cholesterol

[O'Reilly]

My recent blood tests show my cholesterol level to be 5.3 and I have been given medication for it. I do eat a healthy diet but the doctor is aiming for my cholesterol level to be at about 4 - whats a good type of diet to start on and what should I avoid? I can't afford benecol so am on bertoli spread (I think it was formerly olivio) but any help of food/drinks to avoid would be very useful right now.

[bekib86]

Try some of these...

http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthissues/healthy heart/cholesterol/

http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/diet/low_ fat/low_cholesterol.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol/C L00002

http://www.laurelonhealthfood.com/2007/08/04/1 4-foods-that-lower-cholesterol/

Good luck

[Cheekystar]

check with your doctor sometimes high chlosterol is heredity and not diet related

[Doc Spock]

I manage on fish and chips daily and strong lager.

[eyeshade]

On street doctor last nite on TV they said you should aim for about 5 or lower for high colesterol. And to avoid coffee or caffiene in any drinks, alocohol and smoking. Didn't really mention the diet though

[4GS]

Tomatos are known to reduce high cholesterol levels, however, 5.3 is not high, it is just above normal

[4GS]

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ate/heartandblood/2 01350.html

[O'Reilly]

thanks for the links guys. Yes this cholesterol is hereditary ( re cheekystar) and doc spock - you are no hep at all because I was being serious and really needed advice.

bekib86, I'll try those links and thanks. Eyeshade, doc says I should aim for 4 and to stop drinking about 6-8 pints of tea a day and that's gonna kill me. 4gs - doc says 5.3 is high and wants me to be at about 4 and i already have given up so many favourite foods that I have lost 14lbs (and I was not dieting)

What is the "norm" accepted cholesterol level? it ain't 5.3 so what is the recognised "norm"? it is importnant as my mum died from blocked up arteries and I have the same problem so I need to know the safe limits and then I'll bloody well diet/forego my favourite foods/ accordingly to achieve the "norm"