I have a total cholesterol of 205 (it used to be 239) and my doctor would like me to bring it under 200. I've already stopped using half-and-half and am using 1 percent milk and eating less ice cream and also exercising more (I think that's why my cholesterol went down). But my weakness is quesadillas -- I really love them and in fact really like cheese in general. How much cheese can I have every day without raising my cholesterol? And are some kinds worse than others? Thanks.

You present a very interesting problem. I also love cheese. With regards to these specific issues of actual food choices, I strongly recommend that you consult a dietitian and work out a low fat/cholesterol diet that includes the amount of cheese that you would like to have and would still fit in the current guidelines for lowering cholesterol. With the numerous choices of different kinds of cheeses, there is usually some wiggle room. I’m certain that you could work out a great diet that would suit your preferences. Generally for better or worse, I usually consider cheese like egg products. The usual guideline is two eggs per week that I translate to two servings of cheese per week. Good Luck. Please get back to us. I’d love to know how it works out. Dr. Fung

-- Dr. Gordon Fung, MD, MPH, is a cardiologist and associate clinical professor of medicine at the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center at Mt. Zion.

First published December 1, 2003
Last updated April 10, 2008
Copyright © 2003 Consumer Health Interactive