Triglycerides are used to store excess energy taken into the body from food. They can also be synthesized by the liver and released into the bloodstream and sent to the muscles to meet energy needs. However, high triglyceride levels can increase the risk of atherosclerosis, which causes plaque buildup in the arteries and can lead to serious health problems such as heart attack and stroke. High triglyceride levels are a risk factor that can lead to health problems. They are particularly associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease. Therefore, it is important to keep triglyceride levels under control.
Triglyceride is a type of fat found in the blood. The body converts the calories it receives from food into triglycerides and stores them in fat cells. When the body needs energy, triglycerides are broken down into glucose. Triglycerides are a nutrient essential for the body. However, high triglyceride levels can lead to various health problems such as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
Triglyceride levels are measured with a blood test. Triglyceride testing is often done together with cholesterol testing. Ideal triglyceride level for a healthy adult Below 150 mg/dLis. While values between 150 mg/dL and 199 mg/dL are considered limit values, values of 200 mg/dL and above are expressed as high triglyceride levels. If triglyceride levels are above 200 mg/dL, your risk of heart disease increases. Therefore, it is important to have your triglyceride levels checked regularly. The ranges of triglyceride values are as follows:
- Normal: Below 150 mg/dL
- Borderline high: 150-199 mg/dL
- High: 200-499 mg/dL
- Too high: over 500 mg/dL
If you think your triglyceride levels are high or low, it is important to consult your doctor. Your doctor can perform tests to determine why your triglyceride levels are high and recommend appropriate treatment.
What causes low triglycerides?
Low triglyceride levels are when triglyceride levels in the blood fall below normal ranges. Triglyceride is a type of fat in the blood and is essential for the body. However, triglyceride levels that are too low may cause some health problems. Causes of low triglycerides are:
- Not enought feeding: Malnutrition, especially a diet low in saturated and trans fats, can cause low triglyceride levels.
- Thyroid problems: Underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can cause triglyceride levels to drop.
- Kidney disease: Kidney disease can cause triglyceride levels to drop.
- Some medications: Some medications, such as cyclosporine and fibrates, can lower triglyceride levels.
Genetic factors: In rare cases, genetic factors can cause low triglycerides.
“What happens when triglycerides are low?” To answer the question, the symptoms of low triglycerides are:
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- muscle pain
- skin dryness
- Hair loss
- Distractibility
Low triglycerides usually do not cause any serious health problems. However, in some cases it can cause:
- Kidney stone
- inflammation of the pancreas
- Osteoclasis
How to balance triglycerides?
If triglyceride levels are above 200 mg/dL, it can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is important to have your triglyceride levels checked regularly. Things you can do to raise or lower triglycerides, that is, to balance triglycerides, are:
- Eating healthy: Avoid saturated and trans fats, increase fiber and fruit and vegetable consumption.
- Exercising regularly: Do at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week.
- Losing weight or maintaining weight control: If you are overweight or obese, losing weight may help lower your triglyceride levels.
- Limiting alcohol consumption: Alcohol can increase triglyceride levels.
- Avoid saturated and trans fats: Saturated fats are found in red meat, full-fat dairy products and some vegetable oils. Trans fats are found in processed foods.
- Consume fiber-rich foods: Fiber may help lower triglyceride levels. Examples of fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes.
- Consume omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids may help lower triglyceride levels. Examples of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, tuna, sardines and walnuts.
- Exercise regularly: Exercising regularly can help lower triglyceride levels. Therefore, it is important to get at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week.
- Lose weight or maintain weight control: If you are overweight or obese, losing weight may help lower your triglyceride levels. Therefore, it is important to stay at a healthy weight.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol can increase triglyceride levels. Therefore, we recommend that you do not consume more than 2 to 3 glasses of alcohol per week.
Here is an example diet plan you can follow to raise your triglyceride levels:
Breakfast:
- Oatmeal with fruits and nuts
- Egg
- Avocado and eggs with whole grain bread
Lunch:
- Vegetable salad with chicken or fish
- Vegetable sauce with whole grain pasta
- Lentil soup
Evening meal:
- Vegetables with salmon
- Quinoa with chicken or turkey
- Bean or lentil dish
Snacks:
When are triglycerides dangerous?
High triglycerides can lead to various health problems such as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is important to have your triglyceride levels checked regularly. Triglyceride levels are considered dangerous if they are above 200 mg/dL. At these levels, your risk of heart disease increases. If your triglyceride levels are above 200 mg/dL, it is important to lower your triglyceride levels with lifestyle changes and/or medication.