Triglycerides Definition

Triglycerides are the form in which the majority of fat exists in the body. When fat is consumed by an individual or created by other sources such as carbohydrates, it is used for energy. If it is not immediately used, it needs to be stored. Thus, it is converted to triglycerides to be taken to fat cells for storage. When the body needs the energy, triglycerides are released from the fat cell.

Benefits

• Triglycerides perform a valuable function. If there was no storage of energy, we would need to eat constantly just to be able to do basic daily tasks.

High Triglycerides

• Though triglycerides are necessary for optimal health, too many triglycerides is actually dangerous. High levels of triglycerides have been associated with cardiovascular disease, heart disease, stroke, and type II diabetes.

Low Triglycerides

• Low triglycerides are also concerning to physicians. They may indicate malnutrition, anorexia, malabsorption syndrome, or hyperthyroidism.

Triglyceride Levels

• To have optimal health, the triglyceride level should be less than 150 mg/dl. The range set by the National Cholesterol Education Program is as follows: 150-199 mg/dl is borderline-high, 200-499 mg/dl is high, and anything above 500 mg/dl is very high. If a level is lower than 30, it is considered too low.

Maintaining Healthy Levels

• In order to have optimal health, it is important to also have optimal triglyceride levels. If you have too high levels (based on blood test results), your doctor will possibly prescribe a statin drug such as Lipitor or Tricor. Whether you are on medication or not, there are still life style changes that will contribute to lowering (or raising if necessary) your triglyceride level. The primary one is diet. Consume higher levels of protein, vegetables, and whole grains. Have minimal processed carbohydrates and fats.

Other Ways to Improve Your Levels

• Take omega-3 fish oil daily. Attempt to do an hour a day of either aerobic or resistance type exercise. Decrease your stress levels. Get at least eight hours of sleep a night. All of these things combined with a healthy diet will positively affect your triglyceride levels. It is not easy to make some of these changes, but if you persevere, your quality of life will be enhanced greatly.