Cholesterol Nutritionists and Dietitians in 97216

Photo of Paige Becker, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, CD
Paige Becker
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, CD
Online Only
Hello! I'm a Registered Dietitian who's passionate about providing individualized nutrition care that considers the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. I aim to help clients improve their relationships with food, self-care, and their bodies from a Health At Every Size (HAES) perspective. My counseling approach is based in Intuitive Eating principles and bolstered by somatics and self-compassion-focused behavior change techniques. I'm also aware of the importance of nervous system regulation for positive, sustainable behavior change, thus I'm a proponent of the healing capacity of sensory-engaging practices (like art!)
Hello! I'm a Registered Dietitian who's passionate about providing individualized nutrition care that considers the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. I aim to help clients improve their relationships with food, self-care, and their bodies from a Health At Every Size (HAES) perspective. My counseling approach is based in Intuitive Eating principles and bolstered by somatics and self-compassion-focused behavior change techniques. I'm also aware of the importance of nervous system regulation for positive, sustainable behavior change, thus I'm a proponent of the healing capacity of sensory-engaging practices (like art!)
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More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

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 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 Carly Leanza, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LDN
Carly Leanza
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LDN
6 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97236
Carly is a Registered Dietitian who is passionate about helping people live their healthiest lives while fostering a positive relationship with food. She believes in taking a holistic approach to address the complex relationship between nutrition, mental health, and chronic conditions. Carly provides HAES-aligned care and emphasizes a non-diet approach for her nutrition counseling and evidenced-based interventions in several areas of health and nutrition, including but not limited to, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, weight management, heart health, and GI management.
Carly is a Registered Dietitian who is passionate about helping people live their healthiest lives while fostering a positive relationship with food. She believes in taking a holistic approach to address the complex relationship between nutrition, mental health, and chronic conditions. Carly provides HAES-aligned care and emphasizes a non-diet approach for her nutrition counseling and evidenced-based interventions in several areas of health and nutrition, including but not limited to, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, weight management, heart health, and GI management.
(312) 374-5399 View (312) 374-5399
Photo of Kristin Kinnie - Fully Alive Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MScN, MSW, CN
Fully Alive Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MScN, MSW, CN
2 Endorsed
Hillsboro, OR 97124
I’m passionate about helping people find freedom with food so they can live their best life – feeling fully alive! Yes, it’s possible to eat the foods you love, enjoy food that tastes good, AND nourish and support your body. I’m here to help you tune out all the external food “noise”–fad diets, food trends, superfoods, good/bad foods, etc and tune in to YOUR body and it’s internal wisdom. Through this process, we’ll discover the foods, movement, and mindset that will support you and help you feel your best. Let’s ditch the dieting cycle, restrictive eating, and judgment around food so you make peace with food and your body for good!
I’m passionate about helping people find freedom with food so they can live their best life – feeling fully alive! Yes, it’s possible to eat the foods you love, enjoy food that tastes good, AND nourish and support your body. I’m here to help you tune out all the external food “noise”–fad diets, food trends, superfoods, good/bad foods, etc and tune in to YOUR body and it’s internal wisdom. Through this process, we’ll discover the foods, movement, and mindset that will support you and help you feel your best. Let’s ditch the dieting cycle, restrictive eating, and judgment around food so you make peace with food and your body for good!
(503) 212-6971 View (503) 212-6971
Photo of Michaila Byers, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
Michaila Byers
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Michaila is a registered dietitian who seeks to help patients achieve an overall sense of health and wellness. She creates a safe space for exploring nutritional patterns and concerns in a kind and non-judgmental way. Having worked at Cleveland Clinic's Center for Functional Medicine, she takes a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of symptoms. Her approach is patient-centered, tailoring each session to the client's individual wants and needs. When you collaborate with Michaila, she will guide you on a path to better health, optimizing nutrition and improving well-being.
Michaila is a registered dietitian who seeks to help patients achieve an overall sense of health and wellness. She creates a safe space for exploring nutritional patterns and concerns in a kind and non-judgmental way. Having worked at Cleveland Clinic's Center for Functional Medicine, she takes a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of symptoms. Her approach is patient-centered, tailoring each session to the client's individual wants and needs. When you collaborate with Michaila, she will guide you on a path to better health, optimizing nutrition and improving well-being.
(469) 382-5972 View (469) 382-5972
Photo of Carra Joseph, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LRD, LD
Carra Joseph
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LRD, LD
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Carra is a Registered Dietitian (RD) who recognizes that nutrition is both universal and deeply personal. Nutrition isn’t just about eating—culture, goals, preferences, and habits all shape how we fuel ourselves. Carra provides a nonjudgmental space where individuals can connect nutrition and wellness and feel empowered to make sustainable changes.
Carra is a Registered Dietitian (RD) who recognizes that nutrition is both universal and deeply personal. Nutrition isn’t just about eating—culture, goals, preferences, and habits all shape how we fuel ourselves. Carra provides a nonjudgmental space where individuals can connect nutrition and wellness and feel empowered to make sustainable changes.
(980) 575-0909 View (980) 575-0909
Photo of Caitlyn Dmoch, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CNSC
Caitlyn Dmoch
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CNSC
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97225
Caitlyn is a Registered Dietitian who works with clients ready to take charge of their health and make lasting changes. She understands that each person's relationship with food is deeply personal and strives to work alongside you in partnership. Caitlyn strongly believes that education is the key to meaningful behavior change, empowering her clients with the information they need to make informed decisions. She is ready to be your partner on your health journey, making the process achievable, sustainable, and—most importantly—enjoyable!
Caitlyn is a Registered Dietitian who works with clients ready to take charge of their health and make lasting changes. She understands that each person's relationship with food is deeply personal and strives to work alongside you in partnership. Caitlyn strongly believes that education is the key to meaningful behavior change, empowering her clients with the information they need to make informed decisions. She is ready to be your partner on your health journey, making the process achievable, sustainable, and—most importantly—enjoyable!
(312) 374-5399 View (312) 374-5399
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 Jody Halouska, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CDCES
Jody Halouska
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CDCES
Portland, OR 97215
Specialties include Diabetes and Pre-diabetes, Bariatrics (pre and post operation), Weight management, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Heart Conditions, Underweight Nutrition, Intuitive Eating, PCOS, Prenatal/Post Natal Nutrition, Gastrointestinal, GERD, Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Kidney disease, liver disease, and Sports Nutrition.
Jody is a passionate advocate for health, wellness, and feeling your best. Jody is committed to empowering individuals to make positive and sustainable lifestyle changes. Jody strives to provide personalized guidance to help clients achieve their health goals and create a harmonious relationship with food. Recognizing that each individual's relationship with food is unique, Jody works to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients feel empowered to explore their dietary preferences, navigate challenges and cultivate sustainable habits that align with their goals and values.
Specialties include Diabetes and Pre-diabetes, Bariatrics (pre and post operation), Weight management, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Heart Conditions, Underweight Nutrition, Intuitive Eating, PCOS, Prenatal/Post Natal Nutrition, Gastrointestinal, GERD, Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Kidney disease, liver disease, and Sports Nutrition.
Jody is a passionate advocate for health, wellness, and feeling your best. Jody is committed to empowering individuals to make positive and sustainable lifestyle changes. Jody strives to provide personalized guidance to help clients achieve their health goals and create a harmonious relationship with food. Recognizing that each individual's relationship with food is unique, Jody works to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients feel empowered to explore their dietary preferences, navigate challenges and cultivate sustainable habits that align with their goals and values.
(872) 259-7074 View (872) 259-7074
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 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 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 Cary Fardal - HealthyU Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, CPT
HealthyU Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, CPT
Clackamas, OR 97015
I provide evidence-based nutrition and health guidance to help you build a sustainable, healthier lifestyle. Whether you're managing a chronic condition or simply looking to improve your overall well-being, we will work together to create a personalized approach that fits your needs and goals. My focus is on helping you discover what works best for you—so you can make lasting, meaningful changes with confidence.
I provide evidence-based nutrition and health guidance to help you build a sustainable, healthier lifestyle. Whether you're managing a chronic condition or simply looking to improve your overall well-being, we will work together to create a personalized approach that fits your needs and goals. My focus is on helping you discover what works best for you—so you can make lasting, meaningful changes with confidence.
(971) 297-3065 View (971) 297-3065
Photo of Ashlee Hancock, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Ashlee Hancock
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Ashlee is a registered dietitian with a passion for helping clients build healthier lives through nutrition. She chose dietetics to support individuals in creating sustainable habits while feeling guided and supported throughout their journey. With both personal and professional experience in eating disorder recovery, this population is especially close to her heart. Ashlee is dedicated to helping clients develop a positive relationship with food and their bodies using compassion, evidence-based care, and lived experience.
Ashlee is a registered dietitian with a passion for helping clients build healthier lives through nutrition. She chose dietetics to support individuals in creating sustainable habits while feeling guided and supported throughout their journey. With both personal and professional experience in eating disorder recovery, this population is especially close to her heart. Ashlee is dedicated to helping clients develop a positive relationship with food and their bodies using compassion, evidence-based care, and lived experience.
(515) 375-7850 View (515) 375-7850
Photo of Chloe Whaley - Nutrition Made Simple, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LD
Nutrition Made Simple
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LD
Beaverton, OR 97005
My ideal client feels overwhelmed by the constant noise of viral wellness trends and "quick-fix" advice that often leaves them feeling more confused than when they started. They aren't looking for a generic PDF; they need a personalized approach with realistic goals that honor their culture, busy schedule, and unique food preferences. Whether you are managing a chronic illness, transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle, or learning to trust your body through intuitive eating, I provide the evidence-based clarity you need to trade "misinformation fatigue" for a sustainable, empowered path forward.
My ideal client feels overwhelmed by the constant noise of viral wellness trends and "quick-fix" advice that often leaves them feeling more confused than when they started. They aren't looking for a generic PDF; they need a personalized approach with realistic goals that honor their culture, busy schedule, and unique food preferences. Whether you are managing a chronic illness, transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle, or learning to trust your body through intuitive eating, I provide the evidence-based clarity you need to trade "misinformation fatigue" for a sustainable, empowered path forward.
(971) 309-8971 View (971) 309-8971
Photo of Brittany Norem, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Brittany Norem
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97224
Specialities include: Weight management, Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, PCOS, Heart Healthy Eating, General Nutrition, High Cholesterol, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Celiac Disease, IBS, Vegetarian and Vegan diets.
Brittany is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with Health Loft who works collaboratively with clients to create life-long and sustainable changes. Brittany understands that change takes time and works with client’s to find this balance in nutrition and daily movement. Through open discussion during sessions, client's will learn how to establish daily patterns that ultimately create healthy habits for long-term success. Brittany believes there is no one perfect diet and works with you to find the dietary interventions best suited for your health journey.
Specialities include: Weight management, Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, PCOS, Heart Healthy Eating, General Nutrition, High Cholesterol, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Celiac Disease, IBS, Vegetarian and Vegan diets.
Brittany is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with Health Loft who works collaboratively with clients to create life-long and sustainable changes. Brittany understands that change takes time and works with client’s to find this balance in nutrition and daily movement. Through open discussion during sessions, client's will learn how to establish daily patterns that ultimately create healthy habits for long-term success. Brittany believes there is no one perfect diet and works with you to find the dietary interventions best suited for your health journey.
(904) 467-7389 View (904) 467-7389
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 Madeline Kuras, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Madeline Kuras
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Madeline is a registered dietitian who is passionate about empowering individuals to achieve their personal goals and feel in control of their own nutrition journey. She has experience in all levels of eating disorder treatment across all age groups. Madeline has a background in athletics and utilizes this to foster resilience and strength in her clients. She approaches each session with curiosity and drive to understand her clients struggles. She provides a safe space for all individuals to create and define their own definition of health and sustainable change.
Madeline is a registered dietitian who is passionate about empowering individuals to achieve their personal goals and feel in control of their own nutrition journey. She has experience in all levels of eating disorder treatment across all age groups. Madeline has a background in athletics and utilizes this to foster resilience and strength in her clients. She approaches each session with curiosity and drive to understand her clients struggles. She provides a safe space for all individuals to create and define their own definition of health and sustainable change.
(651) 412-7437 View (651) 412-7437
Photo of Kerri Holmquist, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CD, RD, CDCES, LDN
Kerri Holmquist
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CD, RD, CDCES, LDN
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Kerri is a Registered Dietitian, specializing in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, IBS, Diabetes, and Pregnancy Nutrition. She believes that the beauty of her profession is supporting clients to become empowered and confident as they explore what works for them. Kerri takes a lifelong and “food is fun” approach to her sessions, and understands that what may work in one season of life, may not work in the next. Kerri also believes in an all inclusive approach with foods and body types, providing an environment rich in opportunity to build trust and learning for both client and provider.
Kerri is a Registered Dietitian, specializing in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, IBS, Diabetes, and Pregnancy Nutrition. She believes that the beauty of her profession is supporting clients to become empowered and confident as they explore what works for them. Kerri takes a lifelong and “food is fun” approach to her sessions, and understands that what may work in one season of life, may not work in the next. Kerri also believes in an all inclusive approach with foods and body types, providing an environment rich in opportunity to build trust and learning for both client and provider.
(704) 859-2677 View (704) 859-2677
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.