How to Increase My HDL

Cholesterol serves several important functions in the human body, including helping cell walls and making hormones, vitamin D and bile acid. Most cholesterol in the body is made by the liver but some also comes from eating animal products like meat, milk or eggs. There are two types of cholesterol: high density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as good cholesterol, and lower density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as bad cholesterol. The most important factor related to cholesterol is your heredity but there are a number of other steps you can take to increase you HDL levels.

Instructions

• 1

  Increase your activity level. Adults should engage in moderate activity for at least half an hour most days of the week. The exercise does not have to be vigorous but if you plan to start vigorous exercise be sure to build up slowly so you do not injure yourself.

• 2

  Adjust your diet to include more foods that increase your HDL, such as fish, olive oil and almonds. You should also reduce the amount of saturated fat you eat, especially meats.

• 3

  Consider adding a glass of wine to your diet as it can increase your HDL levels.

• 4

  Ask your doctor about taking niacin, a medication that can increase your HDL levels by 15 to 35 percent according to the Mayo Clinic. Niacin can also lower your LDL levels.