Triglycerides:What you need to know
- Dietitian.Lauren Hmede
- Feb 8, 2019
- 3 min read
What Are They?
Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood. Oil, margarine, butter, and most other fats in your food are triglycerides. Your blood absorbs them after you eat. But that’s not the only source. Your body also turns extra calories -- especially from “simple carbs” such as pastries, white bread, candy, sugar, and alcohol -- into triglycerides and stores them in fat cells.
Are Triglycerides Cholesterol?
Cholesterol and triglycerides are both lipids but triglycerides are only fat. Cholesterol is waxy substance made from liver and intestines to make hormones and digest food.
Can They Be Good for You?
In appropriate amount they are good as they are important for transfer fat and for storage. But high amount will result in heart disease and elevated LDL.
What Are Lipoproteins?
They are the transporters of triglycerides inside the body toward storage place.
How Do You Know Your Level?
Blood test will be done on half-day fast and avoidance of certain types of food and drinks. Laboratory analysis will occur.
What's a Lipid Profile?
HDL, LDL and triglycerides in a formula make total blood cholesterol. Higher number will increase risk of heart disease.A high number can raise your risk for heart disease. Age, family history, smoking, blood pressure, and other things may affect your numbers. So talk about it with your doctor.
Should I Fast Before My Test?
Triglyceride levels are usually higher after you eat. That’s why doctors sometimes ask that you not eat or drink (except water) in the 12 hours before your blood test. Your diet, alcohol use, whether you’re having your period (for women), the time of day, and recent exercise can also affect your results.
What Do the Results Mean?
Check your triglyceride levels against these numbers, which are based on 12 hours of fasting:
Desirable: Less than 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)
Borderline high: 150 to 199 mg/dL (1.7-2.2 mmol/L)
High: 200 to 499 mg/dL (2.3-5.6 mmol/L)
Very high: 500 mg/dL or greater (5.6 mmol/L)
Do High Numbers Cause Symptoms?
There is no symptoms for elevated level of triglycerides so it is better to do routine lab test and check-ups. High level is linked to heart disease. They’re also tied to obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and thyroid disease.
When Should I Get Tested?
If you have family history or you aged you must consult your doctor who will do lab test and evaluate medications side effects.
High Triglycerides? Now What?
First you need to know the cause. It may be that you simply need to change your diet and get more exercise. But problems with your liver, thyroid, or other conditions like diabetes can also cause high levels. Or it may be a combination. Once your doctor figures this out, you can treat the root of the problem.
Does Diet Matter?
Unhealthy food and extra carbs will be stored as fat so diet really matters. Instead aim for choosing healthy diet rich in complex carbs like vegetables and whole grains instead. Cut saturated fats (found mainly in animal products) in favour of “good” fats found in olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fish.
What about weight?
If you’re overweight, losing some of those pounds can lower your triglyceride levels. Even 5 to 10 pounds can make a difference. It may help to focus on benefits like more energy and better health, not just numbers on a scale. And remember that if you overeat, your body turns extra calories into triglycerides and stores them as fat.
Does exercise help?
Aim for 30 minutes of exercise daily. Regular exercise will lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides .Keep moving and stay active.
What about alcohol?
Alcohol is high in sugar and calories moreover it increases level of triglycerides.
What medications are there?
You still need to keep up with your diet, exercise, and weight. If that’s not enough, you your doctor may recommend adding meds or supplements. These might include statins (which also curb “bad” cholesterol), omega-3 supplements, niacin (a vitamin, but don’t take it without talking to your doctor first because of possible side effects), and a type of drug called fibrates.
Sources:
http://prohealthadvisor.com/heart-condition/the-secrets-in-your-triglycerides/
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