According to MayoClinic.com, natural methods such as losing weight and changing your diet can be quite effective in lowering your triglycerides. Unless your doctor recommends drug treatment from the beginning, start with lifestyle changes and see how effective they are. Regular exercise, avoiding excessive alcohol intake and controlling how much cholesterol you consume can all help lower your cholesterol.
Step 1
Reduce your overall calorie intake. According to MayoClinic.com, losing weight can help you lower your triglycerides. Eliminate trans fats and eat mostly vegetable fats, such as olive oil, instead of animal fat. Also, avoid refined and highly processed foods. A high intake of carbohydrates can increase triglycerides, so stay away from sugary snacks and white flour.
Step 2
Take niacin supplements. Niacin is available over the counter, or your doctor can prescribe a supplement such as Niaspan, which contains a much higher concentration of niacin. Niacin can interfere with some medications, so talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
Step 3
Buy omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty fish such as mackerel and sardines are high in omega-3, but you might need a higher dosage than you can get from food to treat triglycerides. According to MayoClinic.com, a prescription omega-3 supplement known as Lovaza can be used alongside other medications to help lower triglycerides.
Step 4
Talk to your doctor about taking statins. Many people who have high triglycerides also have high cholesterol. According to MayoClinic.com, statins can be used alongside niacin or alone to help control both high cholesterol and triglycerides. Statins can cause a number of side effects, including diarrhea and muscle pain, so discuss the pros and cons of the drug before making a decision.
