To lower cholesterol, there are a few things you can do:

Diet – Reducing the amount of ‘bad’ fats (trans and saturated) will do a lot to lower cholesterol, as will increasing your fiber intake, and switching to whole grains.
Exercise – A key factor in keeping your weight down, staying active will burn fat and strengthen the heart.
Medication – Some prescriptions given by your doctor will help to lower cholesterol, and increase heart health. Ask your doctor for more details.

Keep in mind that other factors will greatly increase your risk of having high cholesterol, even if you are not overweight. These include your age, gender, and you family medical history.

Here are a list of foods that you should avoid, and alternatives that you can replace them with:

Avoid: Oranges, lemons, grapefruits, tomatoes, or cranberries.
Try: Apples, bananas, grapes, or blueberries.

Avoid: Onions, asperagus, garlic or mashed potatoes.
Try: Carrots, green beans, baked potatoes, or cauliflower.

Avoid: Most beef (unless lean), fried chicken, pork, and egg yolks.
Try: Skinless chicken, fish, or egg whites.

Avoid: Coffee, most alcohol, most sodas containing caffeine.
Try: Beer, water, ginger ale, or apple juice.

Avoid: Full fat milk, cottage cheese, or butter.
Try: Skim milk, soy cheese, low fat cheese, or margarine.

Avoid: Salt, grease, chocolate, or ice cream.
Try: Baked chips, sorbet, or licorice.

These are only a few of the subtle changes that can greatly effect your acid reflex symptoms. Ask your doctor for more information.