| Tips For Raising Hdl Cholesterol
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By: Candice Sabrina
When cholesterol levels are out of whack, doctors often
recommend making some lifestyle changes. When the need is to
raise HDL cholesterol, or the good kind, there are things
people can do to help.
HDL cholesterol is known for its cleaning properties. This form
of cholesterol actually helps protect the body from heart
disease. It has been shown to help clean out the walls of blood
vessels and tends to carry the bad kind of cholesterol out of
the body. When levels of HDL are low, doctors tend to get a
little worried.
If levels of this type of cholesterol are dangerously low, the
risk for developing heart disease is increased. Along with
heart disease, cholesterol can serve as a marker for potential
heart attacks and strokes. Brining it into the right balance is
very important.
An average reading of HDL should fall into the 60 mg/DL range
or above for most people. If the level is too low, steps need
to be taken to raise it. Fortunately, there are some fairly
easy (although not always enjoyable) things people can do to
increase the HDL level in their bloodstream.
Steps that can help raise HDL levels include:
* Exercise. The aerobic brand of exercise, the kind that really
gets the heart pumping and the body moving, is known to
naturally increase HDL cholesterol levels. This also comes with
a calorie-burning, body improving spin off. While it might not
be the desired route to take to raise HDL, it is one of the
best. About a half hour of solid exercise every other day or so
can greatly improve health and increase HDL levels.
* Weight reduction. When a person is overweight or even obese,
cholesterol levels will very likely be off kilter. Dropping a
few pounds can bring this into balance, or at least help.
* Kick the habit. Smoking can be a double whammy for the heart.
Not only does the tar and nicotine cause issues, but it can also
decrease HDL cholesterol levels. Quitting can greatly improve a
person's health in a number of other areas, as well. This is
generally a smart thing to do no matter the cholesterol level
found in a blood test.
* Dietary changes. Trans fats should be avoided. Anything with
a label that says partially hydrogenated vegetable oils are not
good for cholesterol levels in the body. Monosaturated fats,
however, such as olive, avocado and canola can actually help
raise HDL without increasing total cholesterol levels.
When at all possible, cook in these oils or water instead of
other options. Fiber rich foods such as whole grains and
cereals can also help greatly. Oatmeal, bran and other similar
foods are wonderful additions to a diet that is designed to
help boost good cholesterol.
When bad cholesterol is too high and good cholesterol is too
low, the marker for potential problems is undeniable. Raising
HDL cholesterol, the good kind, can help immensely for lowering
the risk of developing heart disease and other conditions. While
it might take a little work to achieve, the payoff can be huge
and even lifesaving.
About The Author: Still looking for a way to reduce your
cholesterol? Try visiting http://www.eliminatecholesterol.com
- a website that specializes in providing cholesterol advice,
tips and resources to included information on HDL cholesterol.
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http://www.isnare.com/html.php?aid=155480
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