How to Use Niacin to Raise HDL

According to the Mayo Clinic, taking niacin can help increase your HDL cholesterol, or "good" cholesterol. This can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. Niacin is a water-soluble B3 vitamin that is not readily absorbed or stored within the body. Niacin is found in foods and is available via over-the-counter and prescription supplements.

Instructions

• 1

  Consult your doctor before starting any niacin program. Taking high doses of niacin regularly can lead to serious medical problems including risks to an unborn fetus and complications for those with liver or kidney disease or diabetes. Niacin may also pass through breast milk and be harmful to nursing infants. Your doctor will work with you to develop a prescription level that is suitable for you.

• 2

  Take your niacin supplement with food. Because niacin is water-soluble, it is easily eliminated by your body through urine. When taking niacin, you will see that your urine is a bright yellow color. This is the unabsorbed niacin. By taking niacin with food, your body is able to absorb it more readily and effectively.

• 3

  Monitor your side effects from this medication. You may become flush with itching and redness of your skin. You may also become dizzy when standing up quickly. These side effects should subside the longer you take the medication. If they do not, consult your doctor to have your dose adjusted.

• 4

  Refrain from taking over-the-counter cholesterol prescriptions for at least four hours from the time you take your niacin. These OTC drugs include colestipol and cholestryramine.

• 5

  Maintain your prescription and take it daily to prevent the return of side effects. Have your cholesterol checked regularly and incorporate a diet low in fat and high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids as recommended by the American Heart Association. You should also start an exercise program suitable to your fitness level.