Diet for High Triglycerides
Triglycerides, found in the blood, are the primary constituents of natural fats and oils. Calories converted to energy that are not used right away are stored as triglycerides in fat cells. High triglyceride levels, those testing at 200 mg or more, result when too many calories are eaten and not enough are burned.
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Treatment of High Triglycerides
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It's important that high triglycerides are treated, because they can harden arteries and thicken artery walls. High levels may indicate other conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and increased risk of stroke.
In order to treat high triglycerides, physicians recommend a healthy diet and increased exercise, and they may prescribe medications typically used to lower cholesterol levels, such as statins. However, these medications are often only used after the patient has changed to a healthier lifestyle, which means that diet is the single most important treatment for lowering triglyceride levels.
Dietary changes necessary to lower triglyceride levels include eating low-calorie meals and snacks; avoiding sugary or refined foods; limiting those foods that are naturally high in cholesterol, such as egg yolks, red meat and whole milk; changing to healthier fats like olive oil, or those high in omega-3 fatty acids; eliminating alcohol; and avoiding trans fats. Trans fats are found in many commercially prepared foods, baked goods and fried foods. The most common trans fat source in the American diet is partially hydrogenated oil.
Diets that can help improve triglyceride levels include fruits and vegetables, plant-based fats, lean meats, olive oil, egg whites and low-fat dairy products. Other recommendations include adding whole grain products, eating nuts sparingly, having extra servings of dark green leafy vegetables and drinking more water.
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