How to raise HDL levels

[meikman]

I am looking for info on how to raise ones HDL's levels.  My levels are all good but I would like to raise my hdl's.  My total is 165, LDL is 98, trigl. 173 and HDL are 35.

Has anyone been on a paprticular diet or taken meds to help.  My Dr said my level is good but on the low end.

[mysterychemist54]

Diet, alcohol in moderation, exercise, medications, and stopping smoking can all raise HDL levels for some people.  On diet, you should avoid foods with trans fat ( basically anything fried or junk foods).  Aerobic exercise ( jogging, walking at a fast pace, etc.) can help to raise the HDL.  Alcohol in moderation can also help. ( 1-2 beersa day , one 4 oz glass red wine, 1-2 1.5 oz of liquor; ).

However, these methods did not help me raise my HDL.

Niaspan help raise my HDL from 31 to 41. I take 1500 mg a day right before bedtime. Nispan can cause flushing (you may feel warm) but it does not appear to a very frequent side effect.  I have been on it since May and have had only 1 flushing incident.

Your doctor should start you on 500 mg and keep you on it 4-6 weeks, then raise it to 1000 mg and then 1500 mg.  It was only at the largest dose that my HDL went up. It may work at lower dose for you. The doctor will also probably monitor your liver enzymes as well.  Niaspan also lowers the LDL and tryglycerides as well.