How To Reduce High Triglycerides Symptoms?
September 1, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
High triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) in your blood that can increase your risk of heart disease. While triglycerides themselves don’t cause symptoms, having high levels can contribute to various health issues. To reduce high triglyceride levels and lower your risk of associated problems, you can consider the following lifestyle changes and treatments:
- Dietary Changes:
- Reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats found in fried foods, processed snacks, and red meat.
- Increase your consumption of omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel), flaxseeds, and walnuts.
- Choose whole grains, fruits, and vegetables over refined carbohydrates and sugars.
- Limit alcohol consumption, as it can raise triglyceride levels.
- Weight Management:
- Losing excess weight, if overweight or obese, can help lower triglycerides.
- Aim for a balanced and calorie-controlled diet to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
- Physical Activity:
- Engage in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, jogging, or swimming, for at least 150 minutes per week.
- Exercise helps lower triglycerides and increase “good” HDL cholesterol.
- Smoking Cessation:
- If you smoke, quitting can improve your triglyceride levels and overall cardiovascular health.
- Limit Sugar Intake:
- Minimize the consumption of sugary beverages, sweets, and high-sugar snacks.
- Fiber Intake:
- Include soluble fiber in your diet from sources like oats, beans, lentils, and fruits, as it can help lower triglycerides.
- Medications:
- In some cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe medication to lower triglycerides. Common medications include statins, fibrates, niacin, and fish oil supplements.
- Manage Underlying Health Conditions:
- Control conditions like diabetes and hypothyroidism, as these can contribute to high triglycerides.
- Limit Processed Foods:
- Reduce consumption of processed foods, which often contain hidden saturated fats and sugars.
- Regular Checkups:
- Schedule regular checkups with your healthcare provider to monitor your triglyceride levels and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
It’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan for managing high triglycerides based on your individual health profile. Lifestyle changes are often the first step in managing high triglycerides, but medication may be necessary in some cases, particularly if levels remain very high or are associated with other cardiovascular risk factors.