Reducing Excess Triglyceride
July 25, 2009
Fat is present in our blood stream in various forms. Triglyceride is one such form of fat in our body. The lipid profile of blood plasma is comprised of triglyceride and cholesterol.
High level of triglyceride is harmful for the body. Triglyceride comes from fatty foods. A part of the triglyceride is manufactured in the body from carbohydrates, which are not immediately utilized for energy production. Everyone has triglycerides in their blood stream.
Triglyceride level up to 150mg/dL is considered normal. Higher levels of triglyceride are not desirable. High triglyceride level is often associated with high level of bad cholesterol or LDL and low level of good cholesterol or HDL.
Excess triglyceride risk factors
Excess triglycerides deposit on the inner walls of the blood vessels. Consequently, the arteries become narrow and clogged, leading to cardiovascular ailments, heart attack and stroke. Abnormal level of triglyceride also leads to pancreatitis. Risk of high triglyceride level is highest among individuals with high blood cholesterol level, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.
Risk of high triglyceride can also be hereditary. Lack of exercise and alcoholism could increase your triglyceride level. Certain medications including birth control pills, estrogen-based medications, diuretics and beta-blockers recommended for treating high blood pressure could increase triglyceride level in the blood stream.
Treating high triglycerides
You can control your triglyceride level through proper diet. A low triglyceride diet is same as a low cholesterol diet. Not more than 30 percent of your daily calorie intake should come from fats. While choosing fats, stay away from saturated fats. At most 10 percent of your total fat intake could be comprised of saturated fats. Replace red meat in your diet with fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines.
These cold-water fish are rich in omage-3 fatty acids, which help to regulate favorably the lipid profile of your blood. Excess simple carbohydrate in your diet, in the form of added sugar helps to raise the triglyceride level. To normalize the triglyceride level, consume only complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and whole grain products and fruits and vegetables. Regular exercise could also lower the triglyceride level. Regular intake of garlic, ginger, cayenne pepper and fenugreek seeds could help to reduce triglycerides.
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