Q:
What can I do to lower my cholesterol? Is it better to eat less carbs or less fats?
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EXPERT
It really depends on your genes (your ApoE genotype), some people respond better to a low fat diet while other a low-carb diet.
Everyone responds to eating more soluble fiber, increasing veggie intake, adding ground flax seeds and raw nuts daily, omega-3 fish oils (2000-4000mg EPA/DHA content), decreasing packaged and processed foods, avoiding hydrogenated oils and fried foods, and eating starches (especially simple ones and sugars) in moderation.
A good, high quality olive oil is best used cold on veggies or salads.
A sluggish thyroid can also raise cholesterol, so be sure to find a functional medicine-minded doc who will do a full thyroid panel. 
EXPERT
All the points above are excellent and dietary intake is a large component of blood cholesterol concentrations. However genetics have a lot to do with high cholesterol as well. Eating well and in moderation is important, having your cholesterol monitored regularly is also key, but the most important thing you can do to lower your bad cholesterol (ldl) and increase your good cholesterol (hdl) is stay active and lose any excess weight. The best foods to eat to lower cholesterol is fish (omega 3 fatty acids), walnuts and almonds, oats, other high fiber foods, good olive oil. Both high fat and high carb foods may compromise your cholesterol—especially avoid fried food.
