high cholesterol

[dorisday]

My husband has been told his cholesterol level is too high and he has to change his diet. (He has to go back to the doctors next week to pick up a diet sheet). We already eat brown bread, plenty of chicken and rice. Low fat margarine, hardly any eggs, skimmed milk. We normally have low fat yoghurts for dessert. During the week, we have a mixture of chicken, beef, pork and fish. I am having trouble trying to think what I can do to improve his diet. I always thought we ate healthily. Any suggestion would be gratefully received

[natty23]

it could be hereditary high cholesterol in which case diet isn't a major factor.

It sounds as if you have a healthy diet, however, i think reducing the amount of meats and increasing your fruit and veg may improve cholesterol, also drinking plenty of water and exercising.  

[natty23]

oops forgot to mension dairy and shellfish. perhaps find a yoghurt alternative and a soya spread instead of marg.

Foods high in starch and fiber are good alternatives for foods high in saturated fat. so breads, cereals, pasta, grains, fruits, and vegetables could be beneficial

[dorisday]

Hi natty, his father died from clogged up arteries, so it could well be hereditary. But his dad was 89 when he passed away!!!! 

This is the thing, he works a shift pattern that gives him loads of days off, so he takes himself off to the gym. He is really fit. I have trouble keeping up with him!!!  Thank for your advice. I think I will get him to drink more water, and eat more fruit. Hopefull the doctors diet sheet will help me too.  I love him to bits and don't want to lose him!!!

[woofgang]

here comes the yelling, but my husband did atkins (fried food, the lot) and his bad cholesterol level dropped so much that his doc reduced his meds!!. also he lost 3 stones.

If it is hereditary, then he needs meds. the research says if you go from a chips and fried mars bar type diet to eating not fat, vegs only, the most you will reduce your cholesterol count by will be 3 points and it will have an effect on your good cholesterol as well

I understand that the egg cholesterol thing has now largely been discounted. Current research says that the healthiest diet for cholesterol is the mediteranean one

[barender]

I was told by my doctor that my cholesterol was too high. I started drinking soya milk (not to everyone's taste admittedly, but I like it) and actimel/bio type yoghurts (combined with a normal healthy diet). Last time I had the starvation cholesterol test it was well down on the previous one.

Does he smoke, because that raises cholesterol levels (as my doctor keeps telling me!)

Best of luck.

[netibiza]

Sorry to disagree but shellfish are very high in cholesterol so are a no-no. Porridge oats are one of the best and quickest ways to lower it.  Make porridge cakes and nibble when nec.  I brought mine right down.  Try to do without the pork. No frying in oil, dry fry instead, and if wanted pour a little olive oil once finished cooking.

[inferno]

I just google 'shellfish cholesterol' and it woulr appear that shellfish are not very high in cholesterol - it seems to be a bit of a myth.

[mystress]

Hi dorisday,

Do you ever get the feeling you are walking through a minefield!

Good Luck anyway!

[dorisday]

Thanks for all your advise and recommendations. My husband doesn't smoke and never has, he drinks only in moderation. He is exactley the correct weight for his height and build. I think we are just going to have to try him on the soya milk and spread. Plenty of water and more fresh fruit and veg.  I am sure I can sort him out.

Thank you again

[netibiza]

 Well done inferno I have also just googled and you are right, so yippee I can eat prawns again, Thanx for the info.

[barender]

netibiza - yes, I forgot to mention that I now also have some oats for breakfast and that they are good for lowering cholesterol, so that may have been a factor in lowering mine too. I don't cook them though - I just have a few spoonfuls with soya milk and a small spoonful of honey.

[natty23]

I thought shellfish was high in cholesterol too (sorry my post wasn't too clear), but it appears i'm wrong. shellfish all round ;)

good luck dorisday