How to Change Your HDL & LDL Levels

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are beneficial and are commonly known as "good" cholesterol. Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) increase the risk of heart disease and are commonly known as "bad" cholesterol. You'll want to increase your HDL cholesterol level and reduce your LDL level when it comes time to manage your cholesterol.

Things You'll Need

• Statins
• Clofibrate

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Instructions

• 1

  Restrict the calories you get from fat. You shouldn't receive more than 30 percent of your total caloric intake from fat when you're trying to reduce your LDL level. You'll also want to limit the calories you get from saturated fat to ten percent in order to raise your HDL level. The most effective way of accomplishing this is by replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats.

• 2

  Reduce the amount of cholesterol in your diet to lower your total cholesterol, especially your LDL level. The recommended maximum for people who are generally healthy is 300 mg of cholesterol per day. Those with heart disease should limit their daily cholesterol intake to 200 mg per day.

• 3

  Lose weight. A healthy diet can reduce your LDL level while increasing your HDL level. Dieting can improve both cholesterol levels but there's a direct connection between the loss of excess weight and an increase in HDL cholesterol. Every six pounds you lose may increase your HDL level by one milligram per deciliter (mg/dl).

• 4

  Exercise five days per week for at least 30 minutes at a time to improve your cholesterol levels. Aerobic activity such as bicycling, running and walking raises your heart rate and is the most effective at increasing your HDL level while lowering your LDL level.

• 5

  Take medication as prescribed by your doctor. Statins are specifically intended to reduce your LDL level and a fibrate such as Clofibrate should lower your total cholesterol.