It is important to follow a balanced eating plan to maintain healthy triglyceride levels. A diet full of sugar, processed carbohydrates, and bad fats like saturated fats can increase triglyceride levels. Instead, it’s important to consume fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as well as foods that contain healthy fats, such as fish, avocados and olive oil.
What is triglyceride?
Triglyceride is the main storage form of fat in our body. Excess energy taken from food is stored in fat cells in the form of triglycerides. These storage fats are used to provide energy when the body needs it. Triglycerides are formed as a result of the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. It is carried in the bloodstream and reaches the organs as an energy source.
The issue of how much triglyceride should be is very important because high or low levels can cause some problems. We can answer the question of how many triglycerides should be as follows:
- Normal: below 150 mg/dL
- Borderline High: Between 150-199 mg/dL
- High: Between 200-499 mg/dL
- Very High: 500 mg/dL and above
What is high triglyceride?
Roughly speaking, what does high triglyceride mean is that the levels are above normal. So, if your triglyceride level exceeds 150 mg/dL, it is called high triglyceride. High triglycerides are an important risk factor that increases the risk of heart disease. High triglycerides can cause plaque buildup and narrowing of the arteries. This increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
We can say the following to the question of what happens if triglycerides are high, which is usually caused by factors such as unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle:
- The risk of heart disease increases.
- It can cause plaque buildup and narrowing in the arteries.
- It may cause pancreatitis.
- It may cause liver disease.
High triglycerides usually do not cause any symptoms. However, in some cases, it may cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms of high triglycerides are:
- Stomach ache
- Nausea or vomiting
- dizziness
- Tiredness
- Concentration disorder
What is low triglyceride?
To answer the question of what low triglyceride means, we can roughly say that it is below normal levels. If your triglyceride level falls below 50 mg/dL, it is called low triglyceride. We can give the following answer to the question of what happens if triglycerides are low:
Low triglycerides are a rare condition and usually do not cause any health problems. Symptoms of low triglycerides are as follows:
- Fatigue and weakness
- muscle weakness
- skin dryness
- Hair loss
How to lower triglycerides?
High triglyceride levels can usually be treated with lifestyle changes. For how to lower triglycerides, your doctor may recommend the following to lower your triglyceride levels:
- Follow a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol, and high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
- If you are overweight or obese, losing weight may help lower your triglyceride levels.
- Quit excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.
For the question of how to reduce triglycerides fastest, we must first say this:
High levels do not drop in as little as 1 hour or 1 day. Treatment of diseases usually progresses within a long-term plan. If you want to lower your triglyceride levels quickly, in addition to the above, you can:
- Limit red meat, processed meats, full-fat dairy, fast food and fried foods.
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as fish oil, can help lower your triglyceride levels.
- Use medications and supplements prescribed by your doctor.
This information is for informational purposes only. If you have a medical problem, please consult your doctor.