A high triglyceride count in the blood indicates a person who is at risk for heart disease and other complications. Because this lipid does not dissolve on its own, it is worth learning how to reduce triglycerides through maintenance of a healthy lifestyle.
Triglycerides are stored by the body for energy, but as with other forms of energy, an excess is unhealthy. Adopting a hearty-friendly diet and regular exercise program is an important part of reducing this excess. If your blood lipid levels are 200 or higher, it is time to take action.
There are several easy steps to take to reduce this number, including losing weight. Every pound lost has a dramatic effect on our health, so regular exercise tops the list of steps to reduce circulating lipids. Another is diet, which goes hand in hand with exercise and losing weight. As we cut back on empty, damaging calories, there is less for our body to convert to fat, and of course, we also lose weight.
When inspecting your diet, watch the trans and saturated fats found in animal proteins, butter, pastries, whole dairy products, and many baked goods. These foods also tend to be high in cholesterol. Instead, reach for fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (good fats) such as salmon and mackerel. A good way to become accustomed to this is to become a label reader. Learn to read nutrition labels, and pick up a book listing nutrition values for typical servings of cooked food.
Avoid excessive drinking. Alcohol is the equivalent of empty sugar calories, which will increase triglyceride levels quickly. Reducing alcohol consumption will also prevent damage to the liver and kidneys, which have to work harder to eliminate toxins when we drink.
Most people can lower triglycerides simply by changing the way they eat, and increasing their daily exercise levels. Work with your provider to ensure these steps are having the desired effect.
