This page contains the basic information about High Cholesterol
(Hypercholesterolemia) . The initial treatment of high
cholesterol should always be lifestyle changes. This means
altering your diet and getting more exercise. Some people
respond dramatically to dietary changes. There is no consensus
on the best diet. The most effective diet to lower total and LDL
cholesterol is a vegetarian diet. However, this is not an easy
diet to follow. Many people prefer a "Mediterranean style" diet.
There is no strict definition for what should be included in
this type of diet. In general, this means The National
Cholesterol Education Program recommends the following diet:
Avoid all trans fats. To maintain a desirable weight, you should
take in only as many calories as you burn each day. If you need
to lose weight, you need to take in fewer calories than you
burn. People who aren't sure how to follow such a diet may find
it useful to work with a health care professional such as a
dietitian, nutritionist, doctor or nurse.