Triglycerides: high, low, normal

What are triglycerides?

As you know, triglycerides are the most important source of energy for cells, they are derivatives of glycerol. The intake of triglycerides in the human body occurs with food, then they are synthesized in adipose tissue, then in the liver and in the intestine. What level of triglycerides in the blood of a person directly depends on age. Triglyceride analysis is used to diagnose atherosclerosis, as well as many other diseases. Plant seeds, liver and adipose tissue contain triglycerides, which are an essential part of human food.

There are two types of cholesterol: LDL and HDL. They are normally present in the blood of any person, however, in order for us to be healthy for as long as possible, the ratio between the types of cholesterol must be correct. Nutritionists often divide cholesterol into “bad” and “good”, it sounds simpler, and the essence of the problem is conveyed absolutely exactly: there should be little bad cholesterol, but a lot of good. If the condition is met, then even with a triglyceride level of about 2,26 mmol / l, the risk of developing dangerous cardiovascular diseases is not great.

The bad news is that the lack of “good” cholesterol almost always entails an increase in triglycerides. How to protect your health?

Norm of triglycerides

The norm of triglycerides varies greatly depending on age, below is a table by age for men and women:

Units: mmol / l.

Alternative units: mg/dl = mg/100 ml = mg%

Conversion factors: mg/dL x 0,0113 => mmol/L.

Diseases that raise triglycerides

If a person has triglycerides above normal, then this may indicate such possible diseases as: hypertension, myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, chronic renal failure, cerebral thrombosis, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, obesity, gout, thalassemia , Down’s syndrome, impaired glucose tolerance, hypercalcemia, anorexia nervosa, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, acute and chronic pancreatitis, and alcoholism.

Higher than normal triglycerides can also be increased due to oral contraceptives, various sex hormone preparations, and during pregnancy.

Diseases that lower triglycerides

You can observe low triglycerides in such human conditions as lung diseases (talking about chronic lung diseases), cerebral infarction, hyperthyroidism, damage to the parenchyma (kidney tissue), myasthenia gravis, malnutrition, injuries, burns, and also when taking vitamin C.

How to lower the level of triglycerides in the blood?

Triglycerides can be reduced by both diet and medication.

Foods that lower triglycerides

By reviewing your diet, you can naturally and uncomplicatedly get rid of excess triglycerides. Seafood and fish will help us: they contain not only valuable proteins and amino acids, but also fish oil, familiar to everyone since childhood. Why is he so useful? Scientists at the University of Oregon “put” a group of people with elevated blood triglycerides on a fish diet. Each day, the subjects ate 210 grams of salmon or other oily fish. As a result, over several months of the experiment, all of its participants had a decrease in triglyceride levels by about 50%.

The University of Washington decided to test seafood: people were asked to eat crabs, clams and oysters twice a day. Shellfish proved to be the best – they were able to reduce the level of triglycerides in the blood of the subjects by 61%. Oysters also showed good efficiency – 51%, crabs look more modest – 23%.

If you don’t like seafood or are allergic to it, don’t despair: regular garlic as well as dried beans can help you lower your blood triglycerides by 13-25%, according to various sources. But the most reasonable solution is a thorough review of your menu and the exclusion from the diet of foods that increase the level of dangerous triglycerides:

• Refined sugar;

• Flour products, cakes, pastries;

• Salo, sausages, smoked sausages, bacon, brisket;

• Powdered juices and sugary carbonated drinks;

• Alcohol.

Medicines to lower blood triglycerides

Sometimes diet revision does not help to cope with the problem, or these measures are not enough. If the patient is already aged and overweight, it is often necessary to resort to medication. Here are the most effective medicines to help lower triglyceride levels:

• Fibrates – organic compounds from the group of carboxylic acids that have an amphipathic effect, that is, they attract both water molecules and fat molecules. fibrates can lower triglyceride levels and increase HDL levels by suppressing the secretion of triglyceride-carrying particles by the liver;

• A nicotinic acid – niacin, also belongs to organic carboxylic acids, and has the same principle of action. Niacin inhibits the production of low-density lipoprotein transporter particles by the liver, in addition, it greatly increases the level of “good” cholesterol;

• Omega-3 fatty acids – in large doses, they quickly reduce the level of triglycerides, they are sold in a pharmacy in the form of transparent capsules with fish oil. A very effective tool at an affordable price;

• Statins – atorvastatin, lovastatin, fluvastatin, pitavastatin, rosuvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin. This group of drugs is intended not so much to reduce triglyceride levels, but to combat “bad” cholesterol. Statins block the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, a special enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol.

Possible side effects

Keep in mind that fibrates are not recommended to be taken with statins, as this can cause muscle damage. In addition, fibrates often cause digestive disorders, pain in the liver and biliary colic. Nicotinic acid is relatively harmless, but in case of an overdose it can cause respiratory problems, abdominal pain, dizziness and yellowness of the skin. Omega-3 fatty acids should be consumed in moderation, because in large quantities they thin the blood, lower blood pressure and sugar levels, interfere with the normal functioning of the liver, and even depress the psyche.

Prevention of high triglyceride levels

Instead of puzzling over a solution to a problem, it is better to prevent it from occurring. By adhering to certain nutritional rules, you can protect yourself from the harmful effects of excess triglycerides and maintain good health for a long time:

• Limit your intake of sweets and starchy foods. Instead of cakes and sweets, eat fresh fruits, berries and light yogurts for dessert;

• Do not abuse alcohol, especially beer and wine;

• At least twice a week, eat fatty fish (salmon, salmon) and seafood (squid, shrimp, crabs, mussels, oysters);

• Provide the body with enough fiber: eat more vegetables and wholemeal products;

• Replace some animal proteins with vegetable ones: eat beans, beans, soy, tofu;

• Prefer sweet fruits and berries rich in fructose (grapes, peaches, melon, bananas) more acidic (green apples, oranges, strawberries, blueberries). It is enough to get 50-100 grams of fruit sugar per day, no more is needed;

• Eat prepared meat products as little as possible: sausages, sausages, sausages, bacon, smoked sausage. Remember that even low-fat-looking doctor’s sausage can contain up to 30% of harmful animal fat;

• Cook your own food by choosing the healthiest cooking methods: oven, grill, steamer;

• Use the highest quality vegetable oil, olive oil is best for cooking and salad dressing.