Improving cholesterol

TheDarkKnight · Jun 22, 2009

Hello All

I got my cholesterol results back today, and while they were good, I'd like to raise the HDL and lower the LDL if possible.

Results were -

HDL 1.39

LDL 2.6

Total cholesterol 4.2

Triglycerides 0.54

I'm 32 years old, hike 3 or 4 times a week for half an hour, and am fit enough I'd say. Blood pressure is good too 110/66

Diet wise I eat oily fish 3-4 times a week, plus cod liver oil everyday as I get achey knees otherwise (lots of sport when I was younger)

I also eat flax seeds now and again, nuts, cook with olive oil. In fact I have a pretty good mediterrean diet with fruit and veg too.

I do eat good rich food twice a week - great restaurant food, cheesecake etc. Pretty much any good restaurant food I like - but I'd not stop doing this, life is for enjoying etc

Are there any things I can add supplement wise to tweak the HDL/ LDL?

Cheers

TDK

Gradstudent78 · Jun 22, 2009

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cho...levels/cl00001

None of the numbers puts you at risk for CVD. Did you just put these up to brag? Do you have a history of CVD in your family or a bunch of other risk factors? Your pretty much doing everything you should be.

You could try eating more soluble fiber or exercising more. But really if your happy with your level of fitness now and your lifestyle as is, then why bother changing? Having numbers in the healthy range is a good goal, but trying to get your numbers as low as possible while they are already in the healthy to optimal range just seems like a waste of time in and of itself, with a minimal return if unconnected to other goals.

Originally Posted by TheDarkKnight

Hello All

I got my cholesterol results back today, and while they were good, I'd like to raise the HDL and lower the LDL if possible.

Results were -

HDL 1.39

LDL 2.6

Total cholesterol 4.2

Triglycerides 0.54

I'm 32 years old, hike 3 or 4 times a week for half an hour, and am fit enough I'd say. Blood pressure is good too 110/66

Diet wise I eat oily fish 3-4 times a week, plus cod liver oil everyday as I get achey knees otherwise (lots of sport when I was younger)

I also eat flax seeds now and again, nuts, cook with olive oil. In fact I have a pretty good mediterrean diet with fruit and veg too.

I do eat good rich food twice a week - great restaurant food, cheesecake etc. Pretty much any good restaurant food I like - but I'd not stop doing this, life is for enjoying etc

Are there any things I can add supplement wise to tweak the HDL/ LDL?

Cheers

TDK

TheDarkKnight · Jun 22, 2009

No I wasn't bragging!

I do have a family history of heart disease, my grandma on my dad's side had heart disease from age 70, but lived until 92. My dad's dad died of heart diesease at 60. My dad has had elevated cholesterol but eats very well, so has a propensity to it (and has no lifestyle factors - doesnt smoke or drink)

So yeah I was looking to get LDL a little lower. Also I don't drink really (very rarely) and don't smoke except the occasional (once a month cigar perhaps), so I wanted to get things right before age makes things harder.

Cheers

Originally Posted by Gradstudent78

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cho...levels/cl00001

None of the numbers puts you at risk for CVD. Did you just put these up to brag? Do you have a history of CVD in your family or a bunch of other risk factors? Your pretty much doing everything you should be.

You could try eating more soluble fiber or exercising more. But really if your happy with your level of fitness now and your lifestyle as is, then why bother changing? Having numbers in the healthy range is a good goal, but trying to get your numbers as low as possible while they are already in the healthy to optimal range just seems like a waste of time in and of itself, with a minimal return if unconnected to other goals.

Gradstudent78 · Jun 22, 2009

Originally Posted by TheDarkKnight

No I wasn't bragging!

I do have a family history of heart disease, my grandma on my dad's side had heart disease from age 70, but lived until 92. My dad's dad died of heart diesease at 60. My dad has had elevated cholesterol but eats very well, so has a propensity to it (and has no lifestyle factors - doesnt smoke or drink)

So yeah I was looking to get LDL a little lower. Also I don't drink really (very rarely) and don't smoke except the occasional (once a month cigar perhaps), so I wanted to get things right before age makes things harder.

Cheers

Considering the history you gave I wouldn't really worry about it as long as you continue to eat relatively healthy, maintain an active lifestyle, and just get it checked during your normal checkups. If your at a healthy weight and continue to do the things your doing then you'll be fine. If the numbers start to move up a little you can make more stringent modifications if your concerned about it.

TheDarkKnight · Jun 22, 2009

That's reassuring, thanks for your replies

thekunk07 · Jun 22, 2009

red rice yeast, fish oil, pomegranate juice

JayJay · Jun 22, 2009

Originally Posted by thekunk07

red rice yeast, fish oil, pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice tastes awful to me, but since it's good for the body, I drink it on occasion. I had some yesterday.

JayJay · Jun 22, 2009

Originally Posted by TheDarkKnight

That's reassuring, thanks for your replies

Sounds like you're doing all the right things to keep the levels in check.

Mild Mannered · Jun 23, 2009

cranberry juice is wonderful

Star · Jun 24, 2009

try reducing stress at work and at home ..... if possible

Sherlockian · Jun 24, 2009

I heard that porridge / porage will quickly lower your cholesterol levels. Whether this follows for any oat-based foods, I don't know.

Lear · Jun 24, 2009

Originally Posted by Sherlockian

I heard that porridge / porage will quickly lower your cholesterol levels. Whether this follows for any oat-based foods, I don't know.
Would be an added benefit if it did. For the last ten years, my breakfast has been: A large bowl of raw (uncooked) jumbo oats with a handful of sesame seeds + one sliced banana on top. The bowl is then drenched in cold water. I really like it. Never tire of it. It's quick and easy.

bramiro · Jun 25, 2009

What a coincidence. I jut went to the doctor to have my cholesterol checked and I am not an expert when it comes to medical field but according to my doctor, my cholesterol level is above the border line and that I need to lower it down. My doctor prescribed me Simvastatin 10 mg and I need to take it for a month. Afterwards, they will examine my cholesterol level again to see if there are any improvements at all.

Improving cholesterol

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