http://www.care2.com/greenliving/triglycerides-as-important-as-cholesterol.html
Triglycerides as Important as Cholesterol
Q: My cholesterol levels are okay, but my triglycerides are off the charts. Does one balance the other?
A: Unfortunately, no. Triglycerides, a type of fat found in your bloodstream, haven’t gotten the same attention as cholesterol, but unhealthy levels (over 200 mg) can increase your risk of heart attack and heart disease.
Lifestyle changes can reduce high triglyceride levels, however, as a recent issue of the Harvard Heart Letter points out. First, be smart about your fats and carbs by cutting down on saturated and trans fats and avoiding sugary foods and refined grains. Whole grains and omega-3-rich fish can make a difference, too, so make these foods staples of your diet.
Getting regular exercise is also crucial, and if you’re overweight, losing 5 to 10 percent of your weight can help. While moderate drinking (especially red wine) can benefit heart health, for some people, alcohol dramatically increases triglyceride levels. If your levels are high and you drink, consider stopping for a few weeks and getting your levels tested again. Finally, certain supplements may be beneficial; talk to your doctor about fish oil and niacin.
Learn more:
Take Charge of Your Cholesterol
The Health Benefits of Omega-3s
Dr. Brent Ridge is the health expert for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. You can call and ask him a question live every Tuesday at 2 p.m. Eastern on Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 112 (1.866.675.6675). You can also follow along as he learns to grow his own food and raise goats on his farm in upstate New York by visiting www.beekman1802.com.
Got a health question for Dr. Brent? E-mail him at drbrent@care2.com.
related stories
-
(9 comments)
-
(15 comments)
-
(1 comment)
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
6 comments
add your comment »"First, be smart about your fats and carbs by cutting down on saturated and trans fats and avoiding sugary foods and refined grains. Whole grains and omega-3-rich fish can make a difference, too, so make these foods staples of your diet." - Dr. Brent
I couldn't agree with you more on that point Doc.
Diet and exercise are two important factors in lowering a person's Triglycerides levels. Aside from these, taking fish oil capsules also help in reducing triglycerides levels and therefore avoid coronary artery disease.
Prevention is always worth more than any cure.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
thanks...
Kabin
Konteyner
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I don't know if others have already said this, but flax seeds are omega3 rich and help lower triglycerides.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I couldn't agree with you more, Theresa. Since adopting a vegan diet and exercising regularly, my cholesterol is at an all time low, and it continues to stay low, even when I embellish in a drink or two with friends after work. Diet is key.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Thank you Theresa! It will be an uphill battle to educate people and change our country's food system, but posts like yours are a good start.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I remember the other students and I asking the college professor to repeat what she had said about the fact that the only foods that contain cholesterol are from animals and fish. She was explaining to us that humans do not need any outside source of cholesterol and there is absolutely no recommended ADA allowance for it because our livers make what our bodies need. Amazingly beautiful isn't it? Animals and fish all make cholesterol and have it laced throughout their flesh and milk, as precursors to hormones in their bodies. A vegan diet has no cholesterol. If only more people knew this and "took it to heart."
Theresa Schore
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account: