Ranking diet and exercise to manage high cholesterol
Dr. Robert Kelly (photo) is associate director and curriculum coordinator for the Fairview Hospital /Cleveland Clinic Family Medicine Residency Program.
He lists aspects of diet and exercise that are most and less effective in controlling cholesterol.
Most beneficial
- Reduce intake of saturated and trans fats.
- Increase intake of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.
- Fortify foods with plant stanols or sterols.
- Add tree nuts to the diet, while maintaining total caloric intake.
- Consume 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks per day.
- Adopt a Mediterranean, low-carbohydrate, or low-fat diet.
Smaller benefit but still effective
- Reduce the intake of dietary cholesterol.
- Increase intake of soluble fiber and soy protein.
- Eat fatty marine fish or take marine-derived omega-3 fatty acid supplements.
- Red yeast rice supplements have effects similar to those of statin medications and are better tolerated in some patients.
- Regular aerobic exercise has beneficial effects on lipid levels, particularly if performed for at least 120 minutes per week.
Small effect
- Brief physician counseling.
The bottom line.
Efforts should concentrate on patients who are motivated and ready to make lifestyle changes.
5/15/10 12:00 JR