REVIEW

Book Review: Cholesterol Down: 10 Simple Steps to Lower Your Cholesterol in 4 Weeks - Without Prescription Drugs by Janet Bond Brill, Ph.D., R.D., LDN

Written by Kelly Jad'on
Published October 27, 2007

Cholesterol Down is for the 105 million Americans who have high cholesterol. The author, Dr. Janet Brill, a registered and licensed dietitian/nutritionist, exercise physiologist, and certified wellness coach, has spent years counseling patients on cardiovascular disease prevention, researching, and writing on the subject of cholesterol. Her work has been published in the International Journal of Obesity and the International Journal of Sport Nutrition.

Cholesterol Down provides readers with the information they need regarding cholesterol — what it is and how it works both for and against the body. It is significantly endorsed by Dr. Jennifer H. Mieres, the National Spokesperson for the American Heart Association. She states, “The simple, consistent, and inexpensive lifestyle therapy outlined in her {Dr. Janet Brill’s} Cholesterol Down Plan could be the most important investment you make in your future health.” Dr. Brill explains LDL, the bad portion of cholesterol, and offers an effective combination therapy of foods, scientifically based, that are as effective as statins. Besides lowering LDL, the following ten-step program also offers further health benefits.

First, eat one cup of oatmeal every day. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends three whole-grain servings daily. This is linked to reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, some cancers, lower blood pressure, and improved bowel movement. Oatmeal lowers LDL, may raise HDL — the good portion of cholesterol, and studies show that the more consumed, the greater the benefit.

Second, eat a handful of almonds daily, approximately 30. In addition to warding off heart disease, they also are particularly preventive toward colon cancer, and help with weight loss. The FDA, American Heart Association, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute all recommend eating almonds to lower heart disease risk, possibly by 50%.

Third, eat at least two tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily. Flaxseed has been shown to be preventative toward breast, colon, and prostate cancers, and is known to lower LDL cholesterol and aid in brain functioning.

Dr. Janet BrillFourth, consume three grams of psyllium husk daily, gradually increasing to 10 grams. For the average consumer that means Metamucil. Dr. Brill states that psyllium husk, the active ingredient in Metamucil is “the most powerful LDL-lowering viscous soluble fiber in existence….For every 10 grams of total dietary fiber intake per day, risk of heart attack dropped by an estimated 14% and risk of dying from the disease by 27%.” Metamucil also promotes digestion, moving toxins out of the body quickly.

Fifth, eat a half-cup of beans, peas, or lentils daily. Legumes help reduce blood pressure, provide minerals and vitamins, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. Beans help fight obesity, diabetes, constipation, hemorrhoids, and various cancers — lung, colon, breast, esophagus, and stomach.

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Book Review: Cholesterol Down: 10 Simple Steps to Lower Your Cholesterol in 4 Weeks - Without Prescription Drugs by Janet Bond Brill, Ph.D., R.D., LDN
Published: October 27, 2007
Type: Review
Section: Books
Filed Under: Books: Diet and Exercise, Books: Food, Books: Health, Books: Nonfiction, Books: Self-Help, Sci/Tech: Health/Fitness
Writer: Kelly Jad'on
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Comments

#1 — October 30, 2007 @ 11:55AM — Martin Thomas

Seems good. But in India, most people including me, do not know what Phytosterols & Kyolic are. Can anyone tell us if these are available in India?

#2 — October 30, 2007 @ 15:48PM — Dr. Janet Brill [URL]

Q: Seems good. But in India, most people including me, do not know what Phytosterols & Kyolic are. Can anyone tell us if these are available in India?

A: You can order both phytosterol supplements (Brand name: CholestOff®) and Kyolic® garlic supplements online. Simply type in either brand name in a search engine and you will find many stores that will ship to India. Thank you for your interest in my book!
Best of health,
Dr. Janet

#3 — February 8, 2008 @ 19:10PM — lena Zullo

Would I follow the same 10 steps for lowering trycliceride, because the doctor told me that they are a little on the high side.Please advise!

Thanks,

Lena

#4 — February 9, 2008 @ 11:36AM — Dr. Janet [URL]

Dear Lena:

All of the steps in my book, Cholesterol DOWN, have scientific evidence showing that they each target (or lower) "bad" LDL cholesterol.

Triglycerides are a whole different ballgame and are not addressed in my book.

That said, here are some helpful hints on how to lower triglycerides without prescription medication:

1. Lose weight (if you are overweight).
2. Take fish pills. Fish pills contain omega-3 fatty acids (long-chain EPA and DHA) which have been scientifically proven to lower triglyceride levels. I would highly recommend the prescription fish pills (called Lovaza) as they are regulated under the FDA. I suggest that you take them under your doctor's supervision.

Best of health,

Dr. Janet

#5 — February 9, 2008 @ 11:45AM — Dr Dreadful [URL]

My annual checkup a few months ago revealed an 'elevated' cholesterol level, so I'm trying to limit my intake of high-LDL foods. That said, I read the nutritional information on packaging and it's surprising how few manufacturers will actually own up to their products having any cholesterol in them at all!

#6 — February 9, 2008 @ 14:38PM — Dr. Janet [URL]

Dear Dr. Dreadful:

First off, I hope that I can help you get your CHOLESTEROL DOWN so that at your next doctor visit, he/she will refer to you not as Dr. Dreadful, but as "Dr. Healthful!"

To simplify things for you, I suggest that you read a copy of my book, Cholesterol DOWN, which will provide an easy-to-follow outline for exactly which foods (and in what amount) you should be trying to consume daily. These are regular, inexpensive and certainly not dangerous foods that are available at your local grocery store (apples, almonds, oatmeal, etc.). What's more, you won't need to read the label and worry about the cholesterol level in these foods. Each targets "bad" cholesterol, and when combined together on a daily basis, will significantly lower your LDL cholesterol. Combine this healthy eating prescription with daily light exercise and you should see miraculous results.

Best of health,

Dr. Janet

#7 — February 10, 2008 @ 12:53PM — Rob at Kardea Nutrition [URL]

Hi All

I certainly live the recommendations in Cholesterol Down, and I have been able to lower my LDLs by 20% and raise my HDLs by 10%--in 4 months. I am confident that there are more improvements to come.

The challenge, of course, is that we start with a belief that life should be lived well, and good food is an important part of living life well.

In this light, I founded Kardea Nutrition to deliver great tasting, natural foods and high quality supplements that support the recommendations of Cholesterol Down. Beyond our products, we are looking for innovative recipes and solutions to incorporate natural cholesterol management into one's day-to-day habit. If you have solution, jump on to our blogsite. Kardea launches its products through its online store on February 25.

#8 — February 10, 2008 @ 13:15PM — Dr. Janet [URL]

Dear Rob:

Thank you for your kind comments regarding my approach to good health and longevity. I completely agree with you that life should be lived well and that good-tasting, healthy and nutritious food plays a large role in the "living well" equation.

My tagline sums up my thoughts on the topic and I believe all Americans should take heed!

Eat Healthy. Exercise. Live Better.

Warmest regards,

Dr. Janet

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