How To Raise Low HDL Cholesterol

By Joe Dungait

If you have low HDL levels then you should look to remedy it ASAP. You are more than likely already aware of the fact that your body has two types of cholesterol in it HDL (often referred to as the good) and LDL (the bad). Truth is that neither of them are really good nor bad as your body needs them both to work correctly, the problems occur when they become out of balance. If you have low HDL cholesterol then there will be too much LDL as it is not being mopped up and taken back to the liver (this is the job of the HDL). This in turn can lead to blocking of the arteries and heart disease.

Ways To Increase Low HDL Cholesterol

1)Have More Omega3 - The vast majority of people do not get enough omega 3 in their diet, yet omega 3's have a huge impact on your cholesterol levels. Good sources of omega 3 are flax seeds and walnuts, however the best source is oily fish such as salmon or tuna. Fish such as the ones we have mentioned have essential fats in their omega 3's that help raise low HDL cholesterol, lowr LDL levels and also help to lower triglyceride levels too.

2)Exercising - Exercising has an important part to play in helping raise HDL. Do not worry about taking out any gym memberships or doing intense aerobic routines, if you can start off by getting out for a walk and then build it up to walking briskly for 30 minutes a day it will help with your cholesterol levels. Remember it is the duration that is important not the intensity, so bear this in mind when picking the type of exercise you want to do.

3)Lifestyle - Specific changes in lifestyle can go a long way in helping to raise low HDL cholesterol. Stopping smoking is a major one for obvious reasons. Another area you can cut down on is consuming fast food or ready made meals. The reason for this is because they often contain hydrogenated oils which turn into trans fats and raise your LDL cholesterol not your HDL.

So is following these 3 steps to raise low HDL cholesterol worth it? The answer to that is of course yes, it may take a little bit of getting used to in the beginning, but when you consider the alternative is being on statins for the rest of your life, and all the side effects that they have, then it is a small price to pay. - 32389

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