Can diet lower triglyceride levels?

Q. My doctor says my triglyceride level is high. What is the normal value? What type of diet can lower triglyceride levels?

A. Here are the ranges for triglyceride blood levels:

• Normal: less than 150 milligrams per deciliter
• Borderline high: between 150 and 199 milligrams per deciliter
• High: between 200 and 499 milligrams per deciliter
• Very high: 500 milligrams per deciliter and above.

It's important that this blood test be performed in a fasting state. That means no food or drinks other than water for approximately eight to 10 hours before the blood test.

As triglyceride levels rise, the risk of coronary heart disease also rises. This is especially true when HDL (good) cholesterol levels are low and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels are high. Very high levels of triglycerides can cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).

The most important step you can take to lower triglycerides is to lower your daily calorie intake to lose weight. Alcohol can also be a major contributor to high triglycerides. So you may need to eliminate alcohol completely.

Here are some ways to help lower your calorie count and triglyceride level:

• Cut out all simple sugars by avoiding sugary foods and beverages. Substitute sweeteners are okay.
• Choose complex carbohydrates such as vegetables and whole-grain foods. (In this case, don't count potatoes as a vegetable.)
• Use healthy fats in moderation. These are the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as olive oil and canola oil. A reminder: fats have the greatest number of calories per gram. And all calories matter when trying to lower triglyceride levels.

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