LIPID LOWERING DIET

Raised cholesterol and triglyceride levels are risk factors in Coronary Heart Disease. There are other risk factors involved in CHD and it is the cumulative effect of these that is important.

TREATMENT

Dietary intervention as lipid lowering diet should precede drug therapy to lower blood lipid levels.

AIM OF THE DIET

  1. To reduce blood cholesterol levels to within desirable limits of 2.5-5.5 mmol/l.
  2. To reduce triglyceride levels to within normal limits of 0.5-2.2mmol/l.

DIETARY ADVICE

  • The different types of fat affect blood lipid levels in different ways. Saturated fat raises cholesterol levels. Polyunsaturated fast will raise cholesterol levels if enough is eaten whereas monounsaturated fats appear to have little effect in lipid levels. Dietary cholesterol has very little effect on serum cholesterol. Therefore, the advice given is to cut down on total fat intake to help reduce lipid levels.
  • Cutting down on fat is achieved by avoiding those foods that are obviously high in fat, e.g. full fat margarine, butter, full cream milk, full fat cheese, fried foods, etc and also those foods which contain hidden fats e.g. biscuits, cakes and pastries.
  • Soluble fibre, which is found in oats and beans, has been shown to have a beneficial effect by helping lower blood cholesterol levels.
  • Weight can affect blood lipid levels. Being overweight will keep blood lipid levels raised whilst reaching and maintaining the ideal body weight can help weight reduction.
  • High sugar and / or alcohol intake can cause raised triglyceride levels. Therefore if triglyceride levels are raised it is necessary to reduce sugar and cut down on alcohol intake.
  • There is some evidence to show that garlic can reduce clotting of the blood. However, it is the chemicals that give garlic its smell that may do it. Many garlic capsules or tablets have the chemical (Allicin) removed and so will not be beneficial. Garlic taken in quantities equivalent to 1-3 cloves may reduce raised blood cholesterol but evidence is not conclusive.
  • Eating oily fish such as Mackerel, Sardines, Tuna fish and Herring three times a week has the same effect as buying fish oil capsules.