High Triglycerides :?

Question

I have just went to the Doctor to review my blood work. He said my Triglycerides are high. How do I lower these?

Answer 1

The answers above are great suggestions.  However, I would add Niacin (Vitamin B3).  Take it with food because it can upset your stomach.  Niacin decreases lipoprotein and triglyceride synthesis by inhibiting the release of free fatty acids from adipose tissue (fat) and decreasing hepatic (liver) lipoprotein syntheses.  Basically it decreases blood lipids.

Answer 2

It's not about the fat intake so much as about the carbohydrate intake. They matter much more with triglycerides than fats do. Also moderate excercise, weight loss, veg/fruits help, high fiber diet, and I agree with the fish oils but remember fish oils can also affect your liver, so you have to tell your doc and have him check your liver enzymes. The Niacin is good too, but your liver has to be checked as well and the most common side effect of the immediate form pill is flushing (most common reason people stop it); this could be controlled by taking it with a baby aspirin and AFTER you eat; or you could take the longer acting form. The most common side effect of the longer acting version is GI upset. You still have to check your liver. Also if you are already taking a STATIN medication to lower your cholesterol, the combination of Niacin with STATIN can cause your muscles to ache/muscle weakness--if this happens you have to stop the drugs immediately and call your doc.

Answer 3

Reduce your fat intake and exercise. If this doesn't work try fish oil. You can buy this without a prescription and it has been proven to reduce triglycerides. If you like salmon eat more of it-it contains high levels of the fish oil. I don't recommend niacin unless you're doctor monitors your liver function. You usually must use high doses. This can damage the liver, especially the extend release formulations.

Answer 4

Less fat, less meat, more fibre, more exercise.