Triglycerides are a type of fat that is similar to cholesterol. Every time you eat, your body uses some of the calories for energy and the rest get turned into triglycerides, which get stored in the fat cells. In-between meals, triglycerides get released for energy. The problem appears when you eat too many calories too often. This causes your triglycerides to become elevated in a condition called hypertriglyceridemia, which can increase your heart disease risk. The key treatments to lower your triglycerides revolve around lifestyle adjustments.
Diet Restrictions
Eliminate foods in your diet that are high in cholesterol. Examples of these include egg yolks, whole milk dairy products, deep-fried foods and red meats. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you get no more than 300mg of cholesterol a day and 200mg a day if you currently have heart disease.
Weight Control
Your weight is a big contributor to your triglyceride levels. Keep your weight under control by focusing on the benefits it can offer, such as improved health and higher energy levels. Reducing your overall caloric intake can help you lose weight and can also lower your triglycerides because that fat is where they are stored.
Exercise
Regular exercise can lower your triglycerides and increase your HDL cholesterol (the good kind), and lower your LDL cholesterol (the bad kind). Get 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. Examples are walking, swimming, biking and stair stepping. If you can't do 30 minutes in a row, exercise in several shorter sessions.
Fats
Trans fats and saturated fats are contributors to high triglycerides, and they should be avoided. Use monounsaturated fats such as olive oil, canola oil and peanut oil in place of saturated fats. Also, eat fish including mackerel and salmon in place of red meats. They have omega-3 fatty acids in them, which help lower triglycerides.
When you by packaged foods, make sure to look in the ingredient labels for "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" oils. This is an indicator that the food has trans fats and should be avoided.
Alcohol Restriction
Moderate alcohol intake is known for its beneficial effects on the body. But according to the Mayo Clinic, even the smallest amounts of alcohol can raise your triglyceride levels. If you currently drink, quit, and if you do not drink, don't start.
Sweets
According to Robert DiBianco, M.D., associate clinical professor of medicine at Georgetown University, simple carbohydrates are major contributors to high triglyceride levels. Avoid candy, cakes, doughnuts and foods made with white flour.
Medication
In the event no other treatment option is working, your doctor may recommend a prescription drug such as niacin or fibrates. These are cholesterol-lowering drugs that also help lower triglycerides.
