niacin raises HDL
SourceOf the drugs used to treat cholesterol, niacin appears to be the most effective at raising HDL levels. Niacin is one of the B vitamins. The amount of niacin needed for increasing HDL levels are so high, however, that it is classified as a drug when used for this purpose. Furthermore, "niacin" takes several forms, including nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, and inositol hexaniacinate - and all of these are labelled as "niacin." Unfortunately, only nicotinic acid raises HDL cholesterol, and this drug can be difficult to take because of its propensity to cause flushing, itching and hot flashes. In general, taking niacin to treat cholesterol levels should be supervised by a doctor.
My HDL is 36 and I need to raise my number. My low HDL is in my genes. The only thing that I would suggest is trying flush free niacin. The only problem with niacin is that it does interact with insulin.:der: I've always had a low HDL (last test was 29). My doctor told me it may be in my genetic makeup or DNA, and not to worry about it.
However, I know it should be up at least another 15 points or more, and no matter how much I exercise (been told that is the natural way to make it increase), the number remains in the high 20's to low 30's.
Is there a herb, or food product that will cause my HDL to move into the "safe" range???
Thanks ahead of time, for any and all responses, feedback, and suggestions.
Shalom,
Pastor Paul :confused2:
While my total cholesterol was well under 150, I also had to raise my HDL, and got it up by taking a 1000 mg using fish oil capsule from Walmart as I eat breakfast and dinner, and substituting olive oil for most of the the oils that I had been using in recipes.
I am very sensitive to flavors and odors (I have to cut spices radically in recipes), so I was concerned about possible fishy taste, but they are flavorless. The capsules look physicallly large but easy to swallow with a little liquid or well-chewed food.
Niacin can also raise blood sugars. It sure did MINE! This winter about 9 mos after a D diagnosis, when I quit using it, I decided to resume it -- my statin was lowering my HDL!niacin raises HDL