Triglycerides - Nature Cures®

Triglycerides are a type of blood fat made in the body that stores energy to fuel the body. They also provide thermal insulation and cushion vital organs from physical shock.

When more calories are consumed than the body requires, the excess is stored as triglycerides in fat cells. High levels of triglycerides in the blood can cause heart disease, pancreatitis and strokes.

Elevated triglycerides can be due to being overweight, physically inactive, smoking, tobacco, excess alcohol consumption and a diet very high in carbohydrates (60 percent of total calories or more). People with high triglycerides often have a high total cholesterol level, including a high LDL level and a low HDL level. Many people with heart disease and/or diabetes also have high triglyceride levels.

What are the high levels of triglycerides?

Normal: Less than 150 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL).
Mild: 150-199 (mg/dL).
Moderate: 200-499 mg/dL.
Severe: Greater than 500 mg/dL.

Triglycerides interact with LDL cholesterol to form a particularly dangerous sub-type of LDL known as small-dense LDL. Small-dense LDL particles penetrate the endothelial layer and contribute to plaque formation much more efficiently than larger, more buoyant LDL particles. Fasting triglycerides levels should be below 80 mg/dL to limit the formation of small-dense LDL particles.

Symptoms of high triglycerides

Many people experience no symptoms at all with high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, but the following may develop after a period of very high levels:

Confusion and/or short-term memory loss.
Eruptive xanthomas which are small, yellowish-red bumps that appear on the skin of the trunk, buttocks, and extremities.
Pancreatitis (upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting).
Reddening or flushing of the skin with alcohol use.
Lipemia retinalis which is a creamy white discolouration of the blood vessels in the retina.
Swelling of the liver and spleen.
Stomach pain.

What raises the levels of triglycerides?

A body mass index (BMI) greater than 25.
Alcohol is high in sugar, and all types of alcohol will raise triglyceride levels.
Diabetes (unmanaged)
Foods with hydrogenated oils or fats.
High glycaemic foods such as potatoes and white rice.
Kidney disease.
Liver disease.
Medications such as diuretics, hormones, corticosteroids, beta-blockers and some HIV medications.
Processed and ready meals which are often high in fat and sugar.
Refined carbohydrates like white bread, pasta and some cereals.
Saturated fats from red meat and full-fat dairy.
Smoking tobacco can damage blood vessels, make LDL cholesterol stickier, and hinder HDL’s ability to remove cholesterol from arteries, leading to a buildup of plaque and an increased risk of heart disease.
Stress can cause the body to release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can trigger the liver to produce more cholesterol and blood fats, including triglycerides.
Sugar in drinks and foods.
Trans fats in packaged baked goods and fried fast foods.
Unfiltered coffee such as French press, Turkish coffee, and espresso contains the highest levels of diterpenes which can significantly raise levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

How to reduce triglyceride levels

Avoid alcohol.
Avoid coffee especially unfiltered.
Avoid processed, refined and sugar laden foods.
Avoid saturated and trans fats.
Losing excess weight can significantly reduce triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Reduce calorie intake and increase exercise. Even walking at least 20 minutes every day can help.
Stop smoking tobacco.

Natural foods that can help to lower triglycerides

Algae and seaweed and leafy green vegetables are rich in many nutrients that can help lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
Avocado is a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids. Studies have shown that replacing saturated fats, trans fats, and carbohydrates in the diet with avocado significantly reduces triglyceride levels.
Coconut water can reduce cholesterol and triglycerides and lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. NOTE: some people should avoid coconut water see>> Coconut
Ginger consumed daily has been shown to reduce levels.
Oily fish such as krill oil, mackerel and salmon for their omega-3 fatty acids.
Legumes such as beans, chickpeas and lentils.
Citrus fruits and berries.
Water, especially mineral and spring water with freshly squeezed lemon drank instead of coffee or alcohol.
Whole grains such as barley, quinoa and oats.

It is important to consume vegetables and fruits of all colours daily because each pigment is a nutrient with powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and many can help to reduce fat accumulation. See>> Colour codes of nature

It is also important to take care of the intestinal flora which produces many nutrients vital for lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels such as vitamin K2. See>> Feed your friendly bacteria

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