Other sites in our network: What's on TV | Now | Pick Me Up | Puzzles and Prizes
Branding_print

Ask Dr Chris: Weak nails and high cholesterol

Ask Dr Chris: Weak nails and high cholesterol | Health questions

placeholding invisible text

placeholding invisible text

Average rating: 3 out of 5 star rating

Every week we partner up with our sister magazine, Woman, to bring you expert health advice from This Morning's Dr Chris Steele MBE, health journalist of the year. This week he answers your questions about weak nails and high cholesterol.

The problem: 'I don't want pills'

I've recently had my cholesterol level tested and it's quite high. Is there any way of reducing it without having to take pills?

The solution

Regular daily exercise is important. Also, reduce your animal fat intake, as well as foods with high levels of saturated fats - hard cheeses and chocolate biscuits - so read the labels! Drink semi-skimmed milk, yogurt-type drinks such as Benecol and use spreads like Flora, which contain plant sterols and stanols, thought to help reduce cholesterol.

The problem: 'Weak nail diet'

I have very weak, brittle nails that split easily. What can I take to make them stronger?

The solution

A good intake of calcium should help, so foods such as milk and all dairy produce, eggs, peas and edible fish bones (sardines, pilchards) should feature in your diet. These will also help your bones (important in menopausal women), teeth and muscles.

Read more great health advice from Dr Chris

More on Health

- More advice on lowering your cholesterol
- More facts on more than 300 health conditions
- More expert advice on lots of health problems
- Read real-life stories by women just like you
- Got a story or tip to share? Send it to us at goodtoknow

There's more advice from Dr Chris in this week's bigger, better WOMAN, on sale every Tuesday

Average rating:

3 out of 5 star rating

Please leave a comment, tip or story in the box below

dawit, 10 months

my cholostrol is about 4.9 how can i minmize

Report this comment

Add a comment

Please enter the characters in the image:

IPC Media Limited, owner of goodtoknow.co.uk, will collect your personal information solely to process your request


Lose weight quickly with the goodtoknow diet club

Enter your details below to get a free diet profile

weight

height

age

sex


Competition: Win! National Trust family membership worth over £160

Competition | Win! National Trust Family Membership and a year’s supply of Spatone

We also have 12 runner up prizes to give away

Enter competition


Health

'Painful periods made my life hell'

'Periods made life hell'

Deby suffered every month - until she got the diagnosis that changed her life




Today's health poll

What night of the week do you sleep badly?


  • I never sleep well on Sunday nights 17%
  • Monday nights - worrying about the week ahead 1%
  • I sleep badly most nights 51%
  • I always sleep well 15%
  • I sleep better on the weekend than in the week on the whole 16%