DEAR DR. GOTT: I am 80 years old and take only one prescription, Fosamax for high cholesterol. A year ago my triglycerides were very high despite taking Fosamax for several months. A nurse told me to avoid white potatoes, white rice and white flour. I had been eating my fair share of white potatoes despite the fact they seem to cause some throat tightness. I prefer wheat bread and brown rice and had not had the white version in quite some time. I did however eat cookies made with white flour.
DEAR READER: There are several issues here.
First, Fosamax is a drug used to treat osteoporosis, an age-related bone softening condition, NOT high cholesterol.
Second, if your triglycerides have been high, the nurse’s diet is not an appropriate choice; rather you should avoid dietary fats.
Third, you need to speak to your doctor about a low-fat diet for your cholesterol problem and why you are taking Fosamax. Perhaps there was a misunderstanding about the Fosamax. If you do not have osteoporosis or osteopenia (pre-osteoporosis) you do not need Fosamax and could simply do with calcium and vitamin D supplements. You may also need a cholesterol lowering medication if diet does not lower your numbers.
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