Read the ingredient statement on your food labels to locate this dietary demon. As my readers have heard for years, I consider partially hydrogenated fat to be a more insidious influence on health than just about anything else we eat. Try to make sure that your diet contains at least 25 to 30 grams of dietary fiber. To this end, start every day with a high-fiber cereal. I would also try to use garlic whenever possible, as this has been found to reduce an elevated blood-cholesterol level.
Exercise is an important adjunct to any cholesterol-lowering program.
After checking with your physician, I would start an exercise program, starting slowly with daily walks and gradually increasing my level of exertion. I would aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise, three times a week. Stress reduction is an important part of the cholesterol picture. It is not as obvious as diet and exercise, so let me provide a little background. The classical stress reaction is designed to prepare the body for ''fight or flight'' action.