Triglycerides are a type of fat present in food and in your body. Along with cholesterol, they make up the lipids commonly found in the bloodstream. High triglyceride levels in the blood, a condition called hypertriglyceridemia, is associated with coronary artery disease and other conditions, the American Heart Association warns. To avoid this complication, you should keep track of your triglyceride levels. If you suffer from hypertriglyceridemia, there are strategies available that might lower your triglyceride levels.
Lose Weight
If you are overweight, you have a tendency toward high triglyceride levels. Reducing your weight often causes triglyceride levels to decrease. According to MayoClinic.com, even a 5 to 10 lb. decrease in weight will improve your triglyceride levels. Using a combination of a healthy diet and regular physical exercise, you should be able to lose enough weight to lower your triglyceride levels.
Avoid Fatty Meals
Diets high in saturated and trans fats often cause an increase in triglycerides. Your total fat intake should only make up 30 to 35 percent of your total daily calories, ClevelandClinic.org reports. Avoid trans fat if possible, and limit your intake of saturated fat to only 7 percent of your total calories. Unsaturated fats, such as those in olive and canola oils, are the types of fat you should use in your diet.
Reduce Alcohol Intake
Triglyceride levels are often elevated in patients who drink alcohol. Even a little bit of alcohol significantly elevates blood triglyceride levels, the American Heart Association explains. Patients suffering from hypertriglyceridemia should avoid any alcohol intake.
Medications
In some patients, triglyceride levels can exceed 500 mg/dL. These patients are suffering from severe hypertriglyceridemia. If you fall under this category, your doctor will probably prescribe medications to help lower your triglyceride levels. Nicotinic acid and gemfibrozil are examples of medications that are effective in lowering cholesterol levels.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats often found in fish and fish oil supplements. These fatty acids can reduce blood triglycerides, ClevelandClinic.org says. There are some side effects associated with high doses of omega-3 fatty acids, so consult your doctor prior to adding them to your diet.
