When we consume excess calories, the body converts them to triglycerides. This is the body's storage form of fat and can result from an excess fat, carbohydrate or protein intake. Triglycerides are then transported in the blood and used to supply the body with energy between meals. Hypertriglyceridemia, or elevated triglyceride levels, is a concern because it can lead to atherosclerosis and may be associated with coronary artery disease.
You can lower your triglyceride levels by making lifestyle changes and by taking certain medications. It is important to note that these approaches are not "one-size-fits all." Discuss each with your doctor to determine which are best for you.
Lifestyle Modifications
Step 1
Lose weight. Having a healthy body weight may not only help to lower your triglyceride levels, but it will also improve your quality of life and decrease your risk of other chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Step 2
Increase your aerobic activity. According to research published in the Physician and Sports Medicine journal, aerobic activity such as walking or jogging works in much the same way as statins. It increases the activity of the enzymes responsible for breaking down triglycerides so that the body can use them for energy.
Step 3
Follow the TLC, Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes, diet. The TLC diet is recommended for individuals with high cholesterol and other lipid disorders, such as hypertriglyceridemia, to reduce their risk of cardiovascular events. The TLC diet is a healthful way of eating that stresses a high intake of fiber from fruits, vegetables and whole grains. The diet also emphasizes replacing saturated and trans fats with heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats from fish, nuts and oils, such as olive oil and canola oil. Not only may this diet assist in weight loss efforts, but it may also help reduce triglyceride levels, because it is low in sugary and refined foods.
Step 4
Add a fish oil supplement. Scientific statements published by the American Heart Association state that taking an omega-3 fish oil supplement may help decrease triglyceride levels as well as decrease the risk of cardiovascular events for those with heart disease. Talk to your doctor before taking an over-the counter supplement, because he may choose to prescribe a prescription omega-3 fatty acid.
Step 5
Drink alcohol in moderation, or not at all. Even small amounts of alcohol can wreak havoc on your triglyceride levels. Moderation means one or two drinks per day for men or one drink per day for women. The following are considered one drink: a 12-oz. beer, 4 oz. of wine, 1.5 oz. of 80-proof spirits or 1 oz. of 100-proof spirits.
Medications
Step 1
Ask your doctor about statins. Statins, such as Lipitor, work by slowing arterial plaque formation and interfering with cholesterol production in the liver. Although most people tolerate statins well, they may potentially lead to rare but serious side effects, such as liver damage and severe muscle problems.
Step 2
Talk with your doctor about fibrates. Fibrates may help increase "good" cholesterol levels in addition to lowering triglycerides. An example is Tricor.
Step 3
Take a niacin supplement. Niacin may help reduce triglyceride levels by reducing the production of fat in the liver. Niacin is sold over-the-counter as well as in prescription form. It can cause serious side effects, so talk to your doctor before taking an over-the-counter supplement.
References
- "The Physician and Sports Medicine"; Independent and combined effects of aerobic exercise and pharmacological strategies on serum triglyceride concentrations: A qualitative review; E.P. Plaisance, P.W. Grandjean, A.J. Mahurin; April 2009
- "Journal of Nutrition"; AHA Scientific Statement: Summary of the Scientific Conference on Dietary Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Health; P.M Kris-Etherton, D.R. Stephens, R.H. Eckel; 2001
- "Arteriosclerosis,Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology"; AHA Scientific Statement: Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease; P.M. Kris-Etherton, W.S. Harris, L.J. Appel; February 2003
