Author: Dr.Jacob Neil (Internal Medicine – WELLKINS Medical Centre)

Triglycerides: the often-overlooked cousin of cholesterol, yet equally crucial for understanding your overall cardiovascular health. While they play a vital role in storing energy, having elevated levels of triglycerides can significantly increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health complications.

Understanding Your Triglycerides:

Before diving into solutions, it’s helpful to understand what triglycerides are and why they matter.

• What are they? Triglycerides are a type of fat stored in your body after you consume more calories than you burn. They provide energy for your body but, unlike carbohydrates, can be stored for long periods.
• Why are they important? While a healthy level of triglycerides (less than 150 mg/dL) is crucial for energy storage, high levels (above 200 mg/dL) can become problematic. They contribute to the formation of plaque in your arteries, leading to hardening and narrowing (atherosclerosis). This, in turn, increases your risk of:
  
  • Heart disease: Narrowed arteries can impede blood flow to the heart, leading to heart attacks.
  • Stroke: Clogged arteries can also restrict blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of strokes.
  • Pancreatitis: High triglycerides can damage the pancreas, causing inflammation and pain.

Triglycerides are a type of fat stored in the body and high levels can increase the stiffness of arteries and damage the pancreas. There are ways to lower triglycerides naturally: maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding refined sugars and carbohydrate-rich foods, exercising regularly, consuming fiber from fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, consuming healthy oils like olive oil and canola oil, eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids like mackerel and salmon, and limiting alcohol consumption.

Identifying the Culprits:

Several factors can contribute to high triglycerides:

• • Diet: Excessive intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and refined carbohydrates can significantly increase triglyceride production.
  • Weight: Carrying excess body weight is a key risk factor. Losing even a modest amount of weight can significantly improve your triglyceride levels.
  • Physical Inactivity: Regular exercise is crucial for managing triglycerides, as it helps your body utilize them for energy.
  • Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, and kidney disease can elevate triglyceride levels.
  • Medications: Some medications like certain diuretics, steroids, and beta-blockers can also contribute to higher triglycerides.
  • Genetics: Some individuals are genetically predisposed to higher triglyceride levels.

Combating the Challenge: Natural Strategies to Lower Triglycerides:

The good news is that you have control over many factors influencing your triglycerides. Here’s what you can do:

Taking Control: Natural Solutions

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to lower your triglycerides naturally:

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess body weight is a significant contributor to high triglycerides. Losing even a modest amount of weight can significantly improve your triglyceride levels.
• Ditch the Refined Sugars and Carbs: Refined sugars and processed carbohydrates can spike your blood sugar levels, leading to increased triglyceride production. Opt for whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains instead.
• Move Your Body: Regular exercise plays a crucial role in managing triglycerides. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
• Embrace Fiber: Fiber helps your body eliminate excess cholesterol and triglycerides. Include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes in your diet to increase your fiber intake.
• Choose Healthy Fats: Not all fats are created equal. Replace saturated and trans fats with healthy oils like olive oil and canola oil. Additionally, incorporate fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and mackerel, into your meals.
• Limit Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can significantly elevate your triglyceride levels. Moderation is key.