Cholesterol Nutritionists and Dietitians in Orange County, NY

Photo of Silvia Carolina Ross - SRoss Nutrition PLLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CDN
SRoss Nutrition PLLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CDN
Highland Mills, NY 10930
If you are struggling with weight gain, gut issues (constipation/diarrhea), malnutrition, infertility/breastfeeding/pregnancy issues, and suffer from chronic diseases such as CVDs, renal diseases, cirrhosis, cancer, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, wound healing problems, or have trouble coping with stress, and if you are seeking a health coach or personal trainer and desire to make lifestyle changes, you are my ideal client! My method employs an integrative functional and holistic approach, along with structured lifestyle guidance. I offer group consultations and corporate events.
If you are struggling with weight gain, gut issues (constipation/diarrhea), malnutrition, infertility/breastfeeding/pregnancy issues, and suffer from chronic diseases such as CVDs, renal diseases, cirrhosis, cancer, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, wound healing problems, or have trouble coping with stress, and if you are seeking a health coach or personal trainer and desire to make lifestyle changes, you are my ideal client! My method employs an integrative functional and holistic approach, along with structured lifestyle guidance. I offer group consultations and corporate events.
(914) 415-6489 View (914) 415-6489
Photo of Vicki Koenig, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CDN
Vicki Koenig
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CDN
Serves Area
Creating Wellness for Individuals and Businesses. As a Masters level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I've maintained a private counseling practice and consulting business for over 25 years. Drawing on my comprehensive knowledge of nutrition throughout the life cycle, I have a broad perspective when speaking, counseling, consulting and writing; I truly specialize in Nutrition for Wellness. As a Consulting Nutritionist, I keep up-to-date on all areas of health: from Head Start to Assisted Living with Weight Loss and Wellness in between. I'm now accepting more insurances. Please inquire!
Creating Wellness for Individuals and Businesses. As a Masters level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I've maintained a private counseling practice and consulting business for over 25 years. Drawing on my comprehensive knowledge of nutrition throughout the life cycle, I have a broad perspective when speaking, counseling, consulting and writing; I truly specialize in Nutrition for Wellness. As a Consulting Nutritionist, I keep up-to-date on all areas of health: from Head Start to Assisted Living with Weight Loss and Wellness in between. I'm now accepting more insurances. Please inquire!
(845) 202-0972 View (845) 202-0972
Photo of Iris Improvement Epstein - Nutrition Improvement Center, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CEDS, CAI
Nutrition Improvement Center
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CEDS, CAI
Serves Area
Iris Epstein, a registered dietitian and founder of the Nutrition Improvement Center, specializes in eating disorders. With extensive experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate recovery challenges. As a Certified ARISE Interventionist, Iris provides compassionate, family-focused support. At her center, she offers personalized coaching to improve relationships with food and promote sustainable health. Her approach combines evidence-based nutrition strategies with an understanding of emotional and behavioral factors. Iris fosters communication and collaboration within families, ensuring holistic care.
Iris Epstein, a registered dietitian and founder of the Nutrition Improvement Center, specializes in eating disorders. With extensive experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate recovery challenges. As a Certified ARISE Interventionist, Iris provides compassionate, family-focused support. At her center, she offers personalized coaching to improve relationships with food and promote sustainable health. Her approach combines evidence-based nutrition strategies with an understanding of emotional and behavioral factors. Iris fosters communication and collaboration within families, ensuring holistic care.
(845) 262-6677 View (845) 262-6677

Online Dietitians and Nutritionists

Photo of Regine Lubin-Aubourg - Healthy Eating Helps LLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Healthy Eating Helps LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Online Only
I worked with patients who suffer from chronic disease like hypertension, Diabetes, and High cholesterol.
Your primary physician referred you to a dietitian, now what? You may feel anxious and wonder if this would work! There is so much nutrition information out there! If you suffer from high blood pressure or diabetes you may ask yourself some of these questions. Would I be able to eat my favorite foods? Would I be on a diet? Would I still be able to attend family functions? Several questions run through your mind when a physician gives you a referral. However, seeking a Registered Dietitian's expertise would make the process of therapeutic lifestyle changes much clearer and easier for you than trying to do it on your own.
I worked with patients who suffer from chronic disease like hypertension, Diabetes, and High cholesterol.
Your primary physician referred you to a dietitian, now what? You may feel anxious and wonder if this would work! There is so much nutrition information out there! If you suffer from high blood pressure or diabetes you may ask yourself some of these questions. Would I be able to eat my favorite foods? Would I be on a diet? Would I still be able to attend family functions? Several questions run through your mind when a physician gives you a referral. However, seeking a Registered Dietitian's expertise would make the process of therapeutic lifestyle changes much clearer and easier for you than trying to do it on your own.
(718) 866-3709 View (718) 866-3709
Photo of Katerina Varnum, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
Katerina Varnum
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
Brooklyn, NY 11229
The parameters of glucose, liver, cholesterol, and blood pressure significantly improved WITHOUT the use of drugs, even in people with many years of diabetes.
No, you don't need drugs to improve your blood sugar, lose weight, or deal with PCOS. Yes, medications might seem convenient; however, this road goes nowhere. With time, your drug quantity will increase because these drugs can’t treat the causes of your problems. Based on the latest research, effective treatment of diabetes and PCOS can be achieved by working with gut microbiome. I use gut microbiome in my practice not only to lower insulin resistance and lower blood glucose but also for weight loss, getting regular periods, and improving the ability to conceive for girls with PCOS.
The parameters of glucose, liver, cholesterol, and blood pressure significantly improved WITHOUT the use of drugs, even in people with many years of diabetes.
No, you don't need drugs to improve your blood sugar, lose weight, or deal with PCOS. Yes, medications might seem convenient; however, this road goes nowhere. With time, your drug quantity will increase because these drugs can’t treat the causes of your problems. Based on the latest research, effective treatment of diabetes and PCOS can be achieved by working with gut microbiome. I use gut microbiome in my practice not only to lower insulin resistance and lower blood glucose but also for weight loss, getting regular periods, and improving the ability to conceive for girls with PCOS.
(818) 403-3159 View (818) 403-3159
Photo of Janet Levine, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, DMD
Janet Levine
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, DMD
Online Only
With my help, you can make a lifestyle transition to live longer, be healthy, avoid chronic diseases, and eliminate the need for many medications by enjoying a plant-based diet. Healthy plant based foods can improve health issues related to heart disease (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, angina), excess weight, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome) and other chronic diseases.
With my help, you can make a lifestyle transition to live longer, be healthy, avoid chronic diseases, and eliminate the need for many medications by enjoying a plant-based diet. Healthy plant based foods can improve health issues related to heart disease (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, angina), excess weight, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome) and other chronic diseases.
(914) 326-3060 View (914) 326-3060
Photo of Christina Brianne Casper - Christina Casper Nutrition LLC , Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CDN
Christina Casper Nutrition LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CDN
Online Only
Are you struggling to lower your cholesterol or blood sugar?
I offer 1:1 nutrition counseling using a non diet approach to lower and manage your cholesterol and blood sugar for diabetes and PCOS. I offer support with grocery shopping, meal planning, building a healthy relationship with food, exercise and your body.
Are you struggling to lower your cholesterol or blood sugar?
I offer 1:1 nutrition counseling using a non diet approach to lower and manage your cholesterol and blood sugar for diabetes and PCOS. I offer support with grocery shopping, meal planning, building a healthy relationship with food, exercise and your body.
(929) 381-0625 View (929) 381-0625
Photo of Karen Carter, Nutritionist/Dietitian, HHC FNC, 500 RYT
Karen Carter
Nutritionist/Dietitian, HHC FNC, 500 RYT
West Babylon, NY 11704
I assist in obtaining optimum gut health, metabolic syndrome (high cholesterol, high blood pressure etc
If you are looking for guidance with a more personalized, holistic approach to feeling a happier, healthier, more balanced life. Whether to learn how to prepare nutrient based, anti-inflammatory meals, improve your gut health, reduce or eliminate chronic issues, feel more vibrant and engaged with less stress and not sure where to start? Then you came to the right place.
I assist in obtaining optimum gut health, metabolic syndrome (high cholesterol, high blood pressure etc
If you are looking for guidance with a more personalized, holistic approach to feeling a happier, healthier, more balanced life. Whether to learn how to prepare nutrient based, anti-inflammatory meals, improve your gut health, reduce or eliminate chronic issues, feel more vibrant and engaged with less stress and not sure where to start? Then you came to the right place.
(516) 970-4893 View (516) 970-4893
Photo of Jenna Lenhart, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, IBCLC
Jenna Lenhart
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, IBCLC
5 Endorsed
New York, NY 10010
Specialties include: Eating disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, BED, Body Dysmorphia, ARFID), General Lifestyle and Nutrition, Intuitive Eating, High Cholesterol, Weight Management, and Picky eating.
Jenna is a Registered Dietitian who has spent much of her nutrition career helping those in the pediatric/young adult population. While seeing a variety of nutrition concerns, she specializes in helping patients in eating disorder recovery and seeks to promote a safe space to pursue a new healthy relationship with food. Jenna uses a patient-centered approach to working with clients, prioritizing patient goals for their health journey. With disordered eating, she uses an intuitive eating framework of counseling in addition to family based therapy to promote a safe and effective environment for healing.
Specialties include: Eating disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, BED, Body Dysmorphia, ARFID), General Lifestyle and Nutrition, Intuitive Eating, High Cholesterol, Weight Management, and Picky eating.
Jenna is a Registered Dietitian who has spent much of her nutrition career helping those in the pediatric/young adult population. While seeing a variety of nutrition concerns, she specializes in helping patients in eating disorder recovery and seeks to promote a safe space to pursue a new healthy relationship with food. Jenna uses a patient-centered approach to working with clients, prioritizing patient goals for their health journey. With disordered eating, she uses an intuitive eating framework of counseling in addition to family based therapy to promote a safe and effective environment for healing.
(971) 449-1216 View (971) 449-1216
Photo of Diane Morgenroth, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CDN
Diane Morgenroth
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CDN
Online Only
I specialize in eating disorders as well as management for diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, heart disease, and digestive disorders.
My educational approach allows patients to obtain sound nutrition advice while focusing on individual needs and concerns. I provide a supportive therapeutic atmosphere to help implement healthy lifestyle choices. I work with individuals and families who wish to optimize physical energy, increase mental clarity, strengthen immunity, reduce cravings, improve digestion and fat burning, overcome mood swings, eliminate anxiety over food and body issues. I help clients achieve and maintain their health goals.
I specialize in eating disorders as well as management for diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, heart disease, and digestive disorders.
My educational approach allows patients to obtain sound nutrition advice while focusing on individual needs and concerns. I provide a supportive therapeutic atmosphere to help implement healthy lifestyle choices. I work with individuals and families who wish to optimize physical energy, increase mental clarity, strengthen immunity, reduce cravings, improve digestion and fat burning, overcome mood swings, eliminate anxiety over food and body issues. I help clients achieve and maintain their health goals.
(516) 537-9566 View (516) 537-9566
Photo of Ashley Danulevith, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD
Ashley Danulevith
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD
Online Only
Ashley supports individuals struggling with diabetes, pre and postnatal nutrition, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol build a balanced relationship with food - without rigid rules or quick fixes.
Ashley is a clinical dietitian in a large hospital setting, so she is familiar with a wide breadth of health conditions and issues. Ashley is alsova marathon runner and former collegiate swimmer, making her a great fit for individuals who are looking to support their physical activity or begin implementing movement into their daily routine.
Ashley supports individuals struggling with diabetes, pre and postnatal nutrition, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol build a balanced relationship with food - without rigid rules or quick fixes.
Ashley is a clinical dietitian in a large hospital setting, so she is familiar with a wide breadth of health conditions and issues. Ashley is alsova marathon runner and former collegiate swimmer, making her a great fit for individuals who are looking to support their physical activity or begin implementing movement into their daily routine.
(516) 928-4393 View (516) 928-4393
Photo of Anne Suelzer, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Anne Suelzer
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
5 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016
Specialties include Vegan/Vegetarian, Anti-inflammatory Nutrition, Heart Health, Hormonal Imbalances, GI Conditions (IBS and IBD), GERD (Acid Reflux), Diabetes, Crohn’s, PCOS, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Kidney Disease, Weight Management, High Cholesterol, Ulcerative Colitis, Psychiatric Diagnosis, Hyper/Hypo-Thyroidism, Candida Overgrowth.
Anne is passionate about working collaboratively with clients to help them make healthy and sustainable diet changes that support their lifestyle and hormonal health. She understands food’s crucial role in balancing hormones and believes in the power of evidence-based research to guide her practice. Anne is particularly interested in the gut-brain connection and how it influences overall well-being. She emphasizes the importance of consuming whole foods that nourish the body and believes that access to nutritious food should be available to all.
Specialties include Vegan/Vegetarian, Anti-inflammatory Nutrition, Heart Health, Hormonal Imbalances, GI Conditions (IBS and IBD), GERD (Acid Reflux), Diabetes, Crohn’s, PCOS, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Kidney Disease, Weight Management, High Cholesterol, Ulcerative Colitis, Psychiatric Diagnosis, Hyper/Hypo-Thyroidism, Candida Overgrowth.
Anne is passionate about working collaboratively with clients to help them make healthy and sustainable diet changes that support their lifestyle and hormonal health. She understands food’s crucial role in balancing hormones and believes in the power of evidence-based research to guide her practice. Anne is particularly interested in the gut-brain connection and how it influences overall well-being. She emphasizes the importance of consuming whole foods that nourish the body and believes that access to nutritious food should be available to all.
(332) 244-2046 View (332) 244-2046
Photo of Carla Coriaty-Hulla, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CDN
Carla Coriaty-Hulla
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CDN
1 Endorsed
Staten Island, NY 10312
Carla's unique approach has been extremely effective in preventing the need for medicines for diabetes hypertension, ADHD, autoimmune disease, infertility, migraines, high cholesterol, autism and more.
Carla's mission is to provide personalized, high-quality care by integrating traditional nutrition practices with holistic & complimentary interventions.We are a full-service family nutrition practice of dedicated Dietitians who believe in working with our patients to maintain and improve their health using nutrition as medicine. We work together to serve your entire family for all of your nutritional needs in all stages of life. We believe in educating our patients to achieve the best outcome possible. Carla and her dietitians are board certified by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics & New York State certified.
Carla's unique approach has been extremely effective in preventing the need for medicines for diabetes hypertension, ADHD, autoimmune disease, infertility, migraines, high cholesterol, autism and more.
Carla's mission is to provide personalized, high-quality care by integrating traditional nutrition practices with holistic & complimentary interventions.We are a full-service family nutrition practice of dedicated Dietitians who believe in working with our patients to maintain and improve their health using nutrition as medicine. We work together to serve your entire family for all of your nutritional needs in all stages of life. We believe in educating our patients to achieve the best outcome possible. Carla and her dietitians are board certified by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics & New York State certified.
(347) 690-7243 View (347) 690-7243
Photo of Robin Decicco, Nutritionist/Dietitian, CHHC
Robin Decicco
Nutritionist/Dietitian, CHHC
Online Only
I am an expert in the areas of weight loss, label reading, gluten-free and other food allergies and teaching mindfulness related to eating patterns.I create meal and lifestyle plans to reduce symptoms of inflammatory conditions, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders, forms of cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. My program empowers individuals, families and groups to make smarter, more informed food decisions, leading to health, balance and longevity. I promote overall health through assisting clients and making informed food decisions by combining the most recent scientific findings with specific interventions that lead to health and balance.
I am an expert in the areas of weight loss, label reading, gluten-free and other food allergies and teaching mindfulness related to eating patterns.I create meal and lifestyle plans to reduce symptoms of inflammatory conditions, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders, forms of cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. My program empowers individuals, families and groups to make smarter, more informed food decisions, leading to health, balance and longevity. I promote overall health through assisting clients and making informed food decisions by combining the most recent scientific findings with specific interventions that lead to health and balance.
(201) 289-5984 View (201) 289-5984
Photo of Jillian Mergruen, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CDN
Jillian Mergruen
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CDN
2 Endorsed
Online Only
If you are struggling with your relationship with food, movement or your body, we might be a good fit to work together! I am a registered dietitian based in New York City who specializes in disordered eating and eating disorder treatment as well as other nutrition-related issues, like diabetes and GI nutrition. If you often feel pre-occupied with food or your body, struggle with feeling chaotic or in control around food, or if it feels hard to feel confident in your food choices, we can do this work together! I am here to support you in finding peace with food and your body. My goal is to help you do sustainable work with support!
If you are struggling with your relationship with food, movement or your body, we might be a good fit to work together! I am a registered dietitian based in New York City who specializes in disordered eating and eating disorder treatment as well as other nutrition-related issues, like diabetes and GI nutrition. If you often feel pre-occupied with food or your body, struggle with feeling chaotic or in control around food, or if it feels hard to feel confident in your food choices, we can do this work together! I am here to support you in finding peace with food and your body. My goal is to help you do sustainable work with support!
(516) 604-3316 View (516) 604-3316
Photo of Lindsay Krasna, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MA, EdM, RD, CDN
Lindsay Krasna
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MA, EdM, RD, CDN
2 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Most of the individuals I work with are in recovery from an eating disorder, and/or looking to heal a complicated relationship with food. I find tremendous reward in the process of collaborating with my clients and helping them find a more ease with eating and confidence in their bodies. My nutrition counseling style is warm, creative and compassionate. In our work together, you can expect a non-judgmental space, invitations to unpack internalized diet culture beliefs, and tailored guidance focused on cultivating behaviors that promote genuine well-being and better quality of life around food and body.
Most of the individuals I work with are in recovery from an eating disorder, and/or looking to heal a complicated relationship with food. I find tremendous reward in the process of collaborating with my clients and helping them find a more ease with eating and confidence in their bodies. My nutrition counseling style is warm, creative and compassionate. In our work together, you can expect a non-judgmental space, invitations to unpack internalized diet culture beliefs, and tailored guidance focused on cultivating behaviors that promote genuine well-being and better quality of life around food and body.
(929) 323-2505 View (929) 323-2505
Photo of Madeline Rose Alfiero, Nutritionist/Dietitian, LDN, RD, MS, RYT-275
Madeline Rose Alfiero
Nutritionist/Dietitian, LDN, RD, MS, RYT-275
Online Only
Hi, Im Maddie! I am a Registered Dietitian, a Certified Confidence Coach and Mindfulness Nutritionist as well as a Yoga and Pilates instructor. Health and wellness is not just something that I preach but, it's what I practice on a daily basis. I offer single coaching sessions covered by insurance or purchased through private pay. Whichever you choose, you’ll get expert advice and completely customized support! My mission is to help you feel strong, healthy, sexy and confident so you can live your most fun and fearless life!
Hi, Im Maddie! I am a Registered Dietitian, a Certified Confidence Coach and Mindfulness Nutritionist as well as a Yoga and Pilates instructor. Health and wellness is not just something that I preach but, it's what I practice on a daily basis. I offer single coaching sessions covered by insurance or purchased through private pay. Whichever you choose, you’ll get expert advice and completely customized support! My mission is to help you feel strong, healthy, sexy and confident so you can live your most fun and fearless life!
(561) 823-5081 View (561) 823-5081
Photo of Madeline Kuras, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Madeline Kuras
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10065
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 Chloe Ring, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS
Chloe Ring
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you struggling with irregular cycles, GI disturbances, weight fluctuations, or conditions like PCOS? Feeling constantly fatigued? You’re not alone. I'm passionate about empowering and educating my clients to support their hormones and overall health. With so much nutrition information available, it's easy to feel lost. That's why my goal is to help you navigate the landscape and create sustainable changes. I offer evidence-based guidance and understand that there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to nutrition therapy. I use an integrative approach combining diet and lifestyle to help you tap into your power.
Are you struggling with irregular cycles, GI disturbances, weight fluctuations, or conditions like PCOS? Feeling constantly fatigued? You’re not alone. I'm passionate about empowering and educating my clients to support their hormones and overall health. With so much nutrition information available, it's easy to feel lost. That's why my goal is to help you navigate the landscape and create sustainable changes. I offer evidence-based guidance and understand that there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to nutrition therapy. I use an integrative approach combining diet and lifestyle to help you tap into your power.
(929) 470-0680 View (929) 470-0680
Photo of Amanda Ghighi, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Amanda Ghighi
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
1 Endorsed
Astoria, NY 11106
Amanda is an RD specializing in eating disorders and disordered eating. She is dedicated to helping individuals heal their relationship with food and their bodies. Amanda believes in creating a compassionate and supportive environment, incorporating evidence-based nutrition practices to guide clients toward sustainable changes. She strives to empower her clients to break free from diet culture and develop a nourishing and balanced approach to eating. Amanda offers compassionate, patient-centered nutrition care, focusing on non-diet, weight-inclusive principles.
Amanda is an RD specializing in eating disorders and disordered eating. She is dedicated to helping individuals heal their relationship with food and their bodies. Amanda believes in creating a compassionate and supportive environment, incorporating evidence-based nutrition practices to guide clients toward sustainable changes. She strives to empower her clients to break free from diet culture and develop a nourishing and balanced approach to eating. Amanda offers compassionate, patient-centered nutrition care, focusing on non-diet, weight-inclusive principles.
(551) 365-7752 View (551) 365-7752
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.