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How Can HDL Cholestrol Level Be Increased?

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Posted on Thu, 20 Nov 2014
Question: I would want to increase my HDL cholestrol, would like to know how I can do it. just to add I am a vegetarian

in addition could you let me know if the report is OK.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (15 hours later)
Brief Answer:
PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS

Detailed Answer:
Dear Mr . XXXXXXX
Thank you for trusting us with your health concern.
I have gone through the report of your lipid profile.
There are a few issues here.
Firstly, the ' good ' cholesterol, HDL cholesterol is lower than normal, it should be higher than 40 atleast, and best is above 60, in your case it is 21.
This good cholesterol keeps the heart healthy.
The ' bad ' cholesterol levels are also higher than normal. ( LDL and triglycerides ).
This is not a very reassuring report.
May I ask for a few more details ?
What is your height and weight ?
DO you have any health problems, why was this report done ?
What is your lifestyle like - sedentary or active ?
Any stress involved in your professional or personal life ?
Do you smoke or drink ?
How frequently do you exercise ?
Do you have a personal or family history of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease etc.?
Please write back with these details, so that I can give you detailed guidance regarding tips to improve your lipid profile.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (18 minutes later)
thanks Dr. XXXXXXX

well the purpose of this report was just to follow up, my good cholesterol levels have been low since some time now (around about 2 years or so). that was the first time I got myself checked

my height is 6" 4' and my weight is 102. I don't smoke and I am teetotaler nor do i have any medical history.

on the work front there is no stress and I enjoy what I am doing.

yes on the exercise bit I have been a bit lazy for the last year, have not been able to go for my regular walk and swim.

I am very determined now to get to my routine for walks and get my levels up, possibly without medication.

XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
DIET EXPLAINED

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the update.
Here are my suggestions -
1. Your BMI is slightly above normal, you should indulge in workouts ( 45 minutes daily for atleast 5 days a week ) and reduce 5 - 10 kg , that will tremendously boost your good cholesterol levels.
2. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and you should consume it regularly.
3. Since you are a vegetarian, you can increase intake of garlic, onions and ginger, which contain antioxidants too.
4. Beans, fresh green leafy vegetables, avocado, fruits such as kiwi, oranges, mosambi, strawberries, papaya, raw guava are rich in Vitamin C, which help to increase good cholesterol levels.
5. Reduce your consumption of sugar, salt, refined oil, ghee, butter, processed foods such as fries, chips, burgers, pizzas, pasta, maida , biscuits. Use minimal oil ( 2 tablespoons per day ) and use oils such as olive oil, canola oil, safflower oil for cooking.
6. Have whole grain foods such as multigrain atta roti, ragi, bajri rotla, jowar , bhakhri , brown rice ( instead of polished milled white basmati rice ). Have all seasonal fruits and fresh vegetables.
7. Do not skip meals, particularly breakfast, ever. Have a hearty breakfast rich in oats, cereals, fruits, skimmed milk and dairy products as that will boost your metabolism. Have a leaner lunch and then very paltry amount of food for dinner.
Have two snacks in between consisting of raita, dahi, sprouts, poha, fruit salad, roasted or baked rotis etc.
Take lots of fluids and water in your diet.
8. Yoga , meditation and stress management will also help in reducing the amount of bad cholesterol in your body.
All the best
Please feel free to discuss further
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Aarti Abraham

OBGYN

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 6004 Questions

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How Can HDL Cholestrol Level Be Increased?

Brief Answer: PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS Detailed Answer: Dear Mr . XXXXXXX Thank you for trusting us with your health concern. I have gone through the report of your lipid profile. There are a few issues here. Firstly, the ' good ' cholesterol, HDL cholesterol is lower than normal, it should be higher than 40 atleast, and best is above 60, in your case it is 21. This good cholesterol keeps the heart healthy. The ' bad ' cholesterol levels are also higher than normal. ( LDL and triglycerides ). This is not a very reassuring report. May I ask for a few more details ? What is your height and weight ? DO you have any health problems, why was this report done ? What is your lifestyle like - sedentary or active ? Any stress involved in your professional or personal life ? Do you smoke or drink ? How frequently do you exercise ? Do you have a personal or family history of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease etc.? Please write back with these details, so that I can give you detailed guidance regarding tips to improve your lipid profile. Looking forward to hearing from you. Take care.