Triglycerides are getting increasingly more attention as people are getting increasingly more obese. High triglyceride levels are linked to fat in the diet, and fat in the body, allowing it to join the ranks of Type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol that have plagued our obesity epidemic ravaged population. But what are triglycerides, and how do you know if you are at risk?
Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists and are found in both food and in the body. Triglycerides can occur in your blood either from fats consumed through your food or are made in the body from other energy sources like carbohydrates or proteins. Calories eaten and not used immediately are converted to triglycerides and transported to fat cells to be stored.
The more fat you eat, or calories you consume and don’t burn off, the higher your triglyceride levels will become.
Having excess triglycerides in the body is called hypertriglyceridemia, and is linked to a greater risk of coronary artery disease. Just like high cholesterol and excess body fat, elevated triglyceride levels are quickly becoming a huge red flag for physicians to predict future heart disease and related complications
There is good news, of course: it’s completely under your control. Triglyceride levels can be managed through proper diet and exercise, just like most heart risk factors. Here are some lifestyle changes you can make to keep your triglyceride levels in check:
• Lose the weight. Having excess fat stores in your body in turn gives you excess triglycerides. If you are overweight, losing body fat will dramatically cut your risk.
• Watch your fats. Saturated fat and trans fat are the top triglyceride offenders, as well as cholesterol. Unsaturated fats like olive oil and avocados are good for your heart, but when eaten in excess they have to opposite effect, so watch your portions.
• Cut back on the booze. Even small amounts of alcohol can have huge effects on your triglyceride levels.
• Feed your body right. For optimum health, no matter what your concern, eat a diet high in fruits, veggies, lean proteins and low fat dairy.
• Keep moving. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five or more days a week to keep body fat down.
• Get your Omega-3s. Research shows fish high in omega-3 fatty acids help drop triglyceride levels. In addition, replacing saturated fat-filled meats like hamburger and steak with Omega-3 fatty acid-ladden fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon can give you double protection.
• Kick your butts. Smoking is bad for you period, but it can compound heart risk factors if your triglyceride levels already put you at risk.
• Watch the sugar. You would think since triglycerides are found in fat, that fat intake would be the biggest problem, but it is in fact sugar. Refined carbs and simple sugars like those in overly processed foods. Try low-glycemic foods, like whole grains to keep you in check.
It can’t be said enough: a healthy diet and regular exercise is always the best way to prevent coronary artery disease. Eat right, exercise, and stay at a healthy body weight to lower not only your risk of developing high triglyceride levels, but your risk of developing most diseases.
Comments
rosemary castronuovo
August 5th, 2010 - 7:57:18 AM
how can your # of 78 in 1 year go to a 156 on your triglyceride and you already eat mostly a plant base diet i don"t raelly exercise but i'm on my feet all day long working hard and i have lost 10#'s putting me at 146 and 5'5 female
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marsha m johnson
August 9th, 2010 - 7:35:29 PM
im not sure whats going on with myself my level is 252 what diet should i use
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Susan Lopez
August 13th, 2010 - 4:13:45 PM
my triglycerides are over 700 and i need to do something about it. so far i stoped drinking sodas and i need help eating right. i know how. i just need to do it. i am also taking meds for this. so far i have lost 6 pounds but i need to lose a total of 50 pounds. i would like to do this by next Feburary. it that a reasonable goal? what do you think?
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Susan lopez
August 13th, 2010 - 4:18:16 PM
your levels are high either do to eating junk and not exercing. you may have Inherited this condition. my doc told me it was due to my liver not functioning correctly and being Inherited. I have a double whamy. this means on meds for the rest of my life. i am only 38. but there are days i feel really old.
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Mike B.
August 18th, 2010 - 1:14:46 PM
My Doctor's office just called and told me my triglycerides are above 1800 (not a typo). Are there any amounts of exercise and eating right that will help? I do not want to take pills.
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George N.
August 22nd, 2010 - 2:38:45 AM
I could be wrong, but I bet the ones with the highest Tri levels are eating a lot of Ice Cream. I was and had levels in the 700's. Alcohol also raises the level, brandy gave a much higher level than 1/2 glass of red wine. The doctors kept asking me if I was an alcoholic when I was not drinking at all. I guess it's a fat that ones gets from high alcohol levels.
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Gina
August 26th, 2010 - 8:57:45 AM
I have been taking statin meds on and off for years. The high cholestrol and triglycerides must be permanent battles for me. Is it possible that other medications have caused this problem. I dont drink and over eating has never been my problem. 123 lbs 10 years later 132 then now 141.
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Jo
August 26th, 2010 - 12:17:46 PM
I got my trigyl. down from 300 to 150 eating raw greens, very light soups, barley, wheat berries and steamed veggies. I couldn't sustain this eating pattern for more than 5 mos; anything fat-free tastes like cardboard or watered-down yogurt-ugh! Back over 250, being diabetic doesn't help. I'm back at it again, any suggestions would be appreciated. Getting burned out! thanx...
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phyllis
August 27th, 2010 - 1:26:10 PM
my doc said i could try fish oil: 2.000-3,000 mg/day and exercise.
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Joseph
August 27th, 2010 - 5:34:27 PM
Mike B, I know your 1800 is NOT a typo. I was 1700+ in 2005. At 42 yrs old, just didn't feel right at work, sort of like the body wasn't balanced, if that makes sense. Well, end result was a CardioCath procedure & learning my Descending Artery was 98% constricted, thus I got a Stint. I named him Rusty when they asked me (hey, I was still looped from the drugs). I've worked on my #s for the past 4 years, but in the last year is when I saw the huge change. My Tri level this last week was 75. Normal is less 150 mg/dL. I was really ecstatic. Other #s are HDLs 45, LDLs 66, BP - 120/68, resting pulse 62. Several of you have hit the nail on the head. The enemies include, lack of exercise, fat, alcohol & sugar. Also, lack of sleep can affect these #s. Now, you if you don't know why these are the enemy, you should research. I'll go into more about it, you may find my feedback useful. Overwhelmingly sugar is the main culprit (as alcohol is a sugar, as some fats are). You have to make a change and stay with it and the first to go is Sugary Drinks!!! These include the obvious; alcohol, sodas, etc. Yet, many don't stop to consider; grape juice, apple juice, cranberry, Jamba Juice, smoothies, Odwalla (one container is 2.5 servings). In San Francisco, we are fortunate to have many top medical institutions. My Cardiologist is one of the best in the US, and a very down to earth guy. He demanded I dump sugary drinks. He noted Apple Juice was not great and it's better to eat an apple (to get the fiber) or unsweetened apple sauce. Remember "Fiber" as I'll go into that. Now, I don't drink sodas or smoothies, but I was drinking Lemonade, Cranberry & Virgin Margaritas (I don't drink), etc at dinner or when going out. When I stopped in January this year, I saw results by February. I switched to drinking water when eating out, and keeping water around me. Side note: a recent 2 year study showed a group of 150 people who were taken off sugary drinks and committed to water (yes, orange juice or pomegranate here & there with breakfast is fine), but off the regular use of these drinks. In 8 mos, the average person lost 18-20 pounds, for 2 years, with NO exercise. I keep reading reports after reports about the benefits of moving away from sugary drinks. Including Corn Syrup. In fact, Germany has banned Corn Syrup. Why? Most sugar metabolizes throughout the body. But it appears, Corn Syrup is only metabolized by the liver/pancreas.......and we wonder why pancreatic cancer is on the rise. The fact is there is sugar in Gatorade (oops, they've switched to Corn Syrup). Sugar was in Heinz Catsup, but now they use Corn Syrup. Anyway, sugar is so much food. Oh, one more crazy note; hotdogs contain 40% corn syrup (watch the food network; How It's Made....scary). I think you get my point about reducing your sugary drink intake. Now, let's talk about that Fiber I mentioned earlier. When reducing sugar, you have to consider anything made with White Flour; pasta, bread, danishes, muffins, etc. Why? White Flour is white, because the husk (fiber) has been removed. When you eat white flour products, it turns to sugar very quickly in the body (white rice has this same affect). The blood stream is filled with sugar, the Pancreas produces tons of insulin to move the sugar into the cell walls. Over time, the body's insulin production can't sustain anymore and stops. In general, you eat white flour products or white rice, you ever hungry in an hour? Probably so. That's because the body is flooded with sugar, then you crash. Fiber, or the brown husk of rice/wheat, actually breaks down slowly, releasing sugar at a far less rate. The body's insulin can handle this and you're satisfied for hours. Jo hit the big nail on the head. Leafy Greens, veggies, barley, wheat berries, etc. all have fiber. Thus, they digest slowly and don't produce massive sugar. Another great grain is Farro (a round brown grain, and one of the healthiest). I know genetics plays a role, but if you reduce the sugary drinks & sugar in general, move to more water, and fruits, nuts, grains & beans, it will make a difference. There are also substitutes for your sweets. Hey, we all like ice cream. Well, if you must have it, buy only real, all natural; with simple ingredients. However, you should note, milk at night is not a good thing. It produces an enzyme & proteins that actually keep you awake. A better choice is non-fat Greek Style yogurt or Almonds. Both produced the right proteins to aid in sleep (eat about 2 hrs prior to bedtime). I love Vanilla Greek non-fat yogurt. And if you think these foods are bland, come to San Francisco, many restaurants have moved in this direction. Here's two I make, and love Farro Salad; cook farro, let cool. add diced cucumber, cut pearl/cherry tomatoes, small cubes of low-fat feta cheese, olive oil & lemon zest. It's great! Spinach Salad; raw spinach, add sliced mushrooms, add chopped up marinated artichoke hearts (Trader Joes & Safeway have some great ones in olive oil & vinegar), then add some low-fat or regular grated dry parmesan cheese (not canned, but the real cheese block grated by hand). Then pour in some of the artichoke juice, add lemon zest. I'm telling you, it's really great, you can eat a huge bowl, the calories are low and taste is large. You can add chicken breast to both these for added protein. Multi-bean salad; I use red kidney, white kidney & garbonzo (all rinsed). Add thinly sliced red onion, pearl/cherry tomatoes, olive oil & balsamic vinegar, salt/pepper. Since I've moved to change my eating, cooking is an adventure. Another trick, on the weekend, make your dishes for the week for all your lunches. This will avoid, impulse buying for lunch. If you have to, start small, make small switches. If you grab a soda, stop and ask yourself; how much water did I have today? When you grab white bread, switch to whole wheat or multi-grain. When dining out, avoid the fattening appetizers and go for a great salad or soup to start. Also, Omega 3 helps; fish, or fish oil capsules, they do help. I take 3 a day. And Susan, 50 lbs by February is NOT REASONABLE!!! I've lost 20 since January and I do cardio 3 days a week. A good nutritionist will tell you a 1 lb/week. Do it gradually. Study after study has shown the gradual loss has lead to permanent success compared to short term massive weight loss. Just go after 5 lbs at a time. I did that, works well. Just focus on the 5 lbs in front of you and work to loose it, then the next 5. To loose 50 pounds in 5 months is pushing it. I would focus on 20 to 25 in that time frame. Well, I've gone on, and my friends will tell you I do, but I figure most folks are older than me (I shouldn't assume), but I regularly hear people around me fight to get on track, feeling they just can't win. Well, you can. For women, it's not about being a Super Model, and for men, it's not about being Hugh Jackman or Daniel Craig (hey, had to think of some men who are like models). It's about feeling your best with you. Remember, it's all baby steps Good luck to all of you.
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Joseph
August 27th, 2010 - 5:48:23 PM
Phyllis, yes fish oil is very good for folks like us. In fact, for everyone. I take 3 a day, sometimes 4. Each is about 1000-1200mg/capsule. Also, you may have seen the Niaspan commercials. Well Niacin is a major fighter against high cholesterol. I have many doctor friends who take over-the-counter Niacin; 500-1000mg/day. Niaspan, is just a time released pharmaceutical version. One note though; Niacin will make you flush. For men, you'll completely understand women & Menopause; hot flashes, etc., but it works
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joanne
August 31st, 2010 - 5:06:13 PM
I have been eating oats for brkfast(not instant) and taking 1500mg of Krill oil caps for about 5 months. I has brought my cholesterol from over 300 to 110, and tris from 800 to 150. I try to keep moving, but i am 40 lbs over wt. also, i'm 70 yrs old. just keep working on it. good luck.
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Sarah
September 2nd, 2010 - 3:07:27 PM
Well im 21 yrs old and just got told by my doctor that my tri's were at 459, and i live with my dad and two growing brothers so no real healthy food in the house. how can i sneak in healthy recipes without them noticing?
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amanana
September 2nd, 2010 - 3:52:53 PM
Sarah, Doctor Oz always has great tips on healthy recipes that don't taste bad! Hope it helps. http://www.doctoroz.com/videos?tid=134
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Becky
September 3rd, 2010 - 7:59:41 PM
got my blood work back today and Dr said my trigly level is 351. What does this mean? my liver is not working? How do I get it down? I am not fat but 49 help .
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Tom
September 4th, 2010 - 12:07:04 PM
Joseph, when referring to lowering Tri's with whole grains, leafy veggies, beans, etc., many of these items are on the no-no list for foods that are high in purines which are bad for gout. How does someone who has high tri's & gout get around this? Or is there a correlation?
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PJ
September 5th, 2010 - 9:04:38 AM
My triglyerides are 232. I do watch what I eat but I am gluten intolerantand have many allergies and cannot eat many whole grains. Is there anyone there who has been successful with limited diet?
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Mirtha
September 7th, 2010 - 6:59:29 PM
I had LDL of 165 I brought down to 120 with no sodas, yoga more veggies,less meat but I need to cut fruits... I eat too many of them
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Mike B
September 10th, 2010 - 7:54:45 PM
Joseph, Thanks for all of the great info. I am exercising daily now. I eat much much better. I am not sure where my levels are at currently. I will have to take the sugar drinks to heart as I thought I was doing myself justice by drinking more juices and not so much alcohol and pop. Guess I need to relook at that. Funny how you mentioned the sleep thing. Over the past few years I have been using a cpap and did not realize the lack of sleep affected me that way. Thanks again for sharing :)
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David T
September 18th, 2010 - 12:27:35 AM
Just a note on the Niaspan..I took it for awhile and yes, I had flushing and itching. My Dr. told me that it will react that way with spicy foods. This made sense because it semed to be more prominent on "Chile Night" or when I spiced up other foods.
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Cora L Johnson
September 21st, 2010 - 9:33:31 AM
Hello I've read some of your comments and feel that keeping up with a group with similar health concerns will definitely be of benefit to me. The definition of triglycerides is the clearest that I'm come across. I have made several improvements to my diet already.
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allison
September 23rd, 2010 - 12:01:07 PM
Thank you Joseph and everyone else for your input. It has helped.
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Tommy
September 28th, 2010 - 4:23:11 PM
I am 48 years old and found out that my tri's were 489. Does anyone know if gluten Free, wheat free pasta would be a good food choice to help reduce the bad tri's? There are zero saturated or trans fats. thanks
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liz
October 2nd, 2010 - 1:03:19 PM
all the info and comments really helped. I am 29 and just found out i had tri's in the 400's. GOt to get it all under control. thanks for all the input.
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Debbie
October 10th, 2010 - 2:34:11 PM
Hello after reading everyones comments i just had blood work done and my doctor said that my LDL was 56 and my Cholestrol was 137 and my Triglyclrides was 208 after reading some of your Trig. were in the439 so is my 208 really bad or not please some one help me to understand all this Thank You Debbie.
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Dawn
October 17th, 2010 - 10:54:08 PM
Joseph, thank you very much for your well thought comments here. I have been on-line for the past 2 hours looking for exactly what causes high triglycerides and how to get them down without taking the medications for life. I got a lot of ideas, even if I don't like the idea of eating like that for life. I smoke, drink alcohol and eat eggs, cheese and red meat, pasta, and white bread (a lot) and my triglycerides are around 600. My cholesterol is also high. I guess when I think about it, I am lucky they are not higher than they are. Thanks again to all who gave me some useful adice
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Mike
October 19th, 2010 - 7:10:16 PM
I recently went to doctor and my tri are 5495, and my chol is 617, I already take 2 chol meds and its not working. I am a diabetic and need to loose weight. I have to go to see a specialist about this and my wife doesn't know where to begin making changes in the cooking she does. I am trying to walk at least 30 minutes a day, anyone have any advice?
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Teresa
October 19th, 2010 - 8:17:26 PM
I just got may blood test results yesterday. My cholesterol is 172 down from 202 11 months ago. However my triglycerides went up from 138 to 176 in the same period of time. I am about 50 lbs over-weight. However, I did start watching what I eat and drink. I do not smoke or drink alcohol. I gave up drinking a gallon of sweet tea a day. I don't eat many sweets and have given up potatoe chips. With all of this my trigly have risen. I do take Niaspan (for at least a year). I have been waken in the middle of the night itching all over and not knowing why. This discussion has helped because I do eat spicy foods alot. What can I do to lower the trigly?
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April
October 26th, 2010 - 12:31:13 PM
I have read most of your comments, looking for answers to lower my triglycerides. I can tell you that I lowered my Cholesterol 83 points in 6 weeks. Basiclly becoming a Vegan. No meat at all for now. But now my Triglycerides have raised 33 points to 194, not as high as most of yours but, what info. I am finding out is to CUT OUT the SUGAR. I shall try this next. Good luck to each of you. I also work out 5 days a week 2 hours a day and love it.
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michele
October 28th, 2010 - 6:30:53 PM
Dr. has me take reg. strength asprin with 1000 mg. niacin, to avoid the flushing. It works.
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Terry
October 31st, 2010 - 4:20:59 PM
my trigs are over 700...HELP...what do ni do ?????
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tracie
November 4th, 2010 - 3:59:36 AM
just got my results back from my physical i took last month and my tryglycerides are above 300 and the doctor also listed me as pre diabetic. i was always average size until about two years ago when i was diagnosed with depression, ptsd, bipolar and anxiety. they put me on elavil, trazadone, tegratol, vicseral, and celexa and i balooned 85 lbs. in 9 months and i cannot get it off no matter how hard i try. the doctor says some of the meds i am on cause metobolic syndrome which reduced your metabolism. how can i rebuild my metabolism? i am so scared about changing my diey because this is how i have always eaten and i do not like how "healthy" food tastes. and i have five kids who i devote the majority of my time to so how do i even begin to start making all the changes my doctor has suggested???
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Vicki
November 5th, 2010 - 1:01:47 PM
Thank you all. I have learned SO MUCH from your input. I was so scared. I have always been in the normal range. Now, my LDL = 139; Tri's=206; Had no idea about the sugar - so bye bye mai tai's. Also I got a personal trainer, just enuf to get me motivated and on a plan. Thanks again.
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Nancy
November 8th, 2010 - 11:05:05 AM
DEBBIE, Here it is, Total cholestrol to be less than 200 HDL(good chol)greater than 50 for female LDL(Bad chol)to be less than 100 Triglycerides (blood fat) to be less than 150 Email if you need more please.
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kenny
November 8th, 2010 - 6:26:41 PM
Hello Everyone, a year ago my tri was over 1700. I'm not overweight. Dr. said it was hereditary. Started taking Antara (Rx) and Lovaza (fish oil) and reduced my starch intake. I'm down to 200 now. Dr. was very surprised how well the meds work. I still drink occasionally and cardio about 4x a week. Good luck to all.
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cyndy
November 12th, 2010 - 4:24:56 PM
my triglycerides are 282. I am a very thin person who cannot afford to lose weight.My HDL was ok ans my bad Chlosteral was within the acceptable range. My glucose was fine. My chlosteral level was 220.I walk my dog for over 30 minutes a day. Prior to this last blood test my triglycerides were slightly elevated but this was the highest they have evr been. This may be due to the fact I had extensive dental surgery and lost weight. In order to gain it back I had high fat foods and carnation instant breakfast four times a day for the calories. unfortunately this was a fat loaded drink. I am 5'5 and currently weigh 128 lbs. this is down from 138 a weight that looked very healthy on me. I do not want to go back to appearing gaunt and am at a loss on what to eat so I don't lose more weight. I really thought that triglycerides only had to do with fat, not sugar.I am not a sweets, candy kind of person, nor do i drink soft drinks or alcohol. I have one cup of cranberry juice a day. I am becoimng afraid to eat amything and as a consequence am losing more weight. Is my problem so unique?? Most people want to lose weight but that is absolutely not the case with me. i need to put some weight back on.Can anyone help?
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luciearl
November 15th, 2010 - 11:50:54 AM
To all who say, where do I start? When you go to the grocery store, just try shopping in the fresh produce area. Anything outside that, you are treating yourself.Then walk. A lot. Start with 7 miles/wk and work up to 21/wk.
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carolyn
November 16th, 2010 - 10:20:03 AM
my triglycerides are 734 my cholesterol is 200 i was put on liptor at 40 mg a day after 3 months its now 160 the triglycerides are now 697 the doc took me off of liptor my tri after 6 months was up to 825 but the cholesterol is now 120 doc say cant give you liptor it will killyou i ask can i do anything not on meds so if there is a med out there for tri only to reduce please email me so i can talk to my doc thanks
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Luis
November 18th, 2010 - 6:00:53 PM
Carolyn there is a pop corn seed like from Peru, it is called chullpi,my cholesterol was 289 and my trigy 765, after 10 days on veggies friuits and exercise and the help of this chulpi I went to 189 on my total cholesterol and 160 on my triglycerides. Here is a link where you can get more information. http://uniquellamaimports.com/product/66
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Dana burke
November 22nd, 2010 - 4:04:51 AM
I was recently admitted to a Worcester MA Hospital, My trig's were IN EXCESS of 11,000 thats right not 1100. The machine did not read any higher than 11000 so I was above that. I narrowly missed a blod transfusion. I am 6'2 46 years old and weigh 198 I always felt I was a v good athelete and in good shape. This could have killed me, watch the drinking and sodas and red meat (wich i love) I dodged a bullet after a solid week in the hospital on a starvation diet they released me at 869 or so. Need to get retested this week, I have remained on the strict "No Fun Diet" and not had a sip of alcohol. How did I survive when so many have strokes at those levels?
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Johnny Dozier
November 24th, 2010 - 7:08:08 AM
I'm a 65 year old male, I have type two Diabetes, High Blood pressure, Acid Reflux, high stress levels.and Neuropathy I'm in process of quitting Smoking, I only drink Water(two years) I found out today my Triglycerides are 1200 11/24/2010 I have Dr. appt 11/29/10 (HELP) any help on diet would be appreciated. Thank you
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Colette G.
November 29th, 2010 - 11:50:24 AM
My TRIG is at 36. Is this crazy low???? Is there such thing as too low? AM I a walking zombie?
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jeff
December 6th, 2010 - 10:43:51 AM
i need recipes for lowering tri's and cholesterol/ cant find any on the web site. need as many as i can get. my tri's r 700...not good.
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Janet S.
December 8th, 2010 - 7:20:07 AM
Found out today that my tri's were 287 and were 100 just 18 months ago. Havn't gained any weight, moderately active and don't smoke or drink. Result? Added hot dogs and ice cream from the dairy queen all summer and drank cappiccuno from kwik trip which did not have any of these in my diet before. I need to loose 20 lbs. but have needed to do it for most of my adult life and I am 49. Answer? Age can make the battle a bit harder, and there are some genetics there, but ask yourself if you keep track on a regular basis...what have I been eating different? Hot dogs, even all beef are 40% sugar...ice cream..fat..and alot of those hot sweet beverages are sugar and full of bad fats. My blood pressure started giving me problems as these levels went up too, so there is a connection. Answer? Get off the sugar, bad fats and move. Also add the fish oil in your diet with capsules and real food as well as lots of fiber from veggies, beans and love that 0% fat greek yogurt with a little vanilla and blueberries..lowest sugar fruit. My son who is only 26 and super fit went into a diebetic attack because of all the juicing he was doing. Got off sugar and followed a supervised diet of beans, nuts and protien and vegtables for 4 months and has gone from a type 1 diebetic with insulin shots, to a person who only takes a pill and may be type 2. Diet matters and sugar is our enemy..it should only be a rare treat. God bless all your efforts!
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Marte H
December 13th, 2010 - 8:37:10 PM
I am not particularly healthy and I believe that has started this triclyceride problem. I have Crohn's disease, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, leaky heart valves, fibromyalgia, and pernicious anemia. It would seem that some of the meds I take for these problems have elevated my triglycerides. My doc has tried me on a number of meds for the tris but they all create problems with the crohns. Does anyone know if a very strict diet would help even when it is most likely medication (that I must have) related? I am 53, 40 lbs overweight and have triglycerides of 325.
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Steve
December 16th, 2010 - 11:11:43 AM
Im 50 years old. My HDL/LDL levels have been at the low level for good and high side for bad cholesterol. My physical this year my tri's where 550 so they didnt even test the HDL/LDL. Im 5'7" and 154lbs so no wieght issues. I quit smoking 1 year ago. I do like the late night sweet treat (A sucker for peanut M&Ms). I dont like fish , or veggies either for that mather but do eat them. I dont eat breakfast and very light ,sometimes no lunch and a good dinner. Im a bit of a hiker so I take long walks but only two times a week or so. How can I keep eating what I like? Do the detox/purifying programs help?
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Bruce
December 17th, 2010 - 8:38:41 AM
Avoid the meds and keep walking, exercising, and maintain a low-fat, less sugar diet. I am 74 and not overweight, Tri's were 200 but gradually are going down.
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Gary L. Burnett
December 28th, 2010 - 6:23:23 PM
I am 70 years old and have had high triglycerides for more years than I can count. I had a 5 way heart bypass 7 years ago (a life saver) and am doing well with that but still unable to lower my triglycerides. I am 5ft 11in tall, and weighed only 175. I am taking 6 meds, including lipitor and Lovaza. I cannot tolerate nician of any kind. 5 months ago I tested my triglycerides at 1500 with almost no good cholestrol. I decided on my own to get it under control. I went on a diet- no alcohol, no added suger, no saturated fat, no deserts, lots of fish, more vegetables, more fruit, ect. I lowered my triglycerides to 300 and lost 15 pounds in 3 months. My good cholesterol imporved but is still much too low. This diet is boring and difficult to maintain but I am still trying. I plan to add a 3 mile walk to my daily routine to get further improvement but I hate exercise. I know I have to improve my blood levels or die, but this is hard. I think most of us are addicted to the poor American diet (look at the over weight children)and find it very difficult to change. Suggestions?
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Susan
December 29th, 2010 - 1:18:04 PM
My triglycerides were at 145 and I started taking 500mg. Niacin daily for two months. Now my level is at 87.......it works!!!!!!!!
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Kathy
December 30th, 2010 - 5:10:58 PM
My husband has had cholesterol problems for some time. Had a triple bypass in 05. The last blood work, before today's, made the doctor really happy. His cholesterol total went from 218 to 166. The difference was 3 packets of cholestramine, up from 2 packets. The dr. added one more packet two weeks ago. We went to his blood test this morning. Got a message this afternoon. Not good. His triglycerides are 364. Nurse wants to know if we need a dietician. I bet it's the egg nog and Christmas cookies. Those are gone and won't come back. He can't take statins. Does take Niaspan and lovaza. This is a constant fight for him. We both need to lose weight, and will. He doesn't like veggies, but will have to eat them.
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marlene
January 6th, 2011 - 6:16:17 PM
In April 2009, my tris were 156. my doctor told me to watch my diet ,as my bad cholesterole was on the borderline. April 2010, i had my blood work,didnt see the doc until Dcember 2010. foundout my tris were 363 in last blood work. Have been feeling very tired and sleeping a lot. I went on a no sugar, no carbohydrate diet for one week, and felt very good.Did go off the diet some during the holidays, but has resumed a proper dietary pattern. Eat barley pearls,and muesli instead of rice or potatoes.whole grain grain breads crackers and pasta, steamed fish and lots of veggies.grilled and steamed .i flavor my food with herbs, garlic and onions.I exercise more and have started voluntary work, to keep busy and healthy.I can feel the difference and hope to get a low reading in April 2011.
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Mable
January 18th, 2011 - 5:35:23 PM
My husband is almost 40 and we recently find out his total cholesterol is 260,his hdl is 40, and his triglycerides are 449. can anyone tell me some websites with good recipes.I've already found out quite a bit just reading thru your blogs.the Dr. put him on tricor and we're tryin to watch what we eat,he has to go back Feb.8 for blood work.
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Tom
May 27th, 2011 - 7:53:55 PM
Several years ago, my chol was 480, and trig were 2000, i have had 2 heart attacks, on south beach diet now and now chol 159, trig 400, with several medications, my weight is about 5 lbs over weight, age 67, i do excerise, WORK HARD ON IT EVERYDAY
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Tom
May 27th, 2011 - 7:55:59 PM
To: Mable, try naispan 1500 mg daily and 4000 fish oils
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