How can one lower high (400) triglycerides?

Triglyceride is a type of fat or lipid that is necessary for life. Triglycerides are carried in the blood plasma and they provide the cells with energy in order to function. There are mainly two sources of triglyceride, dietary source, and endogenous source (manufactured within the body). Dietary triglycerides come from eating saturated fats and animal products. They are then absorbed by the body and delivered to the liver through our bloodstream; this is where they are then processed. The liver then packages this triglyceride with certain types of proteins, into minute spheres that are called lipoproteins. These lipoproteins are then released in the blood stream to be delivered to various cells in the body. The cells then take the required triglycerides from these lipoproteins. Any unused molecules of triglyceride are stored in the form of fat in the body.

Although a high level of triglyceride is often linked with the risk of heart disease, it is not usually the primary cause. The body should also have high levels of low-density lipoproteins (good cholesterol), and low levels of high density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol), in order to raise the risk of heart diseases and strokes. Here are few tips on reducing your triglyceride levels. A diet that is rich in carbohydrates, particularly sugar, leads to an increase in triglycerides. Eliminate all sugars like, sweetened gelatin, frozen yogurt, ice cream, doughnuts, candies, cookies, cakes, pies, jellies, jams, molasses, honey and sugar. Vegetables, fruits and lean meats would be good for you. String beans, squash and escarole are vegetables that are recommended daily. Celery, broccoli, potato skins and cauliflower are beneficial on account of their high fiber content. Steaming vegetables would be preferable or they could be boiled or braised with any unsaturated vegetable oil.

Avoid meats, instead switch over to fish. It is safe and good for ones health as well. Haddock, sardines, croaker, pacific salmon and tilapia would be good for you. If you choose to eat meat then go in for lean meats such as turkey, chicken and non-fatty beef cuts. Remember that shellfish have high cholesterol content and must be consumed very sparingly. All fish and meats must be baked or broiled and should not be had more than once a week. At least 3 servings of fruit should be had daily. Avoid any kind of starchy food such as bread and flour. Finally alcohol should be totally avoided as it tends to stimulate the production of triglyceride.

answered by G M

It is not very clear if high triglyceride levels in themselves are harmful, but quite often high triglyceride levels are accompanied by low HDL (good cholesterol) levels and some studies do suggest that high triglyceride levels carry a substantial cardiac disease risk, so it is probably a good idea to keep your triglyceride levels down. The standard recommendations for bringing down TG (Triglyceride) levels are the same as for cholesterol. Foods rich in fiber, lean meats instead of red meats, a serving of fish every day, low fat and low saturated fat foods and of course, lots of exercise. Avoid all transfats and margarine. Read the labels on all foods to make sure you are not ingesting hidden transfats.

1. 1000 mg of Niacin day helps elevate HDL levels, so it may help with TG levels as well,
2. A teaspoon of fish oil taken thrice a day may also bring down TGL
3. A supplement called Reishi mushroom has shown benefit in some studies
4. GLA or Gamma Linoleic Acid found in evening primrose oil and borage oil is quite effective
5. Anethum graveolens is another natural remedy that is proven to reduce TGL.

Try and cut back on refined carbohydrates like processed wheat flour and corn flour and switch to multi grain cereals, whole wheat bread, biscuits and pasta. Replace all sugar with Splenda ( a sugar substitute). With all these measures you are bound to see a difference in your TGL.ax

answered by S E