Lower Triglycerides, Weight, and Diabetes Risk.
You may be able to quote your cholesterol level—even if you don’t remember your social security number. But what do you know about another critical blood fat—triglycerides?
If you’re drawing a blank, that’s too bad, since high triglyceride levels are as dangerous as—maybe even riskier than—high cholesterol. For example, women with high triglycerides—even if their cholesterol levels are normal—have higher risk for cardiovascular disease.
High triglyceride levels are commonly linked to metabolic syndrome (or prediabetes) and Type 2 diabetes, not to mention inflammation of the pancreas. High levels of these fats may also signal liver problems, in which fatty acids are poorly broken down and utilized, or even thyroid dysfunction.
One-third of American adults have triglycerides that are too high or borderline. You want to keep triglycerides under 100 mg/dl. Even more important is the triglyceride/HDL (“good”) cholesterol ratio, which should be below 2 (triglycerides divided by your HDL number).
Dr. Ann Louise’s Take:
If you have a roll of fat above your waistline, you probably have high triglycerides. Get a blood test to see.
Fast for at least 12 hours prior to blood testing for triglycerides. And be aware that taking vitamin C and certain medications—even before that 12-hour fast—can throw off your triglyceride level, resulting in an inaccurate reading.
Lower Triglycerides
Eating too many sweets, drinking too much alcohol, being overweight, and not getting enough exercise can raise triglycerides. Research at Brookhaven National Laboratory has found that people on a high-sugar, low-fat diet had triglyceride levels two to five times higher than those on a low-sugar, high-fat diet.
Cut down on refined foods, fried foods, and especially sweets. Even too much fruit or juice can raise triglycerides in some people.
Could it be a coincidence that triglyceride levels started going through the roof just when manufacturers began slipping high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) into our food supply? The human body doesn’t recognize HFCS, so foods sweetened with it slip right past our natural appetite-suppressing mechanisms, packing on the pounds.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Increase your metabolic rate by exercising regularly—and make sure your diet includes plenty of chromium, an essential trace mineral that boosts metabolism. It’s available in brewer’s yeast, prunes, nuts, unprocessed whole grains, even black pepper.
As many as 9 out of 10 Americans are low in chromium, which also helps explain why triglycerides are too high. The artificial sweetener aspartame (found in over 3,000 processed foods) can also deplete chromium, as do refining grains.
This essential mineral makes insulin more effective in regulating blood sugar and helps fight Type 2 diabetes. Chromium supplements lower body fat, reduce sugar cravings, and increase muscle mass—all important for people watching their weight.
Because this mineral also helps lower triglycerides, take Fat Flush Weight Loss Formula with 400 mg of chromium, plus acetyl-L-carnitine and other metabolism-boosting nutrients, to support safe weight loss.
This stimulant-free supplement helps balance blood sugar and boost fat metabolism. It even increases your energy level so you feel like exercising more often.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19337698
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19509199
