Most of the time, high triglycerides are caused by a poor diet. Other factors can play a role, however, such as genetics or even the medication you're taking.
Triglycerides can contribute to several health issues and concerns. can play a role in heart disease, stroke, and the complications of .
Fortunately, and good nutrition can help lower your triglycerides. That includes avoiding foods such as sugary drinks and snacks, foods high in saturated fat, and refined grains like white bread and pasta. You should also limit your intake of alcohol, manage diabetes, and quit smoking.
This article gives an overview of triglycerides and their effects on health.
It also offers examples of foods that are good and bad for triglyceride levels.Triglycerides are a , otherwise known as a fat. These fats move through the blood and are either used as energy or stored. If they are stored, hormones can trigger their release if they are needed for energy later.
Cholesterol is also a lipid, but it has a different function. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that your body uses to build cells.
Sugary food and drinks, saturated fats, refined grains, alcohol, and high-calorie foods can all lead to high levels of triglycerides. If you have high triglycerides, avoiding these food categories can help bring your levels down.
Simple sugars, like fructose, are a common source of elevated triglycerides. Eating too much sugar may lead to weight gain and .
Insulin resistance is when your body can't use the hormone insulin effectively to turn sugar into energy. It can cause blood sugars to increase and is a risk factor for .
Sugary drinks and foods that can lead to high levels of triglycerides include:
Saturated fats can raise triglyceride levels. They can be found in fried foods, red meat, chicken skin, egg yolks, high-fat dairy, butter, lard, shortening, margarine, and fast food. Alternatives include:
are hydrogenated fats that can be found in some packaged and fried foods. Trans fats have been banned, with exceptions, from the food supply in the U.S.
are typically made from white flour, which can increase triglycerides. They also often have added sugars. If possible, try to limit:
Starchy foods can also raise triglycerides. Try to choose foods with 100% whole grains and opt for long-grain rice instead of instant rice. If possible, eat non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, instead of starchy ones like potatoes.
Alcohol consumption can raise levels. Decreasing your alcohol intake can help lower these levels.
Be mindful of your intake of high-calorie foods if you are trying to lower your triglyceride levels. As some high-calorie foods are nutrient-rich, like nuts and avocados, consider checking in with your doctor for additional guidance.
Triglycerides can go up quickly:
Triglycerides go up if there is extra energy that isn't immediately used. This extra energy is stored as body fat.
Some studies suggest that essential fatty acids, such as , can help lower triglyceride levels.
This type of fat is found in:
Fish oil or omega-3 supplements may be a helpful addition to your diet. However, before taking supplements, you should speak with your healthcare provider.
Also make sure to eat plenty of vegetables, which help lower triglycerides in part because they don't contain a lot of calories, sugars, or bad fats. Certain vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and spinach contain an antioxidant called alpha-lipoic acid that may lower triglycerides.
Also, choose foods made with soy, which is a healthy source of protein. Some research suggests that regular soy protein consumption can lower triglycerides.
High triglyceride levels may have other causes besides diet. For some people, high triglycerides are genetic. While dietary changes may help lower them a bit, you may also want to speak with your doctor about whether you also need to take medication.
Pregnancy can also cause a temporary increase in triglycerides. In women who are genetically predisposed, the increase can sometimes be severe and life-threatening.
Some medications can also raise your triglyceride levels. These include:
High triglyceride levels can lead to health concerns. Foods and beverages high in triglycerides include sugary foods and drinks, alcohol, starchy foods, foods with saturated fats, high-calorie foods, and refined grains.
Diet and exercise can help lower triglyceride levels. Foods that may help decrease triglyceride levels include fatty fish, green veggies, flax seeds, canola oil, and soy-based products.
Consider speaking with your doctor if you would like additional help lowering your triglyceride levels, or if you are thinking about taking an omega-3 or fish oil supplement.
