Some advice about HDL

[TerraNoble]

I did my blood test and there are the results:
total Cholest=144
HDL=35(under 35 gives increased risk of heart attack_
LDL=94(ideal under 100)
Triglycerides=73(under 150 is ideal)]

So everything is fine but HDL.

What should I do to increase my HDL in terms of nutrition ?

 

[frankenfurter]

My HDL is borderline as well. I have read several places that a daily 4-8oz glass of red wine will boost HDL levels. Unfortunately that's not an option for me as I am in recovery.

My doc says there are a few drugs out there that can raise you HDL, but mine is still on the OK side for now. Might want to ask you doctor about them.

 

[MuscleDm]

wow, as far as nutrition and HDL's, there isn't too much you can do. Obviously, one of the best ways of boosting HDL levels is exercise. Nevertheless, your monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats tend to lower LDL and not effect HDL, whereas saturated fats raise LDL and lower HDL. So emphasive unsaturate's!

Try some organic grape juice, the flavonoids found in it are the same as red wine.
Try getting some more omega-3's, from fish or flax oil.
Try supplementing with garlic, I started doing that and eating fish and my HDL is at 51. Good luck...I am sure I left some things out....someone else will probably post more.

Ryan

 

[RGC3]

Without knowing your diet it's hard to say. Here's some basic info:

Decrease refined sugars and carbohydrates in the diet.
Eat fatty fish...salmon, trout...or supp in some EFA & Omega3 fats.

Here's a link for more info:
http://216.239.51.100/search?q=cach...ealth/raisinghdl.pdf+HDL+pasta&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

 

[MR. BMJ]

Increase essential fatty acids and healthy fats like Flax seed oil to your diet.

BMJ

 

[SirWanksalot]

http://www.newhope.com/news.cfm?news=1161

Policosanol Helps Reduce High Cholesterol

6/6/02 - Healthnotes Newswire—Policosanol, a substance derived from the wax of sugar cane, is helpful in reducing cholesterol levels in people with abnormally high cholesterol. High cholesterol can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease and stroke. Policosanol is relatively new to the United States market, but appears to be a promising new agent in the fight against cardiovascular disease.

Numerous controlled studies have shown that policosanol is an effective treatment for elevated cholesterol. In one study, participants received 20 or 40 mg per day of policosanol or a placebo for six months. Total cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol decreased significantly and HDL (“good”) cholesterol increased in both groups that received policosanol, while none of the cholesterol markers changed in those taking a placebo. The researchers also found that taking 40 mg per day of policosanol was no more effective than taking 20 mg per day, which suggests that the lower amount is sufficient to reduce the levels of “bad” cholesterol. No side effects were reported in either group taking policosanol.

In a six-month study, 10 mg per day of policosanol reduced total cholesterol by 16% and LDL cholesterol by 24%, and increased HDL cholesterol by 29%. Several other studies have compared policosanol with some of the conventional medications used for lowering cholesterol and the results have shown policosanol in the amount of 5 to 20 mg per day to be more effective than lovastatin (Mevacor®), pravastatin (Pravachol®), and simvastatin (Zocor®), with fewer reported side effects. While some prescription drugs used to lower cholesterol may cause liver and muscle problems in rare instances, people taking policosanol have not suffered any serious side effects.

Policosanol may also be helpful for other conditions. A two-year study showed that 20 mg per day of policosanol significantly improved lower leg pain during walking in people with hardening of the arteries in the legs (intermittent claudication). Policosanol may also help prevent blood clots by thinning the blood; in one study it was as effective a blood thinner as 100 mg per day of aspirin. The combination of policosanol and aspirin was even more effective than either treatment alone.

Research has shown that as little as 5 mg per day of policosanol can significantly reduce high cholesterol and has an excellent safety profile. For some individuals, higher amounts may be necessary to bring cholesterol down to a safe level. Please consult a physician to determine the appropriate amount to take.

—Darin Ingels, N.D.

 

[DanielBishop]

I read that eggs help increase good cholesterol.... while it hasn't been shown that they affect bad cholesterol levels. But then, dunno how much that can be trusted since I read it on the inside of an egg carton.

Also I've heard garlic is good for it.