There is a variety of pharmaceutical drugs to help lower elevated triglyceride levels, thereby, reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues, such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes. While these drugs are effective in reducing triglyceride levels, they may not always be enough and can sometimes have undesirable side effects. The use of natural medicines to treat high triglycerides, in addition to changes in diet and lifestyle, can be very beneficial complements to traditional medicine. They may, even, help toward reducing or even eliminating the need for pharmaceutical treatment over time.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The Mayo Clinic explains that omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to significantly reduce triglyceride levels, as well as raise the level of good cholesterol (HDL) and lower the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. Fish oil is the most common source and can be taken in supplement form or by adding fish to the diet. There are many other sources of omega-3 fatty acids, as well, such as flax oil, walnuts and olive oil.
Reishi Mushroom
Ganoderma lucidum, known commonly as the Reishi mushroom and coined by the Japanese as "the mushroom of immortality," has many beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and immune systems, such as lowering triglyceride levels, cholesterol and blood pressure. You can take the whole mushroom, or you can take it in supplement form or as a tea.
Garlic
Garlic is effective in reducing triglycerides and also offers other cardiovascular health benefits and immune support. Allicin is perhaps the most researched active ingredient in garlic, but, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it is believed that there are many active compounds that work synergistically to give garlic its medicinal qualities. Garlic supplements are available, but the easiest and most inexpensive way to gain the benefits of garlic is to regularly add it to your diet. Raw garlic is most effective; however, cooking with garlic has beneficial effects, as well.
Fiber
Fiber in the diet reduces the absorption of food in the intestines, meaning a reduced intake of triglycerides. In addition, fiber helps to avoid a rapid increase in blood sugar after eating, which reduces insulin levels and prevents the release of excess triglycerides from the liver into the bloodstream. Foods high in fiber, such as oatmeal, fruits and vegetables, can be added to the diet, and many fiber supplements are available in powder or pill form.
Diet and Exercise
A healthy diet and regular exercise are, perhaps, the most important and effective long-term methods for reducing triglycerides. Reducing the number of calories you eat and the intake of saturated and hydrogenated fats is very helpful, especially if you are overweight. Doing so provides many health benefits, in addition to lowering your lipid levels. Avoid overconsumption of foods that are high on the glycemic index, as this helps to balance the metabolism of triglycerides and lower their levels in the bloodstream. Regular exercise, even if it is just as simple as walking regularly or light aerobics, also helps significantly. It is important to find a combination of diet and exercise that works for you and that you can stick with consistently, as everyone is different. Starting with small and simple changes can go a long way toward improving your health.
