So one fifth of the Metabolic Syndrome diagnosis is having high triglycerides, but what the heck are they?
Basically they are a type of fat in your blood. It is usually referred to as a “lipid”. When you eat you then use some of the calories contained in food. The ones you don’t use get stored in your fat cells and are later released for energy between meals. If you aren’t exercising or doing anything to burn off the stored triglycerides then the amount you have stored can be quite high. You want under 150 milligrams per deciliter in a lipid blood test.
The higher the triglycerides, the greater risk for heart disease and stroke. No thank you!
There are medications which can help with triglycerides, but who really wants to take more meds?
Here are some things you can do to help lower your triglycerides. It is not much different than any sensible diet, but it will need to be a lifestyle change.
- Lose weight. Aim for 5 or 10 pounds. Every bit helps!
- Cut the calories… especially the carbs!
- Olive and Canola Oils are your friends
- Limit your alcohol intake. Triglycerides LOVE alcohol.
- EXERCISE! There is a novel idea!
Okay, I’m being sarcastic about that last one but only because I HATE exercising… because I hate to sweat.
Medications should be your last resort unless you have no will power whatsoever.
Make sure to discuss any diagnosis of high triglycerides or steps to lower triglycerides with your health care provider!
To learn more about Triglycerides please check this link out:
Mayo Clinic – Triglycerides
Here is some good information about triglycerides from Positive Health Wellness: Ultimate Guide to Lower Triglycerides
Also, they have a terrific infographic which gives you some additional ways to lower your triglycerides:
#lowcarb4ever
