The following presents an overview of how to increase your good cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart coronary artery disease.

1. Decrease trans fats and saturated fats.
2. Increase monounsaturated fats. Olive oil is best, then canola oil. Avocados are a good food source. Phytosterol containing margerines (Smart Balance, Take Control) can help.
3. Increase omega 3 oils. Recommend 1000 mg of supplement from fish oil daily. Flax seed supplement does not yield as much omega 3 oils for the amount taken. Food sources include fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel), nuts (especially walnuts), pumpkin seeds, flax seed.
4. Increase Low glycemic foods (whole grains, fresh/frozen fruits and vegetables) and decrease high glycemic index foods (sugar and refined grains such as white flour, and products made from these including low fiber breads, cakes, cookies, pastries, cereals, pasta).
5. Quit smoking if you’re a smoker.
6. If you drink alcohol 1-2 glasses (only one glass for women) of red wine(4 ounce each) daily if your triglycerides are not elevated. If you don’t drink alcohol, one serving of red grapes daily will help.
7. Increase exercise up to one hour daily 5-7 days per week.
8. Chromium, garlic, and calcium may have some benefit.
9. Niacin (either over-the -counter or prescription) has excellent result. It can result in flushing at doses of 500mg or more, but this can be prevented by taking aspirin ½ hour prior to the niacin. Our supplement Cardioauxin has niacin combined with policosanol, phytosterols, and pantethine.