Extensive Information on Triglycerides Levels

Triglycerides are synthesized by your body and the body receives triglycerides through food too. Like cholesterol, triglycerides are present in the blood plasma. The body makes triglycerides from energy sources like carbohydrates. They transport the dietary fat to fat cells. Increased levels of triglycerides in the body indicate increased risk of heart disease or stroke. Refer to the chart in this article to know normal, ideal, low and high triglycerides levels. The article also explains how to lower triglycerides naturally.

Unused carbohydrates and fats (extra calories) from ingested food are immediately converted into triglycerides, as body tends to store fat for future use. Various hormones regulate the process of release of triglycerides as an energy source in between food servings.

~ Obesity
~ Lack of exercise
~ Low protein high carb diet
~ Alcohol abuse
~ Smoking
~ Certain medicines like diuretics, beta blockers
~ Genetic factors

~ Certain diseases like Cushing's syndrome, undiagnosed diabetes, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, uncontrolled diabetes, kidney problems, hypothyroidism, etc.
~ Bad eating habits like overeating, late night snacking, skipping meals, consuming lots of sugar, starchy foods, and food rich in saturated and trans fats like fried foods, fast food, etc.

A slight increase in triglycerides in the body may not exhibit any symptoms. Elevated levels of triglycerides can lead to cardiovascular illnesses, strokes, xanthoma and pancreatitis.

A fasting plasma triglycerides levels test helps measure the triglycerides in the body. You are expected to undergo the test after an overnight 8-10 hour food, drinks and alcohol fast.

Although the triglycerides levels chart shows that the levels between 100-150 mg/dL are considered as ideal triglycerides levels, the actual number of triglycerides present in the body may vary from person to person. High levels of triglycerides are responsible for lowering good cholesterol (High Density Lipoprotein - HDL) in the body.

HDL is required by the body for various functions and it help lower the bad cholesterol (Low Density Lipoprotein - LDL) levels in the body. Normal levels of triglycerides can be maintained with the help of controlled and balanced diet. Certain lifestyle changes also help lower triglyceride levels naturally.

~ Avoid foods containing sugar
~ Avoid alcoholic beverages and smoking
~ Avoid high intake of simple carbohydrates
~ Follow a high fiber diet
~ Avoid sweets, desserts, sweetened juices, etc.

~ Fish are rich in omega 3 essential fatty acids which help lower the levels of triglycerides.
~ Those who lead a sedentary lifestyle may suffer from hypertriglyceridemia. Regular exercise helps lower the quantity of triglycerides.
~ Try to enjoy small servings at regular intervals. Avoid late night eating.

Low levels of triglycerides (below 35 mg/dL) can be considered as serious, depending on other aspects of your health. A diet, very low in fat, hyperthyroidism, certain drugs, insufficient intake of nutrients (can be due to diseases like cancer, alcohol consumption, depression, sepsis, surgery, child abuse, social isolation), and difficulty digesting or absorbing nutrients from food can lead to low triglycerides.

Having triglycerides within the normal range is an important sign of health. Triglycerides are essential for proper functioning of the body as they provide energy. I hope you found the information and the above chart helpful. Periodical checking of cholesterol and triglycerides levels is essential as regular monitoring helps detect the increasing levels immediately.