TRIGLYCERIDES

What are triglycerides?

• Triglycerides are a form of fat that come from eating and are made in your body.
• Calories eaten in a meal and not used immediately by the tissues are converted to triglycerides.
• Triglycerides are transported to fat cells in the body to be stored.
• Hormones regulate the release of triglycerides from fat tissue so they can meet the body’s need for energy between meals.

How is an excess of triglycerides harmful?

• An excess in triglycerides is called hypertriglyceridemia.  It is linked to the occurrence of coronary artery disease in some people.

• Elevated triglycerides may also be a result of other problems, such as untreated or inadequately treated diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease or obesity.

• Very elevated triglyceride levels can even lead to pancreatitis, a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed.  This can be a very serious illness.

   

• Triglycerides can be detected by a blood test. 
• The measurement should be made after 12 hour overnight food and alcohol fast.
• Triglycerides are very sensitive to fasting.

   

• If you are overweight, cut down on calories to reach your ideal body weight.  This includes all sources of calories from fats, proteins, carbohydrates and alcohol.
• Reduce all types of fats in your diet.
• Reduce your intake of alcohol.  Even small amounts of alcohol can lead to large changes in the triglyceride levels.
• Diets higher in carbohydrates may raise triglycerides levels.

   

Examples of foods that can help lower your triglycerides

• Eat fish three times per week, such as salmon, mackerel and tuna

• Choose lean meats, such as skinless chicken or turkey breast

• Limit / avoid alcoholic beverages

• Choose low fat dairy products

• Limit / avoid foods and beverages with added sugars, such as regular soda, fruit juices, fruit drinks, cookies, cakes and other sweets with sugar, honey or corn syrup

• Limit / avoid high fat foods, such as fried foods, oils and regular salad dressings

• Choose foods high in fiber, such as whole grain breads, cereals and pastas; fresh vegetables, fresh fruits and beans

• Avoid foods low in fiber, such as white bread, white rice and regular pasta

   

• People with high triglycerides often have high total cholesterol, high LDL (“lousy” cholesterol) and low HDL (“healthy” cholesterol) levels.
• If you have high LDL level and/or high triglyceride levels, your doctor may recommend a medication or combination of medications, as well as lifestyle

  Ver 9