subject: Causes and Treatments for High Triglycerides [print this page] Triglycerides are the main form of fat found in the blood which is important in keeping you in good condition - this is because its main function is to give the body energy. However, high triglyceride levels might be a sign of metabolic syndrome which could increase a person's risk when it comes to diabetes, heart diseases and stroke. Metabolic syndrome is a combination of medical disorders that includes high blood pressure; high blood sugar, high triglycerides, low HDL ("good") cholesterol and too much fat around the waist.
In order to measure your triglycerides, a blood test must be conducted. To get an overview on your triglycerides level, the normal level would be less than 150 while borderline-high is 150 - 199. High triglycerides level is 200 - 499, and very high would be 500 above.
Causes of High Triglycerides
The various causes of high triglycerides are usually attributed to conditions relating to age; an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), drinking too much alcohol, eating food that is high in fat, heredity, kidney disease, obesity (or weight gain), poorly controlled diabetes and regularly eating more calories than you can burn.
Certain medications may also contribute to increasing the triglycerides to an unhealthy level. These include beta-blockers; birth control pills, diuretics (water pills), estrogen, steroids and tamoxifen.
Symptoms of High Triglycerides
High triglycerides symptoms are virtually non-existent; although those due to genetic conditions may find fatty deposits under the skin. These are called xanthomas.
However, there are very few cases in which people with high triglyceride levels experience inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). This may result to fever; loss of appetite, nausea, severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Apart from that, a person might develop conditions such as liver and spleen enlargement as well as having visible fatty deposits in the skin. This can possibly increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
How to Lower Triglyceride Levels
A healthy diet as well as lifestyle changes can lower your triglyceride levels. This means that you should try to be more active; limit your alcohol intake, limit fats and sugars in your diet, quit smoking and consistently maintain a healthy weight.
In lowering your cholesterol, you will also reduce your triglyceride level in the process. You may include certain supplements that can help you lose weight. The ingredients of these supplements should include some of the following: Omega 3 fatty acids (Fish Oil), Guggul, Policosanol, Red Yeast Rice, Green Tea, L-Carnitine, and Niacin. These can all help normalize and reduce your triglyceride levels which leaves you feeling healthier and better about yourself. So with the combination of exercise, proper diet and using the right supplements, you are on your way to improving your lifestyle and well being.
Causes and Treatments for High Triglycerides
By: Gary Stanton
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