A reader wrote in about treating high cholesterol with Vytorin. The medication Vytorin is a combination of the statin drug Zocor and the cholesterol lowering drug Zetia. The two drugs differ in that statins function mainly in the liver to reduce production of cholesterol, while Zetia works in the digestive tract to block the absorption of cholesterol from food.
Vytorin was in the news at the time due to a possible link to increased cancer risk, based on data that were themselves debated among experts. The reader asked for my thoughts.
First, discuss the best treatment option for you with your doctor, since they can weigh the latest safety data against your personal health history. There was also debate at the time about how effective Zetia is at preventing heart disease, not just lowering cholesterol numbers.
Eight steps to lower your cholesterol
Of course, I do not know your personal situation and if you have tried a statin with poor results in the past.
Anytime you have to take a medication, there is the risk of side effects. Many times it’s simply a matter of weighing the pros and cons and deciding how much risk you’re willing to take.
Of course, I promote making lifestyle and diet changes to support heart health, in partnership with whatever treatment plan you and your doctor decide on together.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD
I may have some good news for Starbucks lovers.
Normally, the high sugar, high fat, high calorie beverage and menu items offered by Starbucks were reasons to steer clear if you struggle to lower triglycerides, lower cholesterol, or shed extra pounds.
Starbucks is typically not the best place to grab a quick breakfast with a Frappuccinno, while scanning the daily paper.
Simply selecting a Grande Frappuccino and Cranberry Orange Muffin would start your day with a whopping 850 calories and 30 grams of fat!
In the past Starbucks has not embraced the idea of offering more nutritious items. They did remove trans fats and started offering nonfat milk this past year, but there is still plenty of room for improvement.
The good news is Starbucks has decided to revamp their breakfast menu to offer six heart friendly breakfast options. The goal was a menu with fewer calories, more protein, more fiber, and more fruit.
New menu selections include:
Apple bran muffin – 330 calories, 8 grams of fat, 7 grams fiber
Baked berry stella – 280 calories, 9 grams of fat, 6 grams fiber
Power Protein plate with peanut butter – 330 calories, 16 grams fat, 5 grams fiber
Chewy fruit and nut bar – 250 calories, 10 grams fat, 4 grams fiber
Perfect oatmeal – 140 calories, 2.5 grams fat, 4 grams fiber
These new options provide reduced calories and fat grams, while boosting dietary fiber content. All good moves if you are looking to be heart friendly.
You still need to use your head when choosing a beverage. Starbucks is not removing its’ high calorie, fat, and sugar beverage options. One of the best choices is a simple Caffe Americano (15 calories, 0 grams fat).
So, if you enjoy the Starbucks ambiance, you’ll now be able to enjoy a heart healthy breakfast, too. Hopefully, the taste of the new menu items lives up to the flavor of their coffee!
To receive regular heart health and weight loss tips from dietitian Lisa Nelson, subscribe to The Heart of Health ezine.
I’ve always recommended clients make a switch from white rice to brown rice as a way to boost dietary fiber intake. A diet high in dietary fiber (ideally 25-35 grams/day) is linked with reduced heart disease risk by lowering LDL and total cholesterol levels.
The FDA just approved a new ruling that will allow brown rice to use a health claim on its label. So, when you’re shopping for groceries, be on the look out for the new whole-grain logo added to the brown rice packaging and don’t forget to reach for the brown rice over the white! A 1/2 cup of cooked brown rice contains two grams of fiber.
Brown rice takes extra time to prepare (~45 minutes). I checked out the nutrition label on brown “minute” rice recently and it’s another option, still providing 2 grams of dietary fiber per 1/2 cup serving. Best of all, only takes ~10 minutes to prepare. Haven’t tried it yet, so can’t vouch for its flavor, but I have added it to my shopping list.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD, LN
The Heart of Health
Hi everyone,
I have decided to take this blog in a new direction. I am launching an ezine – The Heart of Health – this coming Saturday (May 3rd). This ezine will include a note from myself, weight loss and heart health information, and eNutritionServices program highlights.
Exclusive to subscribers is the free report “Stop Wasting Money – Take Control of Your Health” Learn to make your goals a reality! If you would like to subscribe, go to https://www.lisanelsonrd.com/hearthealth.html and subscribe to The Heart of Health.
I will be using this blog as an extension of my ezine, where I can provide additional information and photos.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD, LN
What is one thing you would like to learn about nutrition? Do you have a question related to heart health, weight loss, or some other nutrition related issue? Submit your question for possible answer in this blog or The Heart of Health ezine.
Easter is just around the corner. I hope you all have a great holiday!
Lisa Nelson, RD, LN
Do you have a favorite recipe you would like me to analyze for you? Sign up for The Heart of Health ezine and submit your recipe for analysis. This bi-weekly ezine promotes lower cholesterol levels, high blood pressure control, and weight loss.
Recipe analysis discontinued May 2008.