-371-4800 or chirogulyas@aol.com.