What are HDL and LDL?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the good type of cholesterol. It is able to transport cholesterol from places like arteries to the liver so that it can be excreted. This is helpful because when fat starts to build up on the walls of arteries they can cause damage, ultimately leading to the formation of a fibrous plaque, which then narrows the vessel, impairing blood supply. Removing this cholesterol prevents this and decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the bad type of cholesterol. Unlike HDL, it transports cholesterol from the liver to peripheral tissues. As a result this can increase the risk for cardiovascular disease. Correcting low HDL and high LDL is an important step in keeping healthy.
Increasing HDL
Increasing the amount of HDL is of paramount importance, as it helps to pick up excess cholesterol in the blood and get rid of it. Correcting low HDL and high LDL will enhance this process. It can be increased by altering diet and lifestyle, as well as by using certain medications. The two main drugs that can increase the HDL are fibrates and niacin.
When it comes to diet you should remove all those things that contain trans fatty acids. In excess, alcohol is bad for the body, but in small amounts it actually helps to raise the level of HDL in the blood. Exercise and weight loss can also help to lower HDL. If you are a smoker, stopping will also help to increase your HDL.
If you aren’t getting the right fats from your food you can always get supplements. Omega 3 and flax seed oil are great when it comes to raising HDL. You should stay away from using omega 6. While it is true that it does lower cholesterol, it ends up lowering the good and the bad instead of lowering the bad and raising the good.
Lowering LDL
Medication in this case plays a larger role in affecting cholesterol levels. Statins are most commonly used to reduce the amount of LDL in the blood. Cholesterol is made in the liver, and in order for this to happen the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase is required. Statins work by inhibiting this enzyme. As a result less cholesterol is produced. At the same time more LDL is actually cleared from the blood. Other drugs that help to lower LDL include niacin, tocotrienols, and clofibrate.
Like with HDL, lowering LDL requires a number of changes to diet and lifestyle. Lowering the amount of cholesterol you take in, in general, will effectively help to lower the LDL in the blood. This means it would be a good idea to stay away from foods that contain trans fats. Instead of using animal fats to cook with you should switch to plant oils like sunflower oil, olive oil and vegetable oil. Exercise for 30 minutes a day five days a week will help you to get rid of excess fat. This way it will also reduce the LDL.
