Useful information about triglycerides...

[Guest guest]

Dear Friends,

 

As usual, the HSI forum comes up with useful information. I keep

sharing occasionally. I felt the following to be useful and

informative.

 

Swamy

 

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This week in the HSI e-Alert

 

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THIS WEEK IN THE HSI FORUM

 

As most HSI members know, cholesterol levels alone can't

reveal your full heart-health picture; other factors, such

as triglyceride, homocysteine and C-reactive protein levels,

also need to be assessed for a complete cardio profile.

 

An HSI Forum thread specifically addresses the question of

how to control one of these markers. Titled " Triglycerides, "

a member named Mark starts it off by stating that his

triglyceride level is 265; well over the ideal upper limit

of 150. (Some say that 200 is a safe level, but recent

research reveals that those with a level of 100 or lower,

significantly reduce their risk of heart attack and

arteriosclerosis.)

 

Mark says: " I can't take drugs. They always destroy me. I am

doing everything right as far as I know with my diet,

exercise, and general lifestyle. I don't know what else I

can do to bring down these readings. I would greatly

appreciate any advice. "

 

Here are three responses to Mark's request:

 

Glenn: " Are you overweight? I know when I lose weight my

triglycerides go down. "

 

Steve: " Explore the virtues of consuming fish oil online. As

I remember it brings the trigs down as well as cholesterol. "

 

Nancy: " If you could eliminate all sugar and grains for 30

days, I think your triglycerides would go down

dramatically. "

 

Another dietary suggestion comes from AnnInMaine who says

that one year ago her triglyceride level was 309. She

writes: " I modified my diet by reducing all carbs. I ate

more protein and veggies. I lost 15 pounds. I did not

increase exercise and I took some supplements every day

religiously. A multi vitamin, cal/mag and a product with

grape seed, grape skin. CoQ10 and Ginko. " The result? When

Ann was retested this past autumn, her triglyceride level

was 71.

 

A member named also had good results by altering her

diet. When her triglyceride level was 301, she asked her

doctor what causes high levels. Her MD's

answer: " Carbohydrates. " says that after cutting back

on her carb intake, her triglyceride level went down to 169,

and then eventually to 114. She adds: " If you only adhere to

the diet guidelines, you will probably reduce your

triglycerides a great deal. BTW skip the potatoes most of

the time. "

 

In addition to these suggestions, I would add that regular

exercise and a sufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids have

both been shown to lower triglyceride levels. Other

supplements that may help the cause are niacin, magnesium,

chromium and L-carnitine. As always, it would be wise to

consult with your doctor before adding these or any

supplements to your daily regimen.

 

Other topics on the HSI Forum this week include:

* Eyesight

* Daily glucose testing

* Back pain

* Coconut and coconut oil?

* Juicing

* C-reactive protein

 

To reach the HSI Forum, just go to our web site at

www.hsibaltimore.com, click on " Forum, " and add your voice

to the wide range of topics concerning health care and

nutrition.