I Need Advice to Raise My HDL

13236 Views 11 Replies 10 Participants Last post by fgummett, Jul 20, 2010

righteousdude2

Discussion Starter · Apr 5, 2010

: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:

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diabetes86

· #2 · Apr 5, 2010

niacin raises HDL

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Shanny

· #3 · Apr 5, 2010 (Edited)

I don't think you're going to find a pill or a magic potion. It's difficult to raise HDL, but it can be done. I hate to say it, but I'm afraid you're going to recognize this list - it's the same old song:

Exercise (aerobic exercise of longer duration; intensity is of less importance)
lose weight
stop smoking
eliminate trans fats (hydrogenated junk)
increase monounsaturated fats (olive oil, avocados, etc)
increase omega3 fatty acids (fatty fish like salmon/tuna, or fish oil supplements)
increase soluble fiber
be careful of going too low-fat in diet; that can actually raise HDL

This is not a complete list I'm sure . . . but it hits the high spots. Good luck getting yours elevated. I've raised mine from 38 to 51 in the last eleven months, so if a fat old granny can do it, anybody can! heheh!

Meant to add that niacin DOES raise HDL. Just be careful because it can also cause liver damage.

Of 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.

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breezeonby

· #4 · Apr 6, 2010

righteousdude2 said:
: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:

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.

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goldengirl

· #5 · Apr 6, 2010

I raised my HDL from 50 to 67 in one year on a low carb diet. I tried taking fish oil, but the aftertaste was horrible. I'm now trying a vegetarian omega-3 supplement (EPA 600 mg) & hoping it will help, but haven't been trying it long enough to report any results.

Exercise is supposed to help & help most at the low end of the scale. Good luck & keep us posted on your progress!

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rayforray

· #6 · Jul 10, 2010

a year ago my LDL was over 200 and my HDL WAS IN THE 20'S. MY DOC PUT ME ON SIMVASTATIN, i completly change my diet, went low on carb,trans fat and sat fat. eat a cup of oatmeat eachday mixed with tbl spoon of ground flaxseed and eat 3-4 servings of baked salmon every week completly cut off any red meat...just did my resent blood work, my LDL WENT DOWN TO 85, WHILE MY HDL WENT UP TO 87 AND MY TRIGLYCERIDES WENT DOWN TO 36 FROM 170. EVEN MY DOC was very impress with my improvement....and i do a lot of walking too...try it my friend u will see major improvement trust me...please keep me posted good luck GOD BLESS

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Shanny

· #7 · Jul 10, 2010

Nice numbers, Ray . . . good job! I take a lowish dose of a statin drug myself, so I expect we're getting a nice boost from that, but you can't go wrong getting diet squared away & increasing exercise. You're also a lucky guy to have oatmeal every day! I dearly love oatmeal, but my meter always protests loudly if I try it!

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psdaengr

· #8 · Jul 10, 2010 (Edited)

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.

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Shanny

· #9 · Jul 10, 2010

Agreed - the Walmart Spring Valley brand even comes in twin packs for greater savings. No fishy taste or aftertaste.

Raising HDL takes awhile, but it can be done. Be patient.

psdaengr said:
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.

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ElanaScofield

· #10 · Jul 20, 2010

Agreed with this too. I think it's the best solution as posted above but with raising HDL, your going to need more research on your part I think.

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foxl

· #11 · Jul 20, 2010

diabetes86 said:
niacin raises HDL

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!

My A1c went up enough ... it justified (FINALLY), my using basal insulin.

There ARE some papers in PubMed arguing that it is worth the risk. Well, not for me. Or not until I get bolus insulin, anyhow ...

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fgummett

· #12 · Jul 20, 2010

How are your Triglycerides? Of any other lipid these seem the most amenable to the simplest approach, namely: cutting way back on refined/concentrated carbohydrates.

Again I am convinced that of any ratio the most significant in the Triglyceride/HDL... aiming for below 2 as the ideal number.

I'd focus on Trigs first and then see about the HDL... if as you say it is naturally low in you, then maybe that is the way it is supposed to be.

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