Yet another study points to dietary intervention as an effective means of lowering cholesterol.  Statin drugs have long been touted as a miracle drug, but their side effects are often too much to bear for some patients.

In this latest study that is making news headlines all over – patients were prescribed a diet low in saturated fat (the control group) or the ‘dietary portfolio’ group  that incorporated cholesterol lowering foods such as plant sterols, soy protein, viscous fibers and nuts.  The dietary portfolio group also received either 2 or 7 counselling sessions over 6 months.  In this study that had about 350 patients; researchers noticed a significant reduction (13-13.8%) in LDL cholesterol in patients enrolled in the ‘dietary portfolio’ group.  The control group did not see a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol.

As a Naturopathic Doctor, I have successfully have helped patients bring down cholesterol levels through dietary counselling and with the use of supplements.  Here is an example of the success I’ve seen with one of my patients:

Studies have previously proven that foods such as oats are effective at significanty lowering total cholesterol within 6 weeks.  The Mediterranean Diet has also shown to be beneficial in lowering plasma LDL levels.  Along with dietary changes many supplements are beneficial in lower cholesterol levels such as green tea, calcium, chromium, allium sativum and commiphora mukul.   Fish oils have also proven to be effective clinically in reducing total cholesterol, VLDL and increasing HDL.

So, if your doctor has told you that you have borderline high cholesterol or if you are on prescription medication to lower your cholesterol, you would benefit from dietary counselling and also including supplements to help lower your cholesterol.  Having  a healthier diet and supporting your body with supplements increases your longevity and helps reduce your risk for other chronic diseases.