Cholesterol Nutritionists and Dietitians in 97078

Photo of Gina Garrett - Permission Nutrition LLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPP, RD, LD
Permission Nutrition LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPP, RD, LD
Online Only
Do you struggle with an eating disorder or disordered eating? I would love to support you on your journey to free yourself from a negative relationship with food and your body! I offer nutrition counseling for those diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and OSFED. Disordered eating occurs on a spectrum and you do not need to be diagnosed with an eating disorder to be suffering! I also offer nutrition counseling services to help you achieve your health goals whether or not you feel you have disordered eating patterns.
Do you struggle with an eating disorder or disordered eating? I would love to support you on your journey to free yourself from a negative relationship with food and your body! I offer nutrition counseling for those diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and OSFED. Disordered eating occurs on a spectrum and you do not need to be diagnosed with an eating disorder to be suffering! I also offer nutrition counseling services to help you achieve your health goals whether or not you feel you have disordered eating patterns.
(971) 803-5192 View (971) 803-5192

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

Photo of Leo Fischer - Nutrition In The Right Place, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MscN, CN
Nutrition In The Right Place
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MscN, CN
Portland, OR 97202
My specialties include type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure, weight loss, heart disease, Keto, Vegetarian/Vegan, medical nutrition therapy, SIBO, Sports Nutrition, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and more!
Hello! I have my Master's in Nutrition/Dietetics and I am also a registered and certified nutritionist in OR and WA State. I also have a results guaranteed policy or your money back, so you know I am serious. I will only take you on as a client if I know I can help you achieve your goals! I work with a lot of clients that have weight loss goals and to prevent, reverse or manage chronic disease including heart disease and diabetes. It is my goal to make sure you live long, healthy, and at a high quality of life with holistic whole food nutritional life changes. I am also a climbing instructor, check it out, TreeClimbingAtSilverFalls
My specialties include type 2 diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure, weight loss, heart disease, Keto, Vegetarian/Vegan, medical nutrition therapy, SIBO, Sports Nutrition, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and more!
Hello! I have my Master's in Nutrition/Dietetics and I am also a registered and certified nutritionist in OR and WA State. I also have a results guaranteed policy or your money back, so you know I am serious. I will only take you on as a client if I know I can help you achieve your goals! I work with a lot of clients that have weight loss goals and to prevent, reverse or manage chronic disease including heart disease and diabetes. It is my goal to make sure you live long, healthy, and at a high quality of life with holistic whole food nutritional life changes. I am also a climbing instructor, check it out, TreeClimbingAtSilverFalls
(508) 544-0663 View (508) 544-0663
Photo of Iris Briand, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
Iris Briand
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
Serves Area
Custom nutrition coaching can help with: Encouraging Weight Balance, Managing Diabetes, Improving Digestion, Equalizing Cholesterol, and Lowering Blood Pressure.
Sol Food Nutrition, LLC is your home for nutritional support. The company is owned by Iris Briand, RDN, LD. Ms. Briand provides Custom Nutrition Coaching and Presentations that help lead people to adopt a healthier lifestyle by preparing simple, healthy & delicious meals.
Custom nutrition coaching can help with: Encouraging Weight Balance, Managing Diabetes, Improving Digestion, Equalizing Cholesterol, and Lowering Blood Pressure.
Sol Food Nutrition, LLC is your home for nutritional support. The company is owned by Iris Briand, RDN, LD. Ms. Briand provides Custom Nutrition Coaching and Presentations that help lead people to adopt a healthier lifestyle by preparing simple, healthy & delicious meals.
(541) 625-1529 View (541) 625-1529
Photo of Julie Bowman, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD , LMHC
Julie Bowman
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD , LMHC
Serves Area
I specialize in all types of eating disorders and disordered eating, including working with those wanting to stop dieting and find balance. I will help you strengthen, recover or discover a more peaceful relationship with food and body that incorporates pleasure, awareness and flexibility. I am trained in Family Based Treatment (FBT) which I use in combination with Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT). I am passionate about supporting and empowering parents/caregivers and including them in child, teen and young adult eating disorder treatment. I am able to see clients in person and virtually.
I specialize in all types of eating disorders and disordered eating, including working with those wanting to stop dieting and find balance. I will help you strengthen, recover or discover a more peaceful relationship with food and body that incorporates pleasure, awareness and flexibility. I am trained in Family Based Treatment (FBT) which I use in combination with Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT). I am passionate about supporting and empowering parents/caregivers and including them in child, teen and young adult eating disorder treatment. I am able to see clients in person and virtually.
(360) 301-7017 View (360) 301-7017
Photo of Ruth Thompson Murillo, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LD
Ruth Thompson Murillo
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LD
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214
Specialties include bariatrics, weight management, binge eating, prediabetes, diabetes, mindful eating, intuitive eating, prenatal and postnatal nutrition, health and wellness, GI issues, IBS/IBD, heart health, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease, picky eating, vegan/vegetarian diets, and PCOS.
I am a registered dietitian with over 13 years of experience helping individuals make lifestyle changes to improve their health and achieve their goals. I practice with empathy and understanding in a nonjudgmental environment where you can truly be yourself and trust that you will be fully supported.
Specialties include bariatrics, weight management, binge eating, prediabetes, diabetes, mindful eating, intuitive eating, prenatal and postnatal nutrition, health and wellness, GI issues, IBS/IBD, heart health, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease, picky eating, vegan/vegetarian diets, and PCOS.
I am a registered dietitian with over 13 years of experience helping individuals make lifestyle changes to improve their health and achieve their goals. I practice with empathy and understanding in a nonjudgmental environment where you can truly be yourself and trust that you will be fully supported.
(312) 374-5399 View (312) 374-5399
Photo of Demi Evrigenis, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Demi Evrigenis
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97230
Specialities include: Type 1 Diabetes, Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Digestive Issues, PCOS, General Lifestyle and Nutrition, Mindful Eating, High Cholesterol, Weight Management, Heart Health, and High Blood Pressure.
Demi is a registered dietitian who is dedicated to enhancing overall health and wellness. Specializing in aiding those with diabetes, gut health issues, PCOS, as well as renal and thyroid issues using a holistic approach. Beyond evaluating dietary practices, Demi considers lifestyle elements such as sleep, stress, and attitudes towards food. Combining nutritional expertise with empathy, she guides individuals towards improved health journeys. Recognizing the uniqueness of each path, Demi tailors personalized nutrition plans, targeting underlying health issues.
Specialities include: Type 1 Diabetes, Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Digestive Issues, PCOS, General Lifestyle and Nutrition, Mindful Eating, High Cholesterol, Weight Management, Heart Health, and High Blood Pressure.
Demi is a registered dietitian who is dedicated to enhancing overall health and wellness. Specializing in aiding those with diabetes, gut health issues, PCOS, as well as renal and thyroid issues using a holistic approach. Beyond evaluating dietary practices, Demi considers lifestyle elements such as sleep, stress, and attitudes towards food. Combining nutritional expertise with empathy, she guides individuals towards improved health journeys. Recognizing the uniqueness of each path, Demi tailors personalized nutrition plans, targeting underlying health issues.
(312) 374-5399 View (312) 374-5399
Photo of Brittany Payton, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
Brittany Payton
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Brittany Payton, RD, LD, is a licensed dietitian with over 19 years of experience helping clients heal chronic conditions using food as medicine. After facing her own health challenges, she adopted a root-cause, whole-body approach. Brittany blends functional nutrition, clinical insight, and compassion to create personalized, practical plans. She truly listens to each client, empowering them to make lasting change—no quick fixes or restrictive diets here.
Brittany Payton, RD, LD, is a licensed dietitian with over 19 years of experience helping clients heal chronic conditions using food as medicine. After facing her own health challenges, she adopted a root-cause, whole-body approach. Brittany blends functional nutrition, clinical insight, and compassion to create personalized, practical plans. She truly listens to each client, empowering them to make lasting change—no quick fixes or restrictive diets here.
(615) 909-4087 View (615) 909-4087
Photo of Jennifer Anthony, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD
Jennifer Anthony
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD
Serves Area
Maybe you’re managing stress, digestive issues, high cholesterol, diabetes, or you simply want to feel better both physically and mentally.
I help clients manage conditions like high cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes through balanced, sustainable nutrition. My specialty is helping people learn what and how to eat in a way that supports their health, energy, and relationship with food. I offer compassionate, virtual nutrition counseling focused on nourishment, not restriction.
Maybe you’re managing stress, digestive issues, high cholesterol, diabetes, or you simply want to feel better both physically and mentally.
I help clients manage conditions like high cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes through balanced, sustainable nutrition. My specialty is helping people learn what and how to eat in a way that supports their health, energy, and relationship with food. I offer compassionate, virtual nutrition counseling focused on nourishment, not restriction.
(928) 323-0542 View (928) 323-0542
Photo of Jenna Brown, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CSSD
Jenna Brown
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CSSD
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Jenna is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Specialist in Sport Dietetics. She focuses on fueling for exercise/athletic performance, health, and weight management. She utilizes a food first approach and recommends supplements as needed to fill in micronutrient gaps. She builds individualized nutrition plans for weight management, and body composition changes. She provides a judgement free zone where you can feel comfortable to share your goals, current dietary practices, and exercise regimen. Jenna believes there are no healthy and unhealthy, good or bad foods, rather every day foods and every now and then foods.
Jenna is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Specialist in Sport Dietetics. She focuses on fueling for exercise/athletic performance, health, and weight management. She utilizes a food first approach and recommends supplements as needed to fill in micronutrient gaps. She builds individualized nutrition plans for weight management, and body composition changes. She provides a judgement free zone where you can feel comfortable to share your goals, current dietary practices, and exercise regimen. Jenna believes there are no healthy and unhealthy, good or bad foods, rather every day foods and every now and then foods.
(351) 208-1409 View (351) 208-1409
Photo of Marissa Weissbuch, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Marissa Weissbuch
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Marissa specializes in weight management, disordered eating, behavior modification, gut health, anti-inflammatory meal planning, GI disorders, food sensitivities, autoimmune disorders, thyroid disorders, PCOS, type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, kidney disease, liver disease, and malnutrition or unintentional weight loss.
Marissa, a dedicated Registered Dietitian, is passionate about helping others heal their relationship with food. Inspired by her own health journey, she brings empathy, understanding, and practical tools to guide clients in quieting “food noise” and finding sustainable balance. With a whole-person, individualized approach, she simplifies nutrition, making structure and routine attainable. Rejecting diet culture, she empowers clients to nourish their bodies, supporting digestion, metabolism, mental health, skin, and hormones.
Marissa specializes in weight management, disordered eating, behavior modification, gut health, anti-inflammatory meal planning, GI disorders, food sensitivities, autoimmune disorders, thyroid disorders, PCOS, type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, kidney disease, liver disease, and malnutrition or unintentional weight loss.
Marissa, a dedicated Registered Dietitian, is passionate about helping others heal their relationship with food. Inspired by her own health journey, she brings empathy, understanding, and practical tools to guide clients in quieting “food noise” and finding sustainable balance. With a whole-person, individualized approach, she simplifies nutrition, making structure and routine attainable. Rejecting diet culture, she empowers clients to nourish their bodies, supporting digestion, metabolism, mental health, skin, and hormones.
(213) 263-4843 View (213) 263-4843
Photo of Sandra L. Moreno - Sandra L Moreno | NutriSandraRD | SLMC, LLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MBA, RDN, LD, CDCES
Sandra L Moreno | NutriSandraRD | SLMC, LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MBA, RDN, LD, CDCES
Beaverton, OR 97005
I am experienced in heart health ( cholesterol, high blood pressure), kidney disease, disordered eating, prediabetes, weight management and healthy eating.
I am committed to being an inclusive dietetic practice that weaves diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) into my practice. I follow the principles of being healthy at every size and will work with you on your medical nutritional therapy needs while honoring your culture.
I am experienced in heart health ( cholesterol, high blood pressure), kidney disease, disordered eating, prediabetes, weight management and healthy eating.
I am committed to being an inclusive dietetic practice that weaves diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) into my practice. I follow the principles of being healthy at every size and will work with you on your medical nutritional therapy needs while honoring your culture.
(971) 224-7356 View (971) 224-7356
Photo of Addison Hagge, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
Addison Hagge
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Addison is a registered dietitian who works to understand your needs by taking a comprehensive and personalized approach to nutrition therapy. She believes in weight-inclusive care, Health at Every Size, and strives to help her clients find balance with nutrition, movement, and their bodies. You can expect Addison to listen to you, support you, and provide you with the tools to find healing and balance. She will work with you to find ways to achieve your goals and understand the challenges you face. She is devoted to providing you with the most effective and up-to-date nutrition care and information possible.
Addison is a registered dietitian who works to understand your needs by taking a comprehensive and personalized approach to nutrition therapy. She believes in weight-inclusive care, Health at Every Size, and strives to help her clients find balance with nutrition, movement, and their bodies. You can expect Addison to listen to you, support you, and provide you with the tools to find healing and balance. She will work with you to find ways to achieve your goals and understand the challenges you face. She is devoted to providing you with the most effective and up-to-date nutrition care and information possible.
(410) 886-7744 View (410) 886-7744
Photo of Mikalah Barem, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Mikalah Barem
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Portland, OR 97232
Compassionate and Highly Individualized Care: I love working with folks who are done with diet culture and are excited and open to learning new perspectives on what it means to be healthy. My experience includes supporting clients with various health conditions including eating disorders, PCOS, diabetes, Crohn's, liver disease, celiac nutrition, vegan/vegetarian and more. I have also participated in launching and managing higher level of care eating disorder programs. This combined background, and my passion for helping clients get out of the diet cycle means that I can truly meet you where you are on your nutrition journey.
Compassionate and Highly Individualized Care: I love working with folks who are done with diet culture and are excited and open to learning new perspectives on what it means to be healthy. My experience includes supporting clients with various health conditions including eating disorders, PCOS, diabetes, Crohn's, liver disease, celiac nutrition, vegan/vegetarian and more. I have also participated in launching and managing higher level of care eating disorder programs. This combined background, and my passion for helping clients get out of the diet cycle means that I can truly meet you where you are on your nutrition journey.
(503) 461-9950 View (503) 461-9950
Photo of Casey Bramble, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
Casey Bramble
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
4 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97230
Casey is a compassionate Registered Dietitian (RD) dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health and well-being. Her ideal client is someone who is curious about improving their relationship with food and their body through sustainable nutrition practices.
Casey is a compassionate Registered Dietitian (RD) dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health and well-being. Her ideal client is someone who is curious about improving their relationship with food and their body through sustainable nutrition practices.
(312) 374-5399 View (312) 374-5399
Photo of Elise Vega, Nutritionist/Dietitian, PSM, RDN, LDN
Elise Vega
Nutritionist/Dietitian, PSM, RDN, LDN
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Specialities include: Weight Management, Sports Nutrition, PCOS, General Lifestyle and Nutrition, Mindful Eating, Intuitive Eating, High Cholesterol, Heart Health, High Blood Pressure, Weight Gain, Anti-Inflammatory, Pre-Diabetes, and Type 2 Diabetes.
Elise is a dietitian who focuses on using realistic approaches to help you improve your health through nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle practices. Her approach to nutrition is holistic and client centered. She takes the time to fully understand your unique lifestyle, preferences, and challenges to create a realistic nutrition plan together as a team. Elise believes in the power of using high quality nutrient dense foods to support all aspects of your health and wellbeing.
Specialities include: Weight Management, Sports Nutrition, PCOS, General Lifestyle and Nutrition, Mindful Eating, Intuitive Eating, High Cholesterol, Heart Health, High Blood Pressure, Weight Gain, Anti-Inflammatory, Pre-Diabetes, and Type 2 Diabetes.
Elise is a dietitian who focuses on using realistic approaches to help you improve your health through nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle practices. Her approach to nutrition is holistic and client centered. She takes the time to fully understand your unique lifestyle, preferences, and challenges to create a realistic nutrition plan together as a team. Elise believes in the power of using high quality nutrient dense foods to support all aspects of your health and wellbeing.
(321) 468-9298 View (321) 468-9298
Photo of Angela Hermes, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, CLT
Angela Hermes
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, CLT
1 Endorsed
Beaverton, OR 97005
Do you suffer from an incurable chronic illness? Have you tried multiple treatment options with limited success? Are you tired of feeling sick and tired? If so, please consider adding me to your team! Some of the conditions I typically treat are: Chronic migraine and other headaches, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Joint/Muscle Pain, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, ADD/ADHD, Austism/ASD, Epilepsy, Narcolepsy, Cancer and Cyclic Vomiting syndrome. If you have not found success with treating these or other chronic illnesses then I would love to work with you!
Do you suffer from an incurable chronic illness? Have you tried multiple treatment options with limited success? Are you tired of feeling sick and tired? If so, please consider adding me to your team! Some of the conditions I typically treat are: Chronic migraine and other headaches, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Joint/Muscle Pain, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, ADD/ADHD, Austism/ASD, Epilepsy, Narcolepsy, Cancer and Cyclic Vomiting syndrome. If you have not found success with treating these or other chronic illnesses then I would love to work with you!
(971) 251-4656 View (971) 251-4656
Photo of Justine Violet Meyer - Clover Nutrition Counseling, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LD
Clover Nutrition Counseling
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LD
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
You might be navigating the complexities of nutrition interventions to manage or prevent a chronic disease or looking to learn the basics of overall healthy food habits Some of the ways I can help: individualized nutritional guidance that supports goals for healthy blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and/or triglycerides; tools to plan meals that work for the whole family; interventions for nutrition and aging, supporting muscle and bone health; or support for balance plant-based eating.
I understand the challenges of putting food as medicine into action. Often, the complex individual nutrient needs to promote good health can feel tricky or hindered by life stressors. I can't promise a quick, easy fix but I will offer support that is practical and evidence informed - supporting healthy aging, mindful eating practices, and peace with food.
You might be navigating the complexities of nutrition interventions to manage or prevent a chronic disease or looking to learn the basics of overall healthy food habits Some of the ways I can help: individualized nutritional guidance that supports goals for healthy blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and/or triglycerides; tools to plan meals that work for the whole family; interventions for nutrition and aging, supporting muscle and bone health; or support for balance plant-based eating.
I understand the challenges of putting food as medicine into action. Often, the complex individual nutrient needs to promote good health can feel tricky or hindered by life stressors. I can't promise a quick, easy fix but I will offer support that is practical and evidence informed - supporting healthy aging, mindful eating practices, and peace with food.
(360) 743-3267 View (360) 743-3267
Photo of Caitlin Johnson, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Caitlin Johnson
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
My ideal client is a woman with PCOS who feels overwhelmed, unheard, or frustrated by conflicting advice. She wants clear answers, evidence-based nutrition guidance, and a plan that supports ovulation, hormone balance, and fertility without extremes. Her goal is to feel confident in her body again, understand her labs and symptoms, and take sustainable steps toward pregnancy and long-term metabolic health—with compassionate, realistic, and empowering support.
My ideal client is a woman with PCOS who feels overwhelmed, unheard, or frustrated by conflicting advice. She wants clear answers, evidence-based nutrition guidance, and a plan that supports ovulation, hormone balance, and fertility without extremes. Her goal is to feel confident in her body again, understand her labs and symptoms, and take sustainable steps toward pregnancy and long-term metabolic health—with compassionate, realistic, and empowering support.
(240) 901-4284 View (240) 901-4284
Photo of Katie Whitson, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Katie Whitson
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Katie Whitson is a dedicated HAEs-aligned Registered Dietitian with a deep passion for fostering healthy, sustainable relationships with food and movement. She embraces a non-diet approach, focusing on the connection between nutrition and mental health. Katie employs evidence-based strategies to meet patients where they are in their care, empowering them through active involvement and personalized support. Her mission is to inspire lifelong, transformative changes by blending consistency, structure and creativity in every aspect of her practice.
Katie Whitson is a dedicated HAEs-aligned Registered Dietitian with a deep passion for fostering healthy, sustainable relationships with food and movement. She embraces a non-diet approach, focusing on the connection between nutrition and mental health. Katie employs evidence-based strategies to meet patients where they are in their care, empowering them through active involvement and personalized support. Her mission is to inspire lifelong, transformative changes by blending consistency, structure and creativity in every aspect of her practice.
(551) 288-6517 View (551) 288-6517
Photo of Mia O'Brien-Combs, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LDN
Mia O'Brien-Combs
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LDN
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hi! I'm Mia (she/her). I’m a Registered Dietitian dedicated to providing culturally centered, accessible, and compassionate nutrition care. I am committed to providing HAES-aligned evidence based care that also honors and celebrates your lived experience. I utilize intuitive eating principles and motivational interviewing with an “all foods fit” and gentle nutrition approach.I will work with you from a place of curiosity and together we will develop tools, skills, and knowledge to better understand and nourish your body while working towards your health goals.
Hi! I'm Mia (she/her). I’m a Registered Dietitian dedicated to providing culturally centered, accessible, and compassionate nutrition care. I am committed to providing HAES-aligned evidence based care that also honors and celebrates your lived experience. I utilize intuitive eating principles and motivational interviewing with an “all foods fit” and gentle nutrition approach.I will work with you from a place of curiosity and together we will develop tools, skills, and knowledge to better understand and nourish your body while working towards your health goals.
(904) 601-1243 View (904) 601-1243
Cholesterol Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the blood that is essential for forming healthy cells and ensuring regular body functions. Although cholesterol often has a negative reputation, it plays a crucial role in our health. There are several types of cholesterol, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The balance between these types is more important than eliminating cholesterol entirely. In general HDL is considered to be the "good" form of cholesterol, while LDL is considered to be the "bad" form associated with conditions such as cardiovascular diseases. Individuals with high levels of LDL cholesterol circulating in their blood are at an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, as a result of plaque build-up on the interior of the body's arteries.

How does diet affect cholesterol?
While many individuals with high cholesterol are prescribed medications to help lower their levels, lifestyle changes—especially dietary modifications—are considered the first line of treatment. Reducing the consumption of foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as fatty meats, cream, butter, and pastries, helps lower cholesterol. Conversely, consuming sufficient fiber, healthy fats (like those found in salmon and nuts), and low-fat proteins can help lower LDL levels and improve cardiovascular health.

What diet is best if you have high cholesterol?
In general, experts recommend a plant-based diet high in fiber, healthy fats, and lean protein as the best nutrition approach to lowering blood cholesterol levels. The "Mediterranean diet," characterized by the consumption of lots of healthy fats, vegetables, beans, and whole grains is one common diet with abundant evidence supporting its efficacy in reducing blood cholesterol levels and preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is another common diet shown to reduce cholesterol levels; the DASH diet emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low fat dairy products with a particular focus on reducing the consumption of saturated fats. Conversely, diets that include the consumption of large amounts of protein and fats—such as the keto diet and atkins diet—are generally not recommended for those with high cholesterol levels due to the high levels of saturated and trans fats that such diets can include.

Why is it useful to see a dietitian if you have high cholesterol?
Dietitians are specifically trained to use diet modifications to manage health, so consulting a dietitian if you have high cholesterol can be greatly beneficial. They can help construct a diet that lowers cholesterol and promotes a healthier lifestyle. Dietitians can assist clients in identifying foods that are low in cholesterol and those that support overall health. They can also help hold clients accountable for their nutrition and provide resources for other lifestyle modifications that support blood cholesterol reduction, such as exercise, smoking cessation, and alcohol consumption reduction. Additionally, dietitians can assist in managing other chronic diseases often associated with high cholesterol, such as kidney conditions, diabetes, and heart disease.