Raising HDL—the Good Cholesterol

Will the measures to lower LDL cholesterol also help raise HDL cholesterol, the good cholesterol?

They will lower the total cholesterol/HDL ratio to more ideal levels of being less than 4.0.  These lower ratios will decrease cardiovascular risk. Here are some ways to raise HDL:

If you smoke, stop!

Lose excess weight.  Cutting down on highly refined empty-calorie foods, such as visible fats and oils, sugar and alcohol, helps here.

Exercise daily.  Active aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, is absolutely essential.

Eat foods high in antioxidants (plant foods) and very low in saturated (animal foods) and trans fats.  Garlic, onions, and brewer's yeast may also boost HDL levels.

Just remember, blood cholesterol is directly affected by the richness of the diet. A diet very low in fat (under 15% of calories) and high in fiber has been shown to lower most blood cholesterol levels by 20 to 30% in 30 days.

If you don't know what your blood cholesterol is, then don't walk:  run to the nearest checkpoint! If the result is over 160 mg% (4.1 mmol/L), it's time to get serious and implement ways to lower cholesterol. 

Contact CHIP to learn more. "Be Healthy by Choice, Not by Chance!"