Lipitor, a brand name of the drug atorvastatin, belongs to a class of drugs called statins, the most commonly prescribed drug for lowering cholesterol levels. Doctors generally prescribe Lipitor if you have extremely high cholesterol levels or if you have made diet and exercise changes, but have not seen a significant decrease in cholesterol. Lipitor is most effective when used in conjunction with a cholesterol-lowering diet.
How it Works
The cholesterol in your body comes from two sources: your liver and your diet. An enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase triggers the chemical reaction that prompts your liver to create cholesterol. Lipitor works by attaching to and inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme to prevent your liver from making cholesterol. As a result, the amount of cholesterol your liver can make is greatly reduced. It is up to you to lower the amount of cholesterol that comes from your diet.
Foods to Avoid
Three nutrients in your diet -- saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol -- have the most significant impact on your cholesterol levels. While taking Lipitor, you should lower your saturated fat intake to less than 7 percent of your daily calories. Avoid significant sources of saturated fat, such as full-fat dairy products, butter and red meat. If possible, completely avoid trans fat, which is in many processed foods and mass-produced items.
Keep your cholesterol intake below 200 mg per day. Animal foods provide all of the cholesterol in your diet. Avoid egg yolks, organ meats, full-fat dairy products and shrimp.
Foods to Eat
Adding 5 to 10 g of soluble fiber to your diet every day can help lower your LDL cholesterol level by 3 to 5 percent, notes the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Kidney beans, apples, pears, barley and oatmeal are good sources of soluble fiber. Adding 2 g of substances called plant sterols and plant stenols to your diet every day can also help decrease your LDL cholesterol level by 5 to 15 percent. Margarines and orange juice often contain added plant sterols and stanols.
You should also consume significant amounts of fish, which contain omega-3 fatty acids. Have two servings, or approximately 12 oz., of fish per week. Good choices include lake trout, mackerel, salmon, herring, sardines and halibut. Nuts contain unsaturated fats that can help lower your cholesterol levels as well. Because nuts are high in calories, consume only a handful per day to avoid weight gain.
Side Effects
Most people can tolerate Lipitor well, although some people do experience adverse side effects. The most common side effects include diarrhea, gas, constipation, headache and joint pain. Uncommon side effects include lack of energy, fever, chest pain, muscle pain, rash, hives, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, loss of appetite and flu-like symptoms. If you experience any of these uncommon side effects, contact your doctor.
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