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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:
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If you smoke, stop!
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Lose excess weight.
Cutting down on highly refined empty-calorie foods, such as visible fats and oils, sugar
and alcohol, helps here.
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Exercise daily.
Active aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, is absolutely essential.
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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 about
cholesterol.
"Be Healthy by Choice, Not by Chance!". |
