Triglycerides play an important role in the proper functioning of the body, as they are a key source of energy - When they become a problem and what you can do to reduce them
Triglycerides are the combination of three fatty acids (saturated, unsaturated or both) together with glycerol, a form of glucose. They are the main source of energy for the body, so it is important to have two stores of them, one from the diet and the other from what our body produces in the liver.
When we eat foods that contain triglycerides, such as meat, dairy, oils and fats, they are absorbed in the gut and then stored along with lipoproteins, which carry the triglycerides to the tissues for either immediate use for energy or storage for later use.
When do triglycerides become a problem?
Elevated triglycerides can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease, so they should be checked regularly and along with cholesterol.
One reason for their increase is hereditary, ie a genetic condition, such as hypertriglyceridemia. The second reason has to do with other factors that affect triglyceride levels. These include sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity, an unhealthy diet and in particular high levels of saturated fats and added sugars, and in some people, sensitive to even small amounts of alcohol, consuming them can significantly increase triglycerides.
In addition, certain medical conditions can affect triglyceride levels, such as kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, gout, hypothyroidism, obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and more. Finally, there are medications that increase triglycerides, such as some diuretics, steroids, estrogens, retinoids and antiretroviral drugs. It is therefore very important for doctors to investigate all these possible causes.
Ways to lower triglycerides
As with all lipid conditions, diet and lifestyle are the cornerstones of treatment. Triglycerides tend to respond strongly to changes in diet and healthy behaviors. So, to reduce them it would be good to:
Maintain a healthy body weight. The combination of regular exercise and losing excess weight can offer a significant reduction in triglyceride levels.
Follow a healthy diet low in saturated fats, which will be replaced by unsaturated fats such as fatty fish and monounsaturated fats such as olive oil. Limit added sugars in food and beverages, reduce alcohol consumption.
If these changes prove to be ineffective in lowering triglycerides or you have been diagnosed with a genetic condition, you may need medication, so it is a good idea to talk to your doctor.
Read Also:
Triglycerides and cholesterol: The most effective way to keep them low
Fasting: Avoid 6 fat traps and lower cholesterol and triglycerides
The well-known drinks that increase triglycerides by 53% and threaten the heart
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