How to counsel patients about diet: Sorting fact from fiction, part 2

Patients with hyperlipidemia need to reduce their intake of saturated fat, trans-fats, and dietary cholesterol. Incorporation of plant stanols/sterols and soluble fiber into the diet can also help lower cholesterol levels. Counsel patients with hypertension to maintain a healthful weight, restrict sodium intake, and follow the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan. Patients with diabetes also need to maintain a healthful weight. In addition, advise them to avoid skipping meals, increase dietary fiber, and decrease their intake of carbohydrates and saturated fats.