Triglycerides and cholesterol are both fatty substances called lipids. But triglycerides are fats; cholesterol is not. Triglycerides are the fats in your bloodthat store excess energy from your diet.Triglycerides are typically measured at the same time as cholesterol, with a blood test at the doctor’s office, during a biometric screening,or using a home test kit.In order for your triglyceride measurement to be accurate, it is important to be fasting (not having anything to eat or drinkother than waterfor 8-12 hours before your blood test).
Where do triglycerides come from?
Triglycerides come from the food you eat. After eating, your body turns most calories it doesn’t need right away into triglycerides that then get stored in your fat cells. Between meals, your body uses those stored triglycerides for energy. Some triglycerides in your blood are okay. Trouble starts when triglycerides are too high.
What is a healthy triglyceride level?
It’s important for triglyceride levels to stay in a healthy range. Triglycerides less than 150 mg/dL are considered normal. When your triglycerides are 150 mg/dL or higher, it is considered a metabolic risk factor.
When triglycerides are too high, it is called hypertriglyceridemia. It happens when you regularly eat more calories than your body needs and burns. Especially if you eat a lot of high-carbohydrate foods. High triglycerides can contribute to the hardening or thickening of your arteries. This increases your risk for heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke. When triglycerides are very high, it can also lead to pancreatitis.
What can I do to prevent high triglycerides?
Your doctor can help you personalize a plan to prevent high triglycerides. Working with a coach can help you stick to that plan and build new habits.
Here are a few general tips:
Choose foods lower in sugar and refined carbohydrates.
Reduce your calorie intake if needed. If you’re eating more than your body needs, cutting back on calories can reduce triglycerides.
Do something active on most or all days of the week.
Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol is high in both sugar and calories and has an especially big impact on triglycerides.
Choose healthy fats.
Take a moment to reflect.
What can you do this week to manage your triglycerides?
