High Triglycerides

Triglycerides are fats present in your blood which are utilized to produce energy. Although they are required for the body, the presence of high amounts of triglycerides may lead to many diseases such as heart attack and stroke. Having high triglycerides does not show any significant symptoms; however heredity-related high levels sometimes cause fat deposits under the skin.

High triglycerides may be caused due to obesity, kidney diseases, diabetes, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), eating excess calorie-rich foods, excessive alcohol consumption or heredity. It can be diagnosed with blood tests. The presence of 200 mg/dL or more of cholesterol in the body is diagnosed as high triglycerides. High triglycerides can be lowered with the help of certain lifestyle changes such as:

• Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoid sugar and refined foods in your diet
• Eat healthier fats and eliminate trans fats
• Quit smoking
• Reduce the amount of alcohol intake
• Exercise and be active throughout the day
• Medications