How to Lower HC Levels

HC level refers to the level of homocysteine in the blood, something for which you can be tested. Homocysteine is an amino acid that the body produces naturally. It is a gateway amino acid in that it is converted into cysteine or back into methionine. Some people have excess homocysteine in their bodies, causing high HC levels, a condition that can increase your risk of developing coronary artery disease, blood clots, early onset cardiovascular disease, narrowed arteries, Alzheimer's disease and certain kinds of cancer.

Things You'll Need

• Creatine
• Vitamin B
• Folic acid
• Weights

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Instructions

• 1

  Eat more fibrous foods. Make sure you get at least 40 grams of fiber per day. A 2001 study published in the American Heart Association journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology found that participants who ate a given amount of fiber-containing food daily saw a 28 percent decrease in homocysteine levels.

• 2

  Supplement with vitamins. High doses of vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and folic acid have been shown to reduce homocysteine levels, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Take 800 mcg of folic acid, 100 mg of vitamin B-6 and 100 mcg of vitamin B-12 daily.

• 3

  Begin an exercise regimen. Weight training is especially effective in lowering HC levels. Aim for 30 minutes of weight training, three times a week. Moderately intense cardiovascular exercise is also helpful. Do not do more than an hour of cardio at one time, however, as long intense exercise can sometimes raise the amount of homocysteine.

• 4

  Take creatine daily. In a 2001 study published in the American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism, rats supplemented with creatine experienced a 27 percent reduction in homocysteine levels. Creatine dosage differs with the brand so read the label and instructions carefully.