HDL Up, LDL Down? Share Your Tips!

Jules89

Jules89

Active member
What's worked for you to get those HDL numbers up while dropping the LDL cholesterol? Any snack or meal staples for keeping cholesterol in check?

I've been reading up on the benefits of whey protein and adding extra fiber, like with psyllium husk. What other strategies have you found effective?
 
I'm getting my blood tested later today after being on tirz for the past 3 months. I've dropped over 30 lbs and been eating way healthier. Hoping I can stop taking the statin as well.
 
I just got blood test results back, which is why I made this thread, haha. Been on tirz for 3 months and lost about 28 lbs, and I'm eating better than before, but my diet still needs work. I think I'm relying too much on the appetite reduction instead of really focusing on nutritious meals. My LDL is just above the normal range. Wish I had a recent baseline to compare it to!
 
Here are some things that can help:

* Aerobic workouts: at least 2 hours a week (3 sessions of 40 minutes).
* Omega-3 supplements with EPA and DHA.
* B-complex vitamins.
* Boost fiber: whole grains, lentils, beans, oats, psyllium husk.
* Limit polyunsaturated fats.

This isn't everything, but it's a good place to begin.
 
My last blood test was in June during my yearly checkup, so I can compare it to those results. Did you remember to have your thyroid checked? I heard it's important to monitor while on GLP-1s. My doctor wouldn't have added it if I hadn't asked.
 
Krill oil (Costco has a good brand) has worked wonders for my HDL. Plus, no fishy aftertaste! My bariatric surgeon suggested it over 10 years ago. My HDL went from the low 30s to the 80s and 90s.

Also, get moving! 🏃
 
It can be a temp thing with weight loss, right? Mine improved a bunch after my weight stabilized, but I also use red yeast rice, and it seems to help. It's got a similar active ingredient to statins, so gotta be careful if you're trying to avoid statin adverse effects. Otherwise, workout, drink less, sleep more. Peri/menopause is another factor that raises cholesterol, so hormone replacement may be something to consider if you have other symptoms.
 
Ladies need at least 25g of fiber and men need 35g. It's scientifically proven to drop LDL, and more is even better. Five grams can lower it by 5.5mg/dL. That alone can make you eat better and lose weight!
 
Red yeast rice is essentially a statin; it has the same ingredient (monacolin K) as some statins. But it's not regulated by the FDA so you don't know the potency. Might as well just take a regulated statin. Nattokinase has some studies showing it improves LDL/HDL, but the studies are mixed. If it works, it seems like you need a high dose (8000 IU or so). Some studies show it can reverse atherosclerosis at high doses too. But talk to your doctor if you are on blood thinners or have any similar health concerns.
 
When I began tirz, I got blood work done at the same time. My LDL was 117, and my triglycerides were 219. I immediately switched to a clean, low-ish carb diet with healthy macros, started exercising, and, of course, took tirz. I also tried what I think was a "cheat code"... I took a supplement called "Cholestoff Complete" - took three pills after meals twice daily for a month. I drew labs again (only one month later), and my LDL was 79, and my triglycerides were 111. Sadly, my HDL dropped too, from 42 to 35. I haven't taken those pills since. This post reminds me I need to order labs again; it's been three months since my last check.

Anyway, if you're looking to take extreme measures, maybe look into Cholestoff Complete. Specifically, the "complete" version, as it lowers cholesterol and blocks excess cholesterol production in the liver. Active ingredients are plant stenols and pantethine. The diet and meds helped, but with such a quick change in just one month, I think the supplement deserves some credit.

Getting my HDL up is my main goal now... I've been taking omegas, exercising, and eating clean for years, so I'm not sure what else to do.
 
The glucagon in reta could definitely help you. Glucagon helps lower cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, etc., by inhibiting PCSK9. Look at Mazdutide and Survodutide and how much people's cholesterol dropped when they began taking it. These are dual agonist Glp1 and Glucagon, and they have a much stronger relationship with Glucagon. Test it and see for yourself. This is also why they're testing it for fatty liver reduction, and the results are amazing so far. It's like it melts away the fat in the liver.
 
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