Raising HDL levels can be easy if one’s diet is altered to include healthy choices. The good cholesterol gives protection from heart disease because it works to clean out excessive cholesterol within arteries. Optimum levels should be above 40 mg/DL. In trying to find ways on how to raise HDL it is important to shed those extra pounds. Reducing weight helps to lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides and raise good cholesterol in the prevention of diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Limit alcohol intake, stop smoking, decrease trans fats, and increasing fiber all help to increase good cholesterol levels. These changes along with a regular exercise program will be very beneficial to one’s health. Watch those carbohydrates, any products that contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, and foods that contain white flour. Another beneficial ingredient to health is God’s word. “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh” (Proverbs 4:20-22).
Diet alterations should include the elimination of saturated fats but the increase of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Studies have shown that low-fat diets can be bad for health because the body needs a certain amount of fat in order to operate properly. Raising HDL levels means substituting animal and dairy fat for healthier choices, such as the fatty acids found in fish, canola and olive oil. When choosing the right foods, keep in mind that natural and organic should be chosen over processed foods. Processed foods have added chemicals and unhealthy additives, are usually higher in calories and sodium, and offer very little nutrients. Eating lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, along with whole-grains, and high-fiber foods are excellent choices. Good choices of fiber include oats, oranges, pears, carrots, and dried peas and beans.
Drug treatments affect cholesterol levels by raising HDL levels and lowering LDL levels. A doctor will usually prescribe treatment for high triglycerides and or high LDL and low HDL lipids. Drug treatments will also include lifestyle changes that affect diet and activity levels. Physicians normally prescribe losing weight, increasing physical activity, and staying on medication for optimum results. These are the most effective ways on how to raise HDL and lower LDL blood lipids. Other risk factors for high cholesterol include age and gender along with heredity. Some people are predisposed to developing high cholesterol and weight or diet may not be a factor. For these people drug treatments are the best method in treating cholesterol issues.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that can build up within one’s arteries. Over time blockages can cause other problems, such as a heart attack or stroke. The arteries become narrowed and the blood flow to the heart may be restricted. Since blood carries oxygen to the heart, a diminished supply might cause chest pain and eventually a heart attack. Some people have had heart attacks and had no pain at all. This is another reason why it is so important to have cholesterol levels checked periodically. Heart attacks usually cause damage to the heart and over time can cause so much damage it may be irreversible. Blockages that are found early may be fixed through inserting a balloon into the artery, called a stint. Stints help to increase the artery so blood flow can be restored to the heart.
There are some very important and significant changes that a person can do to significantly reduce chances for developing heart disease. Many websites online offer some valuable information on how to raise HDL levels through diet and exercise and many of them stress the importance of other vital lifestyle changes. One of these is the cessation of smoking. Smoking can tremendously increase changes for heart disease and stroke. Smoking causes irritation to arteries causing them to constrict and make them less pliable. It also has a bad effect on cholesterol levels. Smoking also leads to high blood pressure and studies have shown that it puts one at risk for lung and esophagus cancer as well. Do a search online on how to raise HDL by finding out how alcoholic intake affects blood lipid levels. A small amount of alcohol may be beneficial but too much can be extremely detrimental.
Another significant indicator that one is at risk for heart disease is high blood pressure. Like high cholesterol, high blood pressure usually has no symptoms and can easily go undetected if not checked by a physician. High blood pressure places people at risk for heart disease and stroke. There are many medications on the market today that are very effective in controlling blood pressure. These medications along with dietary changes and following an exercise program can help with blood pressure problems and raising HDL levels. High cholesterol and blood pressure are usually brought on by several factors. Weight gain, age, sedentary lifestyle, and hereditary can all play a part in developing heart disease.