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High Triglyceride Causes

After a large meal, your body converts any calories not immediately used by your tissues into triglycerides. Triglycerides, a chemical form of fat, store in your fat cells for the next time you're hungry and don't have food readily available. However, if you continue eating large quantities of food without utilizing these fatty stores, the triglycerides accumulate in excess, causing high triglyceride levels in your blood. According to the American Heart Association, triglyceride levels over 150 mg/Dl indicate an increased risk of heart disease or attack.

  1. High Saturated Fat Intake

    • Foods high in saturated and trans fats are linked directly to increased triglyceride levels, according to the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Saturated fats include red meat, fried foods, butter and cheese. Most snack foods and high-fat processed foods use trans fats as a flavor-adding preservative. The unused portion of these fats are directly converted into triglycerides and stored in your fat cells. If reducing your fat intake feels too restrictive in the beginning, try substituting saturated fats with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats found in items such as olive oil, nuts and canola oil.

    Alcohol Consumption

    • Alcohol raises triglyceride levels almost immediately after consumption. Your body processes alcohol quickly because of the sugars, expediting the time of conversion between sugar and triglyceride. Consistently drinking large quantities of wine, beer or hard liquor raises your triglyceride levels for a longer period of time. For alcohol-sensitive individuals, even consuming a small amount of alcohol can significantly impact triglyceride levels.

    High Sugar Intake

    • When you eat a meal, your body converts simple carbohydrates into energy before fats and proteins. But, if you don't expend that energy quickly, foods like pasta and candy quickly convert to triglycerides, circulating through your fat cells as lipids. According to the University of Massachusetts Medical School, individuals with high triglyceride levels should strive to consume a balanced diet that includes the healthiest options from each of the food groups. For example, whole grains and brown rice should replace white rice and white bread.

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