Written by
I have been very faithfully following a low fat diet after having a heart stent placed 2 months ago. My current total cholesterol is 132 however my triglycerides is 350. what am I doing wrong/Lots of vegetables and fish. Maybe the oatmeal or high fiber cereals?
Hi Bob,
You are doing great with eating plenty of vegetables and fish. Stick with that. The oatmeal and high fiber cereals are beneficial, because fiber (especially soluble fiber) lowers LDL cholesterol. The two main culprits that impact triglycerides include sugar and alcohol. I recommend reading this article:
Triglycerides: Why they matter and how to lower them
If you have more questions, let me know.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD
Diet to Lower Cholesterol Naturally
After reading this article I am confused as to what I can to to increase my cholesterol levels. I am a very healthy eater. I eat a ton of veggies, fruit, lean meats. I take fish oils-omega 3 every day. I do aerobic as well as weight training type exercise 5-6 days a week. I do suffer from depression and anxiety as well as major skin issues, etc..What can I do to increase my HDL? Eat red meat? Eat more fat? Please help...
Thanks!
Jennifer (age 32)
First, using a few references for your statements would be useful (even if it is just a review article). References are appropriate for a professional to use and we appreciate the opportunity to read more information.
Second, I wanted to comment on your statement regarding Omega 3's. You stated, "Selecting healthy fats, such as omega 3's, will raise HDL while lowering LDL." That is not an accurate statement.
Omega-3 fatty acids can produce an increase in LDL cholesterol in some patients. It appears that the increase in LDL cholesterol that occurs with the addition of Omega-3 fatty acids may be influenced by the level of the LDL at baseline (before starting therapy).
The references for this are:
Harris WS, Ginsberg H, Arunakul N, Shachter NS, Windsor SL, Adams M, Berglund L, Osmundsen K. Safety and efficacy of Omacor in severe hypertriglyceridemia. J Cardiovasc Risk 1997;4:385-391.
Harris WS, Lu G, Rambjør GS, Wålen AI, Ontko JA, Cheng Q, Windsor SL. Influence of n-3 fatty acid supplementation on the endogenous activities of plasma lipases. Am J Clin Nutr 1997;66:254-260.
Davidson MH, Stein SE, Bays HE, Maki KC, Doyle RT, Shalwitz RA, Ballantyne CM, Ginsberg HN. Efficacy and tolerability of adding prescription omega-3 fatty acids 4 g/d to simvastatin 40 mg/d in hypertriglyceridemic patients: an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Clin Ther 2007;29:1354 -1367.
Bays H, McKenney J, Maki KC, Doyle R, Carter RN, Stein E. Effects of prescription omega-3-acid ethyl esters on non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol when coadministered with escalating doses of atorvastatin. Mayo Clin Proc 2010;85:122-128.
Sullivan DR, Sanders TA, Trayner IM, Thompson GR. Paradoxical elevation of LDL apoprotein B levels in hypertriglyceridaemic patients and normal subjects ingesting fish oil. Atherosclerosis 1986;61:129-134.
Pownall HJ, Brauchi D, Kilinc C, Osmundsen K, Pao Q, Payton-Ross C, Gotto AM Jr, Ballantyne CM. Correlation of serum triglyceride and its reduction by omega-3 fatty acids with lipid transfer activity and the neutral lipid compositions of high-density and low-density lipoproteins. Atherosclerosis 1999;143:285-297. Calabresi L, Donati D, Pazzucconi F, Sirtori CR, Franceschini G. Omacor in familial combined hyperlipidemia: effects on lipids and low density lipoprotein subclasses. Atherosclerosis 2000;148:387-396.
McKenney JM, Sica D. Role of prescription omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. Pharmacotherapy 2007;27:715-728.
Thank you.
LouAnn
Simple steps te remember,on how to raise hdl cholesterol.
1. Practice some light exercise
2. Keep your weight normal
3. Avoid eating saturated fats,
4. Eat at least 2 servings of foods containing soluble fibers daily.
5. Beware that refined carbohydrates raise your blood sugar and decrease HDL levels.
6. You should know that eating ½ raw onion daily will raise hdl
7. Avoid drinking alcohol.
8. Stop smoking cigarettes,
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Thanks so much for reminding us of these tips. Sometimes I read this kind of information a then when I go to make food choices it escapes me! Having it in front of me is crucial - its like learning a new language - now I need to use it.
All the best, sue
Check out these links for more:
Low Cholesterol Diet
Cholesterol Health Calculators
Cholesterol Questions and Answers