High Triglycerides Are A Ticking Time Bomb

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High Triglycerides Are A Ticking Time Bomb

Triglycerides are a type of blood fat. Having a high level can increase the risk of a heart attack, stroke or pancreatitis. A lot of people are worried about their cholesterol level. Not enough people are concerned with their triglycerides. Pay attention to your blood test results. Your triglyceride reading will be displayed close to your cholesterol.

Cholesterol has a lot of important roles in your body. Cholesterol is a fat like substance called a sterol. It is hard and waxy. Our body manufactures approximately one gram of cholesterol per day; this is mainly in the liver, but also occurs in the intestines, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes. In fact, every cell of our body has the capacity to manufacture cholesterol if needed. We also obtain cholesterol in our diet by eating animal foods such as eggs, meat and dairy products. However, 80% of the cholesterol in our body is manufactured in the liver. Your sex hormones are made out of cholesterol, so you need optimal levels in your body for hormone production, as well as vitamin D production when you go out into the sun.

Elevated triglycerides are usually an indicator of insulin resistance. This causes the accumulation of deep internal fat called visceral adipose tissue. It’s also a risk factor for type 2 diabetes (end stage insulin resistance), dementia and cancer. Recent research has found a strong association between high triglycerides and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). This research was published in The Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen followed 116,550 men and women for a period of seven years. The risk of acute pancreatitis rose sharply as triglyceride levels rose. The patients’ triglyceride levels were tested in a non-fasting state. At 177 to 265 milligrams per deciliter, the risk of pancreatitis increased by 130 percent; at triglyceride levels above 443, the risk increased by 770 percent. This association remained in place after researchers controlled for age, gender, alcohol intake, smoking and body weight. Pancreatitis can be fatal. Knowing your triglyceride level can provide an early warning system. Pancreatitis is more common in people who consume large amounts of alcohol, people with gallstones or individuals with a pre-existing digestive disease.

High blood triglycerides are also an independent risk factor for having a stroke. This finding was published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. According to David Tanne, M.D., lead author of the study, “High triglycerides are associated with ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIA)”. In light of this finding, researchers urge healthcare providers to include triglycerides as part of their complete risk assessment for stroke in all patients, and to be aware that people can have elevated triglycerides even if their cholesterol is normal.

Stroke is the third largest cause of death in the United States after coronary heart disease and cancer. It is a leading cause of serious, long term disability. The most common type of stroke, (80 percent of cases) is ischemic stroke, which is caused by interruption of the blood supply to the brain. The main risk factors for stroke include heredity, smoking, increasing age, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Elevated blood cholesterol, physical inactivity and obesity are secondary risk factors.

The next time you get a blood test, make sure you check your triglycerides. Elevated triglycerides are usually seen in people with insulin resistance. Fixing the insulin resistance usually takes care of the triglycerides.

Natural ways to lower triglycerides

Eat less carbohydrate. Carbohydrate rich foods such as sugar, bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, breakfast cereals and foods made of flour promote high insulin levels. Insulin signals your liver to manufacture more cholesterol and triglycerides. High insulin levels also promote the development of fatty liver. Berberine is a powerful herbal remedy for lowering insulin. It can help you achieve faster results than just a low carbohydrate diet and exercise.
Having plenty of fiber in your diet ensures that excess fats in your intestines are excreted in bowel movements, rather than being reabsorbed into your body. Good sources of fiber include vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts and seeds. Beware of sugar filled breakfast cereals and don’t eat too much bread. The carbohydrate in these foods negates the benefits of the fiber.
Eat the right fats. Omega 3 fats have numerous heart saving benefits, including the reduction of triglycerides and an increase in HDL “good” cholesterol. They are found in oily fish (eg. sardines, salmon, mackerel, herrings). It is very important to avoid excess omega 6 fats, as they can promote free radical damage and inflammation in your body. Omega 6 fats are found in margarine and most seed oil (corn, sunflower, safflower, soybean and cottonseed). Olive oil is high in beneficial monounsaturated fat and should be included in your diet.
Include more antioxidants in your diet. Antioxidants protect the cholesterol and triglycerides in your body from becoming oxidized. Antioxidants also prevent free radical damage to your artery walls, which can initiate plaque development. Good sources of antioxidants include vegetables, fruit, dark chocolate, raw nuts and seeds and vitamin C. Raw vegetable juices are an excellent source of antioxidants and should be consumed regularly.
Improve your liver function. Because your liver manufactures most of the fats in your body, the healthier it is, the better your blood fat levels should be. If you have a fatty liver or raised liver enzymes, your liver will usually make greater amounts of triglycerides and LDL “bad” cholesterol. Your liver is the main fat burning organ in your body, if you have a fatty liver your liver is storing fat, not burning fat. Following the eating guide in the book Fatty Liver: You Can Reverse It and taking the liver tonic Livatone Plus can greatly improve the health of your liver.
Keep stress at bay. Stress raises inflammation, which worsens insulin resistance. It can also lead to comfort eating and drinking excess alcohol. Magnesium reduces the feelings of stress, anxiety and tension. It promotes a deep and restful sleep.