Vytorin to lower cholesterol
A reader from The Heart of Health is 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 is in the press right now, because of a possible link to increased cancer risk. Studies including 20,000 patients compared cancer in those treated with Vytorin (313) to those taking a Zocor/statin drug (326). Actual cancer deaths were greater in those taking Vytorin (97) versus Zocor (72). From my perspective, that is not a significant difference; however, there are experts that agree with me and experts that disagree.
Anyway, The Heart of Health reader requested my thoughts.
First, absolutely discuss with your MD the best treatment for you. I would discuss the possibility of a statin lowering drug with proven effectiveness/safety as an alternative until the controversy regarding Vytorin is settled. Also, there is debate surrounding the effectiveness of Zetia at preventing heart disease.
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 lower cholesterol to eliminate the need for medications or at least reduce the amount of medication needed to treat your condition.
If you are not a current subscriber to The Heart of Health, you’ll receive a subscriber exclusive report: “Stop Wasting Money – Take Control of Your Health” and regular heart health and weight loss tips once you sign-up.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD, LN
eNutritionServices
A Heart Friendly Starbucks?
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.
Brown rice – New whole grain health claim.
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
The Heart of Health ezine launch!
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
Questions. . . .
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
Recipe Analysis
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.
