Triglycerides are a fatty substance in the blood and closely related to cholesterol. When you suffer from high triglyceride levels, the condition is referred to as hypertriglyceridemia. People often take fish oil to lower triglyceride levels. Fish oil does not require a prescription, but speak with your health-care provider before adding the supplement to your routine.
Recommendations
According to the American Heart Association, patients with high triglycerides are encouraged to add 2 to 4 g of fish oil to their diet daily. Because this is a rather large amount, take a supplement only under your physician's direct care. A diagnosis of high triglycerides is made through a blood test. High levels range from 200 to 499 mg/dl, according to MayoClinic.com.
Benefits
Fish oil decreases the amount of triglycerides in your blood by up to 50 percent, according to Medline Plus. Though prescription medications are available to decrease triglycerides, fish oil also reduces the amount considerably. Besides lowering triglycerides, fish oil also decreases the hardening of your arteries, plaque deposit formation and high blood pressure.
Warnings
Fish oil may interact with other medications you are taking. Be cautious when combining fish oil and anti-coagulant drugs. It will take longer for your blood to form clots, and you may suffer from excess bleeding. Bleeding occurs as nosebleeds, blood in your urine and skin bruising. If you are prescribed medicine for high blood pressure, take caution when adding fish oil into the mix. Taking fish oil in addition to blood pressure medication may drop your blood pressure to unhealthy low levels. Talk to your medical doctor about any fish oil concerns you have before starting or stopping the supplement or other drugs.
Lifestyle Changes
Fish oil is not your only option to decrease your triglyceride levels. Lifestyle changes may also greatly improve your triglyceride count. Eat a diet based on fruits and vegetables and avoid large amounts of red meat. Exercise daily for 30 minutes or more. If you have trouble adding an entire block of exercise into your day, break up workout sessions into 10-minute increments. Simple activities such as climbing stairs or walking the dog count. According to MayoClinic.com, losing just 5 to 10 lbs. improves triglyceride levels.
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