Many people worry that if their cholesterol gets too high, their doctors will insist that they need a statin to lower it. As a result, they search for alternative ways to lower cholesterol.
One reader found a surprisingly simple solution. We don’t know if it will work for other people, but here is an interesting way to lower cholesterol.
High Cholesterol and Blood Pressure:
Q. Three years ago my blood work showed cholesterol of 292 and my blood pressure was up. My doctor wanted to keep an eye on both.
At my next visit, my cholesterol had dropped 44 points and my blood pressure was down to 120/68. The only change in my life was that I eliminated dairy products. I take a calcium supplement (400 mg) and feel fine.
Are Dairy Products a Problem for Human Health?
I figure that cow’s milk is intended for baby cows. Someone should investigate the possibility that our nation’s overconsumption of milk products could be contributing to health problems such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes and maybe even osteoporosis.
A. Your report is fascinating. We found studies suggesting that cheese (International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, Dec., 2014; Food & Nutrition Research, Aug. 19, 2015) or yogurt (Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry, Nov. 4, 2015; American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May, 2014) do not raise cholesterol levels. Consequently, your reaction may not generalize to other people.
With regard to blood pressure, the evidence-backed DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is rich in vegetables and fruits and contains plenty of low-fat dairy products. Following such a diet can help lower blood pressure about as well as medication.
On the other hand, it will not hurt you to forego dairy products. Years ago we spoke with Walter Willett, MD, DrPH, chair of nutrition at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. He told us that drinking milk was neither necessary nor particularly helpful in preventing osteoporosis. To learn more about this, you may wish to listen to the interview.
