- The majority of triglycerides that are formed in your body are from the fat and carbohydrates that are in the foods you eat. Triglycerides float through the blood stream, and are often referred to as plasma lipids, increasing in volume as excess calories are eaten. The American Heart Association explains that this overflow of calories ultimately ends up in the fat stores of your body.
- A normal triglyceride level in a healthy adult is less than 150 mg per deciliter, according to Mayo Clinic. Milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dl, refers to a level of measurement in which a milligram is 1/1000 of a gram, and a deciliter is a measure of volume 1/10 of a liter.
- If you are overweight, or maintain a diet that is high in fat, your physician might want to test your triglyceride levels. This is done with a test known as a lipid profile, preceded by a 12-hour fast. In most cases, an unhealthy diet and lifestyle will result in elevated triglycerides that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Triglyceride levels are considered high once they exceed 200 mg/dl. Dangerously high levels fall into the category of 500 mg/dl or above. Triglycerides in these ranges contribute to hardening of the arteries.
- There are measures you can take to maintain a healthy lifestyle and ensure that your triglycerides stay within a healthy range. MedlinePlus reports that eating foods that are low in sugar content and engaging in a regular daily exercise routine to help keep you in shape and lose weight is a good start. It is also recommended that high triglyceride levels be monitored by your physician who can prescribe medications to keep them in healthy range.
- It is important to understand the types of foods that should be consumed in order to maintain a healthy triglyceride level. Eating plenty of fruits is a good choice, and reaching for healthy fruit choices for snacks, instead of a cake or candy bar, helps lower triglycerides. Good carbohydrates such as, whole grain breads and pastas are also a healthy alternative to white flour products. And adding fiber to your diet with beans, vegetables and oats can also keep your triglyceride level healthful. You may also wish to consider adding lean meats and fish to your meals.
