Saturday, January 9, 2010

3 Ways To Boost Low HDL Cholesterol Levels

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.

How To Boost Low HDL Cholesterol

1)Boost Your Omega 3 Intake - A high percentage of people do not have enough omega 3 in their diet, which is unfortunate because it has a huge effect on health in many areas. Although the omega 3's fro sources such as walnuts or beneficial for you, to help raise low HDL cholesterol you ideally want omega 3's from oily fish such as tuna, salmon or mackerel. As well as raising HDL these particular omega 3's will also lower LDL and triglyceride levels at the same time.

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.

By following these three simple steps you will be making a great start to raising low HDL cholesterol. Ultimately these are the kind of actions you should be taking because the alternative is going on a lifetime prescription of statins otherwise.

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