1. Naughty Fat
Triglycerides, a category of fat, appear both in food and in the body. Though some fats are good for you, triglycerides are not. If you have elevated triglycerides, you probably also have elevated LDL cholesterol because they're directly linked to each other. Your triglyceride levels can become elevated if you smoke, drink alcohol, have elevated insulin, eat a poor diet or are inactive or obese.
2. Block the Pathways
People with heart conditions and vascular problems frequently have high triglyceride levels. Since the triglycerides are in the blood, they may line the walls of the arteries and form plaque and blockage. Of course, when any blood movement is slowed or stopped, nothing good can come from it. Heart disease and damage is one type of problem from blocked arteries. Strokes and TIA's are linked to people whose triglyceride levels are higher than 200.
3. Below Normal?
A blood test with triglyceride levels below the normal range also indicates a problem. Low levels are 10 milligrams per deciliter and below. The low level won't harm you, but it does indicate that something else is wrong. One possible reason is malabsorbtion in the intestines, since triglycerides are absorbed in the intestinal tract. Other possibilities for a low level are overactive thyroid, malnutrition or something as simple as a diet that's too low in fat.
4. Lower the Levels
You can take action if you want to lower the risk that comes with high triglyceride levels. The first thing you need to do is to get up and move, exercising at least three times a week. No matter what form your exercise takes, you can reduce the excess weight that can lead to high triglycerides. And, even if you don't lose weight, the activity alone can lower your levels. Other lifestyle changes you can make are cutting down an alcohol, which can elevate your cholesterol levels, and cutting out cigarettes, which contribute to high "bad fat" levels.
5. Eat Your Way to Health?
Change of diet is one way you can lower your total cholesterol, and especially the naughty triglycerides. Cut out simple sugars and replace them with more complex carbohydrates. Amazingly, those scalloped potatoes may be good for you, as long as you don't use a lot of fat in making them. Don't cut out all fat, however, because you need some or your body sets about to produce it. Eat sensibly and include more green vegetables to keep your body fit. Eating in a sensible manner not only lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but creates a healthier, happier you.
