Triglycerides are a type of fat that circulates in the blood. When your triglyceride levels get too high, you are at a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke, especially if you have other risk factors as well. Diet plays a large role in controlling triglyceride levels and following the Atkins diet can either cause a rise or decrease, depending on how you follow the plan. For safety, it is always best to discuss any diet plan with your physician first.
Triglycerides
Calories that are eaten and not used right away for energy are converted into triglycerides and taken to fat cells to be stored. Stored triglycerides can be released when the body needs energy later on. However, if triglyceride levels get too high, you may develop coronary artery disease or a hardening of the arteries, which raises your risk of a heart attack or stroke, says MedlinePlus. To prevent complications you want to keep your triglyceride level at 150 or less. Since you can have a high triglyceride level without any symptoms, the only way to know what your level is or if your treatment plan is working is to have it tested.
Weight Loss
Since extra calories are stored as triglycerides, losing weight is an important step in bringing your level under control. If following the Atkins diet causes a loss of weight, then it can help to lower your triglyceride level. To keep your triglycerides low, it is important to follow the diet for life; if you abandon the plan and regain the weight, your triglyceride levels may go back up again. According to the Cleveland Clinic, consuming simple sugars also causes a rise in triglyceride levels. Since the Atkins diet limits intake of white bread, white pasta, white rice, baked goods and sugary foods, it can help to bring your triglyceride levels down.
Fat and Cholesterol Intake
A diet to help lower triglycerides includes limiting fat and cholesterol intake. Since the Atkins diet is a high protein and low carbohydrate intake, it can either lower or raise triglyceride levels. If you get most of your calories from protein sources high in fat and cholesterol, your triglyceride levels may rise. However, if you focus on fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy, lean meats and whole grains, the the Atkins diet can lead to a decrease in triglyceride levels, reports MayoClinic.com.
Fiber
If following the Atkins program causes you to limit healthy carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, you may develop nutritional deficiencies and risk not getting enough fiber. When it comes to lowering the risk of heart disease, it is important to eat enough fiber. A high-fiber diet can lower cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and reduce your overall risk of heart disease, while a diet low in fiber may lead to unhealthy levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure, notes the American Heart Association. The best bet is to eat a diet that includes a wide variety of foods, with just enough calories to maintain a healthy weight. It is important to find a plan that does not leave you feeling hungry or deprived so you can stay on it long-term.
Member Comments