i need to lower my cholestrol, i've been told to do it through diet and exercise, i also have IBS, lactose intolerence and B12 defficiency

[nuttyjock]

i'm really not good at all this diet stuff and it makes things harder because of the IBS and lactose intolerence, any help would be greatly appreciated xx

[patch14]

Hello nuttyjock, Welcome. I, too, am intolerant to dairy. All dairy. I have replaced my milk with oat milk simply because I don't like the taste of soya milk (although it is supposed to reduce cholesterol), soya yogurts and other soya dairy products. I have had to read numerous labels to check if milk is in the produce and believe me there is milk in the most surprising of foods!! Keep to "Pure" soya spread for spreading or cooking, and if you bake use Stork hard marg for pastry. If you eat fresh food, such as fruit, veg, meat and fish, but if you don't like fish have Omega 3 fish Oil tablets. I take them as I, too, am not a fish fan, but do like a bit of salmon every now and then.

Have you looked into why you are suffering from IBS? I too suffered, and that is when I went to a private clinic and was tested for intolerances and was told all animal dairy was bad for me. I had to cut it out completely. Have you thought that perhaps you, too, could be intolerant to dairy and not just lactose intolerant. I cannot have lactose free anything! Since I went dairy free my IBS symptoms have gone and I now enjoy food that used to give me terrible side effects. The dairy was interfering with the digestion of other foods.

Has the Dr told you to reduce your cholesterol? Have you other underlying health problems? What is your age? Over 60? Your cholesterol is not overly high. Is your blood pressure OK? What about your weight, and exercise regime? All these are questions that only you can answer, but if you have good blood pressure, your weight is within your BMI and you exercise daily, e.g. walking for an hour, not necessarily 2 hours in the gym! you should be leading a reasonably heathly life.

I hope that is suggestion is of help to you and wish you well.

[Penel]

Have you been tested for coeliac disease too? It often goes along with the symptoms you are experiencing. If you have your IBS and vit B under control you could have a look at the low carb site recommended by Bigleg.

dietdoctor.com/lchf

Would your doctor refer you to a dietician to help you with the diet?

As for exercise, just go with what you can manage: walking is a good start.