How to Improve Your Good Cholesterol

By Nora M. Greenway


If you have recently been told by your doctor that your HDL (good cholesterol) levels are low you should be concerned, because if left unattended, you could be at risk for heart disease in the future. Fortunately there are simple ways that you can improve that number and improve your health. In addition to taking any prescription drugs that your physician may have prescribed, you can also improve your health with natural remedies.

Getting In Shape

To avoid the risk of heart disease there are many things that you can do to get your heart to a point where it is healthy and functioning at its best level. Here a few things you can try at home:

* Include antioxidants and Omega 3 fatty acids in your diet. Both of these can be found in certain foods that are easy to include in your daily meals. Omega 3 is found in cold water fish. Antioxidants are found in deeply colored fruits and leafy green vegetables.

* Begin a physical exercise routine. You want to get your body moving and your heart pumping to keep your heart in good shape. You can begin with a daily 30 minute walk. After several weeks, look for some not too steep hills to climb or find some stairs to climb. Start out slow and add a little bit more each week.

* Start losing weight. If you are able to lose at least 10 percent of your body weight you will find that your cholesterol levels will start to stabilize and your high blood pressure will improve. Why? Because losing weight will allow your heart to function at normal levels.

Getting fit and in shape may be all you need to see improvements in your health. If you find that you could use additional help, there are some excellent supplements that you can take to improve your health.

Supplements Can Help

While supplements are not a replacement for exercise, you will find that adding certain supplements to your daily diet will significantly improve your health. Check your local health food store for the following:

* Take one or two Omega 3 fatty acid pills with your daily meals. They are typically found in the refrigeration section of your local health food store.

* CoEnzyme 10, or CoQ10 works to improve overall heart function.

* Multivitamins can help ensure you are getting all the nutrients your body needs.

As you consider how to raise your HDL levels, keep in mind that most people will see improvement to high LDL cholesterol levels as well by following these steps. The two often go hand in hand. Do follow your doctor's requirements for medications and lifestyle changes, but always improve your heart's function through natural means as well.




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