A question from one of my members:
My mother just found out that her triglyceride levels are more than 500. What should she do?
One of the causes of high
One of the causes of high triglyceride levels is excessive dietary sugars. This may be in the form of fruit juices, aerated drinks, sweets, alcohol and processed foods. High triglyceride patients need to consume a high fibre diet coming in from the foods like vegetables, oats, whole wheat flour, methi seeds, flaxseeds meal in rotis, isabgol and fruits. Taking 2 tsps of Isabgol in a glass of water before lunch and dinner definetely help reduce the levels. Yoga can help too. Sometimes, an indivdual may not be cosnuming direct sugar but the amount of total carbohydrates in the diet cause the triglycerides to shoot up . Hence it is advisable to reduce the total carbohydrates and fats in the diet and replace them with high fibrous sources.
Normal trigylcerides levels
Normal trigylcerides levels hould be below 150mg/dl. Levels above 500 requires immediate attention to lower the levels as it can cause inflammation of the pancreas and increase risk of a stroke. Medications like Niacin or Fibrate, weight loss, and avoiding alcohol and smoking is a must. Also dietary modifications such as reducing sugar, fat and fried foods along with focus on a low cholesterol diet and some form of daily exercise would be helpful! Your doctor should also be checking on your mother's cholesterol levels( do a complete lipid profile) and start her on direct medications right away.