Question: My doctor says my HDL level (the good cholesterol) is too low and that exercise is the best way to increase it. What are the best types of exercise for this?
Answer: The good news is that any type of exercise will help improve your HDL level, especially if it leads to weight loss. Try to add or increase the amount of weekly time spent doing both aerobic and resistance training. Exercise can be as simple as adding walking into your daily routine and designing a circuit training program that uses your body weight and affordable exercise tubing.
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In addition to exercise, there are dietary factors that can increase the HDL portion of your cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acids (such as found in cold water fish or supplements) can also help to increase HDL. Other factors that may increase HDL include:
- Moderate alcohol consumption (especially red wine)
- Eat more oranges, cranberries, raw onions, olives and nuts, especially macadameas (but watch the calories)
- Increase niacin intake from foods or supplements (covered in the dotFIT MV formulas)
- If you smoke, stop