Improving Low HDL and Managing High Cholesterol Through Diet

High cholesterol

Hello Dr.
Lee: My father is 57 years old, and during his health check-up, it was found that he has high cholesterol levels—specifically, elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
Additionally, his triglycerides are only 47, which is significantly below the standard value.
Can HDL being too low be improved through diet? What foods should he consume more of? Also, could having triglycerides that are too low have adverse effects on health? Thank you.

doris, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2001/01/30

Dr. Li Huixiong reply Internal Medicine

Do you know your father's cholesterol levels? If only the cholesterol is elevated while the triglycerides are normal or below normal, it is referred to as pure hypercholesterolemia.
If HDL is low, there is a potential risk for vascular hardening.
Management can be divided into non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches.
For non-pharmacological treatment: increase physical activity, maintain an ideal body weight, and limit foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats.
You may consult a nutritionist for more detailed educational materials.
The HDL levels can be improved to some extent through the aforementioned methods.

Reply Date: 2001/01/30

More Info

Improving low HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and managing high LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol through dietary changes is a crucial aspect of cardiovascular health. Your father's situation, with elevated LDL and low HDL levels, is a common concern and can be addressed through specific dietary strategies.

Understanding Cholesterol Types
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood, and it comes in two main types: LDL and HDL. LDL is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because high levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Conversely, HDL is known as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. Therefore, increasing HDL levels while lowering LDL levels is essential for heart health.

Dietary Strategies to Improve HDL and Manage LDL
1. Increase Healthy Fats: Incorporate sources of healthy fats into your father's diet. Foods rich in monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts (almonds, walnuts), can help raise HDL levels. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish (like salmon, mackerel, and sardines) are also beneficial. If your father is vegetarian, he can consider flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts as plant-based sources of omega-3s.

2. Fiber-Rich Foods: A diet high in soluble fiber can help lower LDL cholesterol. Foods such as oats, barley, beans, lentils, fruits (especially apples and citrus fruits), and vegetables are excellent sources of soluble fiber. These foods not only help reduce cholesterol levels but also promote overall heart health.

3. Limit Saturated and Trans Fats: Reducing the intake of saturated fats (found in red meat, full-fat dairy products, and certain oils like coconut and palm oil) and avoiding trans fats (often found in processed foods and baked goods) is crucial. Instead, focus on healthier fat sources mentioned earlier.

4. Regular Physical Activity: While this is not a dietary change, encouraging your father to engage in regular physical activity can significantly improve HDL levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.

5. Moderate Alcohol Consumption: Some studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption can increase HDL levels. However, this should be approached with caution and discussed with a healthcare provider, especially considering your father's overall health.

6. Consider Plant Sterols and Stanols: These substances, found in certain fortified foods and supplements, can help lower LDL cholesterol. They work by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines.

Addressing Low Triglycerides
Regarding your father's low triglyceride levels (47 mg/dL), this is generally not a concern unless it is associated with other health issues. Low triglycerides are often seen as a positive indicator of heart health. However, if there are symptoms or concerns about overall energy levels or nutritional status, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

Conclusion
In summary, improving HDL levels and managing high LDL cholesterol through diet involves increasing healthy fats, consuming fiber-rich foods, limiting unhealthy fats, and maintaining an active lifestyle. It's essential to monitor cholesterol levels regularly and consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice. Making these changes can lead to significant improvements in cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health.

Similar Q&A

Managing High Cholesterol: Tips for Daily Life and Treatment

I have a cholesterol level of 280, poor blood circulation, cold hands and feet, and blood tests show small blood clots. What treatment should I pursue?

Dr. Cai Yaozhou reply Internal Medicine
Hyperlipidemia can have significant effects on the human body, as lipids can easily deposit in the arterial walls, accelerating the process of atherosclerosis and leading to diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Elevated triglyceride levels can also increase the risk...

Improving HDL Cholesterol Levels Through Dietary Changes

Recently, during a health check-up, the blood test results showed HDL-C in the red at 38 mg/dL, total cholesterol at 116 mg/dL, and triglycerides at 36 mg/dL. The individual has no exercise habits, does not enjoy eating fatty meats, but does consume vegetables and fried chicken. ...

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine
Hello! Regarding HDL-C, I recommend improving your lifestyle as follows: 1. In your diet, consume an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and limit fats. Avoid fried foods and fatty meats, as well as pickled and processed products. 2. It is advisable to increas...

How to Boost Low HDL Cholesterol Levels Through Diet and Lifestyle?

I recently received my health check report, which indicated that my high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level is low (34), while my total cholesterol and triglycerides are normal. What dietary or other methods can I use to improve this? Additionally, I have been a vegetarian for many ...

Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition
Hello! High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is significantly influenced by physical activity and diet. A vegetarian diet does not lead to a decrease in HDL levels. It is recommended to increase aerobic exercise to at least 40 minutes daily, with sufficient intensity to elevate your hea...

Understanding Low HDL and LDL Cholesterol Levels: Causes and Solutions

Hello, I previously had a health check-up, and the results showed that my high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is low at 40 mg/dL, and my low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is also low. What could be the reasons for this, and how can I improve it?

Dr. Zhang Huangyu reply Nutrition
It is recommended that you return for a follow-up appointment for further diagnosis by your physician and to receive treatment. If there are no pathological reasons, you can make the following adjustments in your lifestyle and diet to improve your condition: 1. Pay attention to w...