Ask a Dietitian
Trying to Lower Your Cholesterol and Inprove the Health of Your Heart? Make an Appointment with a Registered Dietitian
A 2008 national study (Lipid Management Nutrition Outcome Project [LMNOP]), led by University of Michigan Health System researchers, demonstrated that medical nutrition therapy by registered dietitians can make a significant difference in lowering cholesterol and losing weight (which also helps your heart). It was the first national study to show what happens when patients at risk for heart disease work with registered dietitians to follow nutrition guidelines grounded in the best evidence. A significant amount of patients in the study were able to reduce their levels of "bad" cholesterol by at least 15 percent or reach their cholesterol goal set by national guidelines.
Kathy Rhodes, lead author of the study, Manager of the Nutrition Team for Cardiovascular Medicine University of Michigan Health System says that the study provides an important "real world" view of the results of registered dietitians implementing evidence-based nutrition guidelines in daily practice. The majority of Rhodes' clients are in the 40-60 year old age range, but she counsels people ranging in age from their late teens through their 90s.
It is becoming more common for people to seek information at a younger age, especially if they have a family history of heart disease. Rhodes says, "I love seeing people ahead of time (before they need medication, have a heart attack or require heart surgery)." Hardening of the arteries begins during the teenage years. Rhodes says instead of overcoming unhealthy habits after a heart attack, "Why not help them enjoy healthy foods all along?"
Rhodes describes sessions with a dietitian as "a team approach" (dietitian and client together) to improving nutrition. Dietitians look at a range of numbers (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-Cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol, blood pressure, height, weight) as well as food and cooking preferences to develop an eating plan specific for each person. Even if people are already eating healthy foods, they can learn more about improving the quality of their overall eating pattern. A heart healthy eating pattern includes lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, lean protein, fish twice a week, low-fat dairy and healthy fats.
Some health insurance plans cover appointments with registered dietitians, but Rhodes recommends checking with your health insurance to understand what is covered by your plan. Even if patients have to pay out of their own pocket, they are likely to get a big payoff on their investment. A healthy diet which lowers cholesterol may have many additional benefits including healthy weight loss, improved blood pressure, reduced digestive problems, fewer headaches, controlling inflammation, and the ability to avoid or reduce medication.
Rhodes tells her clients, "I want you to make enough changes to feel the benefits." After a month or two, many of Rhodes' clients have already noticed the positive changes. A healthy diet may allow people to have more energy and to feel better.
A registered dietitian can help women develop creative and fun meal ideas that fit their lives. For many women, the new knowledge from sessions with a dietitian can extend its benefits to the health of their spouses and their families as the information they gain and the strategies they develop influence their grocery shopping and how they prepare meals.
Appointments with UM Cardiovascular Dietitians are available at both Cardiovascular Medicine at Domino's Farms and at the Cardiovascular Center: www.umcvc.org/nutrition.
Additional resources:
CardioVascular Medicine at Domino's Farms: Metabolic Fitness Program
Cholesterol Check:
Everyone 20 years and older should have their cholesterol checked every 5 years as long as they continue to have "normal" results.
Nearly half of African-American women have cholesterol levels that are too high.
Recommended Reading List
American Academy of Pediatrics Guide to Your Child's Nutrition: Making Peace at the Table and Building Healthy Eating Habits for Life
Editors, William H. Dietz, Loraine Stern
American Dietetic Association's Complete Food and Nutrition Guide
Author: Roberta Larson Duyff
The Color Code: A Revolutionary Eating Plan for Optimum Health
Author: James A. Joseph
Eating for Two: Recipes for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
Author: Robin Lim
Meatless Meals for Working People
Author: Debra Wasserman and Charles Stabler
