Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood. When you eat, the body tends to convert the extra calories that it does not require immediately into triglycerides. Triglycerides get stored in fat cells. Afterwards, hormones release triglycerides in-between meals for energy. If you tend to consume greater number of calories than you burn, more so, calories such as fats and carbohydrates, you will have a raised triglyceride level in the blood.
A blood test – the lipid profile will help ascertain whether your triglyceride level is in the healthy range.
- Normal — Below 150 mg/dL
- Borderline — 150 to 199 mg/dL
- High — 200 to 499 mg/dL
- Too high — 500 mg/dL or above
Causes And Symptoms Of High Triglycerides
Common causes for raised triglyceride levels are:
- Obesity
- Consuming too many calories, than required
- Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
- Kidney disorders
- Hypothyroidism
- Alcohol abuse
- Certain medicines are also known to increase triglycerides – steroids, diuretics, estrogen, birth control pills and beta blockers.
Symptoms of high triglycerides in blood:
It is still a little ambiguous how, but high triglycerides are responsible for the hardening of the arteries or thickening of the arterial walls thereby increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. High levels of triglycerides also cause acute pancreatitis.
A commonly seen presentation is the metabolic syndrome — a group of conditions including excessive fat about the abdomen, high blood sugar, hypertension and abnormal cholesterol levels.
How To Lower High Triglycerides Naturally?
- First and foremost, you need to manage your weight. Lose weight in case you’re overweight, this helps decrease the serum triglyceride level. Confer with your health care provider and nutritionist and chalk out a diet plan.
- Cut back on calories. Extra, easy calories get converted to triglycerides and stored up as fat. Cutting back on calories helps lower triglycerides.
- You need to steer clear of fatty, sugary and refined foods. Simple carbohydrates increase triglyceride level; have complex carbohydrates, such as those found in whole grains.
- Garlic is the most effective natural remedy to battle high levels of triglycerides and the related disorders. Have 3 to 5 flakes of raw garlic daily. It has proved to be very beneficial.
- Flax seeds are also known to help deal with heart related diseases. Have 2 to 3 spoonfuls of flax seeds every day. It lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels appreciably.
- Opt for healthier fats. Do not consume saturated fat and as against that consume healthier monounsaturated fat found in – peanut oil, olive oil and canola oil. Substitute fish high in omega 3 fatty acids (salmon and mackerel) for red meat.
- Steer clear of alcohol. Alcohol is loaded in calories and sugar and has a predominantly potent effect on triglycerides. Tiny quantities of alcohol can increase triglyceride levels significantly.
- Exercising regularly is very essential. Aim for a minimum of 20 minutes of physical activity on 3 days a week. Regular exercise lowers triglycerides and boosts ‘good’ cholesterol. Walking, swimming, Yoga, Pilates, or even stretches; all are decidedly beneficial. Incorporate in to your every day routine.
- Stress management is another crucial aspect of the management plan. Stress is a big contributor to most of the ailments and disease condition; and hence dealing with your stress plays a pivotal role.