Triglycerides are fatty substances often found animal fats as well as vegetable oils. Since people consume foods that contain triglycerides, it is not surprising that their levels should be monitored.  Nutritionists have always warned the public about the dangers of high triglyceride levels. Although triglycerides are better sources of energy compared to proteins and carbohydrates, having too much of these fats can increase a person’s risk to heart ailments including stroke and atherosclerosis.

People who have high triglyceride levels may not know about it until too late. This is why it is recommended that your triglyceride levels are checked especially if your family has a history of heart diseases, diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

In order to determine high triglyceride levels, a person can undergo a simple blood test. This blood test is usually performed in a clinic or hospital setting. If you are scheduled for a blood test, you must avoid eating any food for 8 to 12 hours prior to the actual test. Your doctor should also take note of any medication you might be taking in order to avoid false test results.

Basically, the blood test will measure the amount of triglycerides you have in your blood. A result of 100 to 199 mg/dl is considered to be within normal range. On the other hand, a 200 – 500 mg/dl is indicative of an abnormally high triglyceride level.

Lowering triglycerides can be done after determining the cause of your high triglyceride levels. Causes can include poor diet, sedentary lifestyle and medical condition such as pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, diabetes and hypothyroidism. There are even studies that link obesity to high levels of triglyceride. Your doctor will try to fid out the reason for such abnormal test results. Once the root cause is determined, lowering triglycerides should be simple.

You do not need to panic if you are found to have a high triglyceride level. You should just make sure that you will make a huge effort in lowering triglycerides. There are several ways to lower triglycerides. These include:

  • Engaging in regular physical activities
  • Consuming moderate amounts of carbohydrates and fats
  • Increasing intake of fiber-rich foods
  • Reducing sugar intake
  • Avoiding fast foods, refined and processed foods
  • Increasing intake of Omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods such as salmon and flax seeds
  • Avoid skipping meals
  • Making smart food choices
  • Maintaining a healthy weight

Finding out that you have high triglyceride levels should motivate you to take action. You should not forget that lowering triglycerides can mean the difference between a short life and a long, healthy one. On the other hand, having a normal triglyceride level should not mean indulging in foods that contain saturated fats and transfats. Instead, you should be more conscious of what you eat in order to avoid suffering from a long-term health condition. Lowering triglycerides to normal range and maintaining it at this level is one of the surest ways to enjoy a healthy and long life.