How to Treat Increased Triglycerides

While some triglycerides are necessary to provide energy for the body, too much triglycerides in the body, or hypertriglyceridemia, increases the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease and pancreatitis. Triglycerides are obtained from food sources and manufactured by the liver. The liver produces sufficient levels of triglycerides for proper bodily functioning, which means any diet high in fat or calories can lead to increased triglyceride levels. After eating, the body uses calories for immediate energy. Any remaining calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in the body as fat. Dietary changes are therefore essential in reducing triglyceride levels. In some cases, medication may be necessary.

Things You'll Need

• Omega-3 fatty acid supplement

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Instructions

• 1

  Visit your doctor for a blood triglyceride test. Before making any lifestyle or dietary changes to lower triglyceride levels, you must determine what your baseline measurement is. You can then work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan. The treatment for mildly elevated triglyceride levels is not the same as the treatment for serious cases.

• 2

  Discuss any medications you are currently taking with your doctor. Some medications, such as protease inhibitors, corticosteroids, retinoids, beta-blockers and estrogen, may cause increased triglyceride levels. It is also crucial to treat any underlying health condition that may be contributing to your high triglycerides. Diabetes, hypothyroidism and kidney disease may all lead to high triglycerides.

• 3

  Stop drinking alcohol or considerably reduce the amount your currently consume. Alcohol has a significant effect on triglyceride levels, and regular use of alcohol can cause or worsen increased triglycerides and associated health conditions. Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends that women consume no more than one alcoholic drink per day, and that men should limit their intake to two or less daily drinks.

• 4

  Lose weight if you are overweight or obese to reduce your triglyceride levels. Reduce your daily intake of calories to prevent conversion of excess calories into triglycerides in the body.

• 5

  Eat more fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, or take a daily supplement if you cannot or choose not to eat fish. The George Mateljan Foundation recommends consuming at least four grams of omega-3 fatty acids daily. Salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, albacore tuna and flax seeds are good dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

• 6

  Resist the temptation to eat sugary snacks and refined foods. The Mayo Clinic states that these foods may cause an increase in insulin production that can lead to increased triglycerides. Choose snacks high in soluble fiber instead, such as whole-grain crackers or pretzels and raw fruits and vegetables.

• 7

  Watch your cholesterol intake and limit yourself to no more than 300 mg each day. Avoid eggs yolks, fatty meats and whole milk whenever possible. Substitute olive and canola oils for saturated fat and butter, and eat fish instead of red meat. You should also eliminate foods high in trans fat from your diet, such as fried foods and most prepackaged cakes, pies and cookies.

• 8

  Look for salad dressings and margarines that contain plant stanols and sterols, as these substances help lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

• 9

  Exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days. According to the American Heart Association, regular exercise not only helps lower triglyceride levels, it also reduces cholesterol, helps burn fat and calories, and protects against cardiovascular disease.

• 10

  Take medication to treat increased triglycerides. Statins, fibrates and niacin are three classes of medications that may benefit those with high triglycerides. Statins are typically prescribed to lower high levels of LDL cholesterol, but these medications also work to lower triglycerides and raise HDL cholesterol. You may also benefit from taking a prescription-strength omega-3 fatty acid supplement, such as Lovaza. While this medication is useful in lowering triglycerides, it may cause an elevation in cholesterol levels.