Triglycerides, along with cholesterol, form plasma lipids in the blood. They are stored in fat cells and are formed when calories are consumed and not used immediately for energy. When levels of triglycerides become elevated, it is known medically as hypertriglyceridemia. If left untreated, this can open you up to life-threatening conditions like heart attacks, atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke. The treatment for high triglycerides includes lifestyle changes and medical intervention.
Step 1
Avoid alcoholic beverages. Although one to two drinks a day is considered beneficial to the body, it is not when you have high triglycerides. According to the American Heart Association, even small amounts of alcohol can lead to large changes in plasma triglyceride levels.
Step 2
Reduce your intake of foods that are high in cholesterol, saturated fat and trans fats. Processed meats, deep fried foods, fast food and commercial baked goods are examples of these. Avoid any product that has any form of hydrogenated oils in it.
Step 3
Consume complex carbs that are high in fiber instead of simple carbs that are high in sugar. Cakes, cookies, chips, doughnuts, candy, white bread and muffins are carbs to avoid. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans are healthy options. They help keep your insulin levels stabilized which in turn can keep your triglyceride levels down.
Step 4
Eat fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Use it in place of fatty red meats and pork. Mackerel, salmon, herring, tuna, halibut and lake trout are examples of fish with omega-3. You can also get omega-3 from flax seeds and walnuts.
Step 5
Exercise more often. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular exercise can boost "good" cholesterol while lowering "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise and do something that you can stick with. Walking, jogging, playing basketball, swimming, kick boxing and weightlifting are examples.
Step 6
Take a prescription drug. If lifestyle changes are not getting your triglyceride levels down, talk to your doctor about a medication. Fibrates, niacin and statins are all possibilities.
