Triglycerides - How to Lower Triglycerides?

Written by Gloria Tsang, RD of HealthCastle.comPublished in May 2006; Updated in Mar 2011(HealthCastle.com) Triglycerides are the main form of fat in foods. After eating, our liver will process them. It is normal that our blood contains some levels of triglycerides. However, if you consume excess calories regardless from any source - carbohydrates, fats or protein, our body will transform the excess calories into triglycerides for storage as body fat. Therefore it is more common to see high triglyceride level in overweight or obese individuals.Triglyceride LevelDesirable: < 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)High: > 200 mg/dL (2.3 mmol/L)Very High: >500 mg/dL (5.7 mmol/L)High triglyceride level is associated with increased risk of heart disease. For other cholesterol levels, check our Cholesterol Numbers Guide.Why You Need to Do Everything to Lower TriglyceridesHigh triglycerides contribute to hardening of blood vessels, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. The problem is, triglycerides cannot be lowered overnight, and are usually caused by obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, or poorly-managed diabetes. The good news is, diet and healthy eating habits can aid lowering triglycerides.How to Lower Triglycerides with DietTry to: * cut back on saturated fats and trans fats o use lower fat dairy or cheese instead of regular version o trim visible fats from meats o cook with canola, olive or peanut oils o make sure no ingredients in your packaged foods contains partially hydrogenated oil * eat more high-fiber foods such as whole grains, oatmeal and fruits * cut back on sugary drinks such as soda, energy drinks, and other sweetened drinks * limit alcohol to maximum 1 drink a day * eat more omega 3 -rich foods such as salmon and walnuts. Your doctor may also suggest you taking fish oil or DHA supplements. * do not over-eat; watch portion size when eating out * lose weight. Use our BMI Calculator to find out if your weight falls within the healthy range. * keep an active lifestyle and exercise regularly Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape

Triglycerides - How to Lower Triglycerides?