How to Reduce Blood Triglycerides

If you have high triglycerides, you have a condition known as hypertriglyceridemia. Triglycerides are a form of fat used for energy. This condition can be genetic, but in most cases it results from poor dietary habits, uncontrolled diabetes, kidney disease and excess alcohol consumption among other things. You can do several things to lower your triglyceride levels that include medications, self-care measures and proper eating habits.

Instructions

• 1

  Lose excess weight; this will reduce the amount of triglycerides in your blood.

• 2

  Reduce your intake of fat; depending on your levels, you might need to go as low as 10 percent of your daily intake. You should discuss this with your doctor to determine what is best for you. Levels this low can actually worsen the problem in someone whose levels are only mildly to moderately high.

• 3

  Restrict your intake of refined white flour carbohydrates and table sugar.

• 4

  Increase your intake of fiber; aim for 20 to 35 g daily. Fiber-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. Use a fiber supplement if you find it hard to reach this suggested amount through diet alone.

• 5

  Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Supplementing with high doses of 10 g daily can lower levels by as much as 40 percent, according to Emedicine.com, a clinical reference website for the medical community. This is a very high dose and you should discuss this treatment with your doctor first. You can also get these beneficial fatty acids from fatty fish like sardines, herring and mackerel.

• 6

  Do not drink more than one alcoholic drink daily.

• 7

  Get at least 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic activity most days of the week. Working the large muscle groups like the legs, arms and abdomen specifically will lower triglyceride levels as well.

• 8

  Cut back or eliminate regular sodas and fruit juices. Aim for diet sodas and whole fruit instead.

• 9

  Talk to your doctor about medications if lifestyle modifications are not lowering your triglyceride levels sufficiently. Several medications are available that lower levels. Your doctor will determine which medications are most appropriate for you.

• 10

  Manage underlying conditions contributing to your condition diligently. Follow all of your doctor's instructions regarding lifestyle modifications, self-care, testing and medications. Keeping these conditions under control will help lower your triglyceride levels.