My HDL level sucks

[midnight armadillo]

I had a cholesterol test done...
Total: 174 (ok)
LDL: 108 (100 & under is good)
HDL: 32 (45 & up is good)

These are remarkably consistent with two other tests over the last 4 years. My doc wants me to re-test in 6 weeks and take some niacin in the meantime. I am also adding flax seed oil to my diet (1 tbs in my daily fat-free yogurt).

Well, I had planned to spend the next six weeks or so working out with my kettlebells, so all the aerobic exercise should help the numbers. Any other suggestions?

edit: and it's salmon for dinner!

[ewagner]

1. Same problem here

my low HDL level was probably because of smoking all those years. It's getting better (36) probably because I'm exercising, eating a lot of green, leafy veggies and adding flax seed to my cereal.

[flvegan]

2. Grapeseed oil.

Natural way to raise your hdl.

I'm doing my best to not point out that the average vegan has a total cholesterol count of 128. Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Look on the bright side...you are MUCH better off than a whole lot of people. 174 isn't bad.

[midnight armadillo]

3. My diet's not that bad, actually

While I'm no vegan, my diet isn't really 'meat-centric', and I consume a lot of veggies and fruits on a daily basis. I frequently eat meat-free lunches too :-) Heck, I don't really care for beef and my animal protein is pretty much low-fat dairy, fowl, and some seafood.

I hadn't hear that about grapeseed oil. I will check it out. I think my biggest problem is weight - my last year of grad school packed on 20 lbs of lard, pretty much due to massive stress levels, zero exercise, and emotional eating. I've been losing weight successfully this year, and expect the kettlebells to accelerate the process. My blood pressure is also on the high side, again due to weight and hereditary factors (thanks mom!).

I understand that grapeseed oil is also excellent for frying & sauteing...

[flvegan]

4. I'm primarily laughing at myself.

I know lots of veg folks get a bad rap for the "beating you over the head" with our dietary agenda and whatnot. I like to poke fun at it, while still making a point.

Grapeseed oil isn't one of the more talked about extracts, and I don't know why. It's not "heavy feeling" when you eat it, and it has it's own tastes that really lifts the flavor of some foods.

Stress really mucks with the body chemistry. I can see how that could easily cause someone to put on a few pounds.