What Are Triglycerides? – A Simple Guide to Understand Your Blood Fat

What is Triglycerides:-

Your blood contains a form of fat called triglycerides.

Your body breaks down food, particularly fats and carbohydrates, into smaller pieces after you eat. Your body converts the calories it doesn’t utilize right away into triglycerides, which are then deposited in fat cells. Your body uses these triglycerides as fuel when hormones release them later.

it can be thought of as your body’s backup battery, storing any excess energy.

Where Do Triglycerides Come From?

The primary sources of triglycerides are:

Consuming excessive amounts of calories, particularly from fatty or sugary foods

Excessive alcohol consumption

Consuming too many refined carbs (such as sweets, white bread, etc.)

Absence of exercise

Being overweight

Some medical disorders, such as kidney disease, diabetes, and hypothyroidism

What Is a Normal Triglyceride Level?

According to health experts:

Triglyceride LevelCategory
Less than 150 mg/dLNormal
150–199 mg/dLBorderline High
200–499 mg/dLHigh
500 mg/dL and aboveVery High

High Triglycerides Diet chart:-

Things You Must Eat
This is a daily eating plan that will naturally help decrease triglycerides:

diet
  1. Options for Breakfast
    Chia seeds, berries, and cinnamon sprinkled over oatmeal One slice of whole grain toast, one boiled egg, and green tea Nuts and sliced fruits with low-fat Greek yogurt Banana, spinach, flaxseeds, and unsweetened almond milk in a smoothie.
  1. A midmorning snack
    A handful of walnuts or unsalted almonds One medium pear or apple Cucumber or carrot sticks with hummus.
  1. Ideas for Lunch
    Brown rice, grilled fish (such as salmon), and steamed vegetables Sautéed spinach and mixed dal served with whole wheat roti Quinoa salad with lemon juice, olive oil, tomatoes, and chickpeas A bowl of vegetables and moong dal khichdi.
  1. Suggested Dinners
    A little bowl of sprouts and vegetable soup Paneer or grilled tofu with sautéed carrots and broccoli Lauki (bottle gourd) sabzi with millet roti Tofu stir-fried with mushrooms and bell peppers

how can you Test Triglycerides:-

Your doctor will ask you to undergo a blood test known as a lipid panel or lipid profile in order to measure your triglycerides. It gauges:

Triglycerides test
Test tube with blood sample for triglyceride test

Triglycerides

Total cholesterol

Good cholesterol, or HDL

LDL, or bad cholesterol

What are the symptoms of high blood triglycerides:-

Under the skin, fatty deposits known as xanthomas
These are little, yellowish pimples that typically appear around the eyes, knees, elbows, or buttocks.

Pancreatitis (in extreme situations)
Excessively elevated triglycerides may promote pancreatic inflammation, which may result in:

severe abdominal pain, particularly in the upper part of the stomach

Vomiting or feeling queasy

A fever

Fatigue or fogginess
Particularly if triglycerides are a component of a more serious metabolic problem, some persons experience extraordinary fatigue or mental haze.

Bloating and weight increase
Although not a direct symptom, belly fat and weight-related issues are frequently associated with elevated triglycerides.

Linked Health Risks:-

High triglycerides don’t usually shout — but they whisper trouble through other health problems:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Fatty liver disease

What are the causes and risk factors for high blood triglycerides?

Typical Reasons for Elevated Triglycerides
Consuming Too Many Bad Foods
Overindulge in fried food, sweets, or sugary beverages? Triglyceride levels can rise as a result of eating a diet heavy in processed carbohydrates, added sweets, and harmful fats.

Being obese or overweight
Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, can drop HDL (good cholesterol) and raise triglycerides.

Absence of Exercise
Higher triglyceride levels can be a result of a sedentary lifestyle. Exercising aids in burning fat, including excess it.

Overindulging in Alcohol
Even in healthy individuals, alcohol can dramatically increase triglyceride levels, especially when consumed in high quantities.

Health Issues
High triglycerides can result from a number of medical conditions, such as:

Diabetes type 2 (particularly if poorly managed)

Underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism

Kidney illness

Issues with the liver, such as fatty liver.

Medicines:-

1. Fenofibrate (Brand: Tricor, Lipofen, Antara)

2. Gemfibrozil (Brand: Lopid)

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Prescription Fish Oil)

4. Niacin (Vitamin B3)

5. Statins (Mainly for cholesterol but help with triglycerides too)

6. Ezetimibe + Statin Combo (Sometimes used together)

7. PCSK9 Inhibitors (Used in special cases)

When it comes to time and dose, always heed your doctor’s advise.

Avoid mixing with alcohol or other medications without first testing.

Lifestyle is still important—healthy eating and regular exercise are the greatest ways to take medications!

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