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Monitoring Your Cholesterol Levels

After an intestinal transplant it is important to continue to keep all aspects of your health as pristine as possible, including your cholesterol. Cholesterol is a waxy fat-like substance produced by the liver. It is important for body functions such as building new cells, insulating nerves, and producing Vitamin D and some hormones. If there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it can build up inside the blood vessels and cause heart disease. There are two types of cholesterol:

  • LDL: Low-density lipoprotein or “bad cholesterol” which leads to build up of plaque in your arteries and heart disease.


  • HDL: High-density lipoprotein or “good cholesterol” which helps keep the LDL from building up in your arteries.


You can help to control your cholesterol levels by:

  • Choose lean meats and chicken.


  • Avoid fried foods that are cooked in hydrogenated vegetable oil.


  • Avoid processed foods.


  • Use egg substitutes or egg whites instead of whole eggs.


  • Use low-fat milk products and low-fat cheeses.


  • Increase your fiber intake through whole grain products, fruits, and vegetables (if tolerated by your new intestine- do not eat this type of food in the first months post-transplant).


  • Exercise daily. Regular exercise can decrease your LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase your HDL (good cholesterol).


  • Have your blood tests completed as requested by your transplant team or PCP/GP to monitor your cholesterol levels.


  • Ask your doctor if high cholesterol is a side effect of any of the medications that you are taking.

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