INCREASE GOOD CHOLESTEROL WITH ESTROGEN, EXERCISE, MODERATE ALCOHOL

 

MANHATTAN -- With all the talk about combating bad cholesterol and lowering its levels, the importance of good cholesterol often gets ignored.

"I think everyone is aware that there are good and bad types of cholesterol," said Richard Baybutt, associate professor of human nutrition at Kansas State University, "but I'm not sure they appreciate the value of the good form of cholesterol in their blood."

Baybutt said cholesterol falls into two categories: LDL cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol --- the bad, more familiar cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol -- the good stuff.

Estrogen, exercise and red wine increase HDL cholesterol levels, Baybutt said.

Women have higher estrogen levels compared to men, helping lower their risk of heart attacks. After menopause, the levels of estrogen decrease and the risk of heart attack increases. Estrogen replacement raises HDL levels and decreases heart attack risk, Baybutt said.

Baybutt said that women don't need to be too concerned with raising HDL levels until after menopause, but that they should develop a healthy lifestyle to lower the risk of heart disease and heart attack. However, men naturally have lower HDL levels and an increased risk for heart attack, he said.

"Men should do activities that promote increasing their levels of HDL cholesterol," Baybutt said, "and try to avoid excessive amounts of saturated fat so that they don't raise their LDL cholesterol."

Baybutt recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise, three times per week to keep physically fit, which may decrease LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol. He said that weight loss lowers LDL, while exercise raises HDL levels.

Baybutt said in moderation wine is thought to increase good cholesterol, but that people should be aware of the health risks associated with excess consumption.

"The alcohol itself is a toxin, and when you drink it in excess it interferes with nutrient absorption and could lead to cirrhosis of the liver," he said. "Moderation is one to two drinks a day. Excessive amounts can lead to heart attack and stroke."

Baybutt said that individuals should know if their cholesterol levels are too high.

"When you get a blood report, cholesterol levels that are too high or too low are highlighted," he said. "Physicians will encourage you to lower your total cholesterol or raise your HDL cholesterol."

If total cholesterol is too high, individuals should modify their diet, increase their activity level, and if necessary, use drug treatment to lower it, Baybutt said.

"There are very effective drugs used to lower cholesterol," he said. "The benefits of keeping the cholesterol low far outweigh the inconvenience of taking medication."

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For more information contact Richard Baybutt at 785-532-0169. 

August 2000