Facts on Triglyceride Level

Triglyceride is a type of fatty acid deposited in our body along with cholesterols and can lead to serious health risks if not treated at the early stages.  Carbohydrates and high calorie foods that we eat are converted into glucose to be used up by body cells.  Excess of glucose and energy is then converted to glycogen by liver.  The excess glycogens that are not used by the body are deposited as triglyceride.

The excess levels of triglyceride in the blood stream thicken the blood leading to many serious complications.  The actual risk of triglyceride is when, some of these stored triglyceride enter blood stream and blocks arteries increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.  So, triglyceride levels in the body must be reduced in order to avoid any serious health risks like heart attack.

Causes of High Triglycerides

There are many reasons that can lead to high levels of triglyceride and high cholesterol in our body:

• Age
• Obesity
• Eating foods that are high in fats and calories
• Sedentary lifestyle

are some of the major reasons that contribute towards high fat deposits in the body.

Other contributors in having high triglyceride and cholesterol:

• Poorly controlled diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Hereditary factors
• Cirrhosis of liver
• Pancreatitis
• Hypothyroidism

Some medications that can increase triglyceride level:

• Esteroids
• Estrogen
• Beta-blockers
• Contraceptive pills

Triglyceride Level	Category
< 100 mg/dl	Optimal range
100-150 mg/dl	Normal range
>150 mg/dl	High

Any high value of triglyceride must be treated at the early stages.  Hypertriglyceridemia is a condition in which triglyceride level in the body is elevated.

High Triglycerides linked to High Cholesterol

Doctors and health experts usually focus on high cholesterol rather than triglyceride, because high levels of triglyceride is directly linked to higher levels of cholesterol in the body. In diagnosing the total amount of cholesterol present in the body, the levels of triglyceride, amount of good cholesterol or high density lipoprotein and amount of bad cholesterol of low density lipoprotein are taken into consideration.

So, high levels of triglyceride in the body are directly proportional to high cholesterol levels increasing the risk of heart diseases.  To lead a healthy life, one must cut down triglyceride as well as bad cholesterol in the body.

Reducing high cholesterol and high triglyceride

High levels of triglyceride and bad cholesterol are directly dependent on fatty foods that we consume everyday.  To reduce the amount of fats present in the body, one must avoid carbohydrates and high calorie foods, because excess of energy from these foods will lead to having high cholesterol.

The first step in the diet plan for low levels of cholesterol is to follow low carbohydrate diet since these foods slow down the conversion of glucose to fats.  So, the main reason behind doctors recommending low carbohydrate foods is to lower triglyceride and cholesterol present in the body. One must also avoid excess of sugar in foods, as these foods will be converted to glucose and then later into triglyceride to be stored in the body.

Foods to lower Triglycerides

Following a diet that is rich in

• Omega 3 fatty acid
• Vitamin C and
• Low calorie foods can greatly lower the levels of cholesterol and triglyceride.

Foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids are walnuts, soybeans, flax seeds, shrimp, salmon, tofu and squash.  Drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water per day and eat unlimited fresh fruits, vegetables everyday.  Avoid meat, egg yolk, dairy products rich in fats and sweets; eat a minimum of five to six small meals.

Regular work outs and exercise must also be part of daily routine in order to lower levels of triglyceride in our body.   Avoid processed foods, deep fried items and junk foods as most of them are high calorie foods.  So, control your eating habits in order to maintain optimum levels of triglyceride in the body.

To lower the high levels of triglyceride and cholesterol, one must have a proper and healthy diet, take regular supplements and follow exercise routine everyday.