Hi Heart Health,

Here are some steps you can take to lower LDL and maintain a high HDL.

Saturated and Trans Fats

Evaluate your diet for saturated and trans fats and replace these fats with healthier unsaturated fats.

Soluble Fiber

Increase dietary fiber, especially soluble fiber. Eat 25-35 grams of fiber daily and of this at least 15 grams should be soluble fiber. Research has shown that for every 1-2 grams of daily soluble fiber intake, LDL (bad) cholesterol is lowered 1%. Learn more here: Dietary Fiber: 4 Tips to Lower Cholesterol with Fiber

Plant Sterols

Eat plant sterols everyday. Eating 2 grams of plant sterols each day will on average reduce your LDL cholesterol 10%.

Plant sterols occur naturally in foods at low levels, so some foods have been fortified. Here is the amount of plant sterols in some foods:

Avocados, 1 small 0.13 grams
Corn Oil, 1 tablespoon 0.13 grams
Sunflower Seeds, 1/4 cup 0.19 grams
Oat Bar with plant sterols, 1 bar 0.4 grams
Orange Juice with plant sterols 1.0 gram
Vegetable oil spread with plant sterols, 1 tablespoon 1.0 gram

Physical Activity

Also, inactivity can cause higher cholesterol levels. Increase physical activity to increase HDL and lower LDL levels. Check with your husband's MD before starting an exercise program if your husband is not currently active.

Here is a link to tips to change your diet to lower cholesterol.

All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps