Your doctor may ask you to follow a low-cholesterol, low-sodium diet. If your serum cholesterol is high or if you have any heart, vascular or circulation problems or high blood pressure, your doctor or dietitian may advise you to limit the amount of cholesterol and/or sodium you eat. Although completely excluding cholesterol and sodium is not always necessary or possible, it may make a drastic difference in your health. Consult your doctor or dietitian before making major changes to your dietary patterns.
About Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the bodies of all animals -- including humans. Your body needs cholesterol to make hormones and to support other functions, such as digestion of food. Your body produces all the cholesterol it needs, so you don't need to get it from your diet. High levels of low-density lipoprotein -- sometimes called "bad" cholesterol -- is linked to heart disease. Conversely, high-density lipoprotein, is sometimes referred to as the "good" kind of cholesterol. High HDL levels are associated with a decreased risk of heart disease. HDL levels are impacted more by physical activity than diet. More exercise typically results in higher HDL levels. LDL is most affected by changes in dietary cholesterol and fat intake. Even if your HDL level is in normal range, you still might be at risk for heart disease if your total cholesterol level is high.
Cholesterol-Containing Foods
Because cholesterol is made in the bodies of animals, only meat and other animal products contain cholesterol. Fruits, vegetables and other plant-based foods are cholesterol-free. Therefore, a cholesterol-free diet would be void of all meat, fish, poultry, dairy and eggs. Essentially this is a vegan diet. Many packaged foods contain cholesterol from added animal fat, milk or egg products. Reading the Nutrition Facts label will help you determine if there is any cholesterol in your food. Even if the total cholesterol reads 0 mg, read the ingredient list to find any cholesterol-containing ingredients. Also be aware of any saturated or trans fat in the product may also raise your cholesterol level. A product can be labeled "Cholesterol Free" if it contains no more than 2 mg of cholesterol and 2 g or less of saturated fat per serving.
About Sodium
Sodium is a mineral and electrolyte naturally found in some foods and added to others. Your body needs some sodium to perform functions such as fluid regulation. Sodium is also involved in electrical signals that make your brain, muscles and other body systems work and communicate. Completely excluding all sodium from your diet is not advised as this can result in hyponatremia, or severely low blood sodium levels. Symptoms may include confusion, seizures and coma. Additionally, table salt is an important source of iodine, which prevents goiter. Your doctor will usually give you a maximum sodium intake for the day.
Sodium-Containing Foods
Sodium is in most processed or packaged foods, including canned vegetables and soups, sauces and dressings, boxed dinners and commercial bread products. Sodium is also in pickled foods or anything in a brine, like olives. Rinsing canned vegetables can help reduce the amount of sodium, but won't get rid of all of it. Many No Salt Added products still contain some sodium. Reading the Nutrition Facts label will help you determine the amount of sodium in the product. Having a diet free of sodium would entail eating only whole foods and nothing processed. Fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, fresh or dried beans and homemade bread products made with no salt would be allowable foods on a no-salt diet.
Cholesterol- and Sodium-Free
A diet without cholesterol and sodium is restricitve. Fresh fruits and vegetables, along with beans and salt-free breads, would be the basis of this diet. Tofu and other meat alternatives are cholesterol-free, but they often have a lot of sodium. Dairy products contain both cholesterol and some natural sodium. Following a restricted diet like this may result in nutritional deficiencies. Work with a registered dietitian to devise a meal plan that is right for you.
