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Healthy Triglyceride Levels

When your doctor checks your cholesterol levels, you receive readings on your total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a form of fat in your blood. They can become elevated due to genetic disorders, undiagnosed diseases or an unhealthy lifestyle.

  1. The Facts

    • According to the American Heart Association, normal triglyceride levels should fall below 150 mg/dL. Higher results translate to an increased risk of heart disease, metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

    Formation

    • Triglycerides are formed in your liver in order to store excess glycogen, which is created from excess glucose, or sugar, levels. Thus, the first line of treatment for elevated triglyceride levels is to balance your caloric intake with exercise and activity.

    Prevention/Solution

    • To normalize or maintain healthy triglyceride levels, the American Heart Association recommends that you avoid eating foods that increase your levels of blood glucose. Increase your physical activity, eat a heart healthy diet, avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption (one drink daily for women, two drinks daily for men).

    Supplementation

    • Healthy triglyceride levels can be achieved by following a low carbohydrate diet and supplementing it with vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids, according to Healthy-Heart-Guide.com.

    Considerations

    • If you get an abnormal triglyceride measurement, you may want to consider having it rechecked. Consuming alcohol, eating within 12 hours of your test and dehydration can affect your results.

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