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Triglyceride Totals & How to Lower Them

Your doctor can perform a blood test to monitor the level of triglycerides (fat) in your blood. This test can determine if you have a normal triglyceride level (less than 150 milligrams per deciliter of blood--mg/dL), or if your triglyceride level is borderline high, high or very high. Once your triglyceride totals are known, he can help determine what is the best way for lowering them; diet or medication.

  1. Triglycerides Explained

    • Our body converts food calories into energy after we eat. But sometimes we eat more food and calories than needed. In those instances, the extra calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in our fat cells for later use. If we eat more than needed again at the next meal, the cycle is repeated, so triglycerides keep accumulating; never being used. This raises triglyceride and overall cholesterol levels.

    Normal to Borderline High

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, triglyceride totals are broken down into four categories that range from normal to very high. Anything less than 150 mg/dL is considered within the normal range and without need of diet change or medication. Individuals who have triglyceride levels from 150 to 199 mg/dL are considered to be borderline high, and may be able to address their higher triglyceride level through diet changes.

    High to Very High

    • A blood test result between 200 and 499 mg/dL is considered high, and most likely means diet changes and medication are needed. But those individuals with triglyceride levels of 500 and above are considered at very high risk. They will likely need medications as a first response to deal with their high levels, especially if they have other heart health conditions.

    Significant

    • Not all high triglyceride levels are due to overeating. These medications can cause high triglyceride levels: birth control pills, beta blockers, steroids, diuretics and even tamoxifen---the breast cancer treatment drug. Also, some people have a genetic condition that hinders the body as it converts fat to energy.

    Reducing Levels

    • Losing excess weight, reducing total number of calories consumed each day, and eliminating refined and sugary foods (sweets, white bread and foods with trans fat) from your diet will reduce your triglyceride level. Likewise, eating healthier fats--monounsaturated ones like olive oil and nuts instead of vegetable oil and cookies--helps, too. As does limiting cholesterol consumed per day; less than 200 mg for those with heart disease; 300 mg for those not diagnosed.

    Other Ways to Lower Levels

    • Alcohol should be avoided, since a small amount will raise triglyceride levels. And trans fat, found in fried foods, does too, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your doctor may recommend and approve an exercise regimen for you, even if it is only 10 minutes in duration initially, since exercise can help lower triglyceride levels. Or, he may prescribe medication when triglycerides or so high that they have been unresponsive to diet or exercise efforts or are coupled with other health concerns.

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