Managing high cholesterol
simple tips to help lower cholesterol
If you have CKD, your kidneys can’t filter waste as well. Managing certain nutrients helps reduce strain on your kidneys and keep you healthier.
Eat heart-healthy foods
- Choose fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, and nuts.
- Check ingredient labels on fruit juice, cereal, and margarines for "plant sterols" that can help to lower your cholesterol.
Cut back on saturated fat
- Use oils like olive or canola instead of butter, lard, or palm oils.
- Add fish and nuts into your diet for healthy fats.
Choose lean proteins
- Go for chicken or turkey without skin.
- Pick cuts with “loin” or “round” on the label.
- Limit fried or fatty meats.
- Try Meatless Mondays - swap your animal proteins for beans or soy products once each week.
Get more fiber
- Eat oats, barley, beans, and lentils.
- Look for "whole wheat" or "whole grain" on packaged bakery items.
- Add fruits like oranges, peaches, and figs.
- Drink more water as you add fiber.
Bonus tip: If high cholesterol runs in your family, your doctor might suggest medicine too. But healthy habits still help!