Nutrition program overview

Diet and exercise play important roles in the production and elimination of cholesterol. The nutritionists with the Maurice R. Greenberg Comprehensive Lipid Control Center develop diet and exercise programs that are designed to improve each person’s lipid profile and overall health. The programs are based on practicing moderation in diets, eating a variety of foods and getting enough physical activity.

Nutrition education

Being overweight can raise levels of LDL cholesterol (the harmful type of cholesterol that clogs blood vessels) and lower levels of HDL cholesterol (the good kind of cholesterol that helps clear blood vessels). Our nutritionists help patients understand how foods affect cholesterol and how they can modify their diet in order to lose weight, which is an important step in cholesterol management.

The role of exercise in total cholesterol health

Exercise helps lower cholesterol levels by increasing the amount of HDL cholesterol (the good kind of cholesterol) in your blood, while reducing the amount of LDL cholesterol (the bad, artery-clogging kind of cholesterol). Exercise also promotes weight loss and helps to clear away clots in the blood vessels, making the heart stronger and more efficient. Our nutritionists work with patients to develop exercise recommendations that may involve everyday activities like house cleaning or gardening or a more structured exercise program.