High cholesterol rates in the UK have reached concerning levels, with many cases warranting medical intervention.
If implemented early enough, lifestyle interventions can be as effective as cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Some of the dietary approaches show remarkable results in clinical studies, according to registered dietitian Jennifer Pallian.
She told GB News: “Lifestyle changes, particularly in terms of diet, can be remarkably effective in lowering cholesterol – sometimes rivalling the results achieved with statin medications.”
Dietary fibre helps drag cholesterol out of the body
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The dietitian recommended a Dean Ornish-style diet, describing a vegetarian dietary approach excluding oils and animal products.
“This regimen has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol by 37 per cent, a figure comparable to the lower range of statin efficacy,” explained Jennifer.
Mediterranean diet can also yield positive results, though these tend to be more modest, at around six per cent.
Jennifer highlights its impressive benefits for heart health, however, noting: “It’s been associated with a dramatic reduction in death and non-fatal heart attacks among post-myocardial infarction patients.”
This is due to omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, moderate alcohol consumption, and lower pro-inflammatory omega-6 fats.
What’s more, the benefits of these lifestyle changes extend beyond cholesterol reduction.
The Ornish program can lead to significant weight loss and regression of existing coronary artery disease, the expert noted.
Lifestyle interventions of this nature also address different interconnected risk factors simultaneously, like overall metabolic health and blood pressure, which statins don’t.
Statins may be recommended for patients with heart disease
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“These lifestyle strategies potentially reduce the need for medications over time,” explained Jennifer.
For some patients, combining dietary changes with natural supplements can provide a comprehensive strategy for long-term heart health.
Patients should always consult a doctor before making dietary and lifestyle changes to naturally lower cholesterol.
The NHS states: “Statins may be recommended if you have cardiovascular disease (CVD) or a high risk of developing it in the next 10 years.”
