I have a friend whose cholesterol level is at about 270. He's been
vegetarian for over a year, with limited dairy, and has gotten no drop in
his level. No family history of high cholesterol.

He's 50 years old, in good shape, not overweight, and has a fairly
low-stress life. A heavy meditator.

His doctor wants him to start with cholesterol-lowering medications, but
he wants to tackle the problem without meds. He's open to alternative
approaches.

Any suggestions appreciated.

thanks

--
Gary Hillerson        Hillysun Enterprises

I would say, given his already healthy life-style, that he take the doctor's
suggestion and start medication. From what I have read, a familiy history of
high cholesterol means he will have it too, no matter what he does.

His second option is to start a very strict low-fat diet using Dean Ornish's
book Reversing Heart Disease as his bible. Give that six months and see what his
levels are. (You say he is a vegetarian but is he low fat? Lots of vegetarians
eat tons of oil and other fats. On Ornish's diet he would really be eating low
fat.) He might look into taking a course on this plan. Some insurance companies
will pay for the program.

Donna Sullivan

Sorry, I did not get in on the beginning of this discussion. My
cholesterol has always hovered around 220, although the ratio of "good"
to "bad" cholesterol favors the good.
Should I, though, consider taking one of the "statin" {*filter*}? Mevacor?
        Dee