Diet & High Triglyceride Levels

High triglyceride levels may be a harbinger of coronary artery disease, but such a diagnosis need not have you feeling as though the sword of Damocles is hanging over your head. The good news is that triglyceride levels can be effectively lowered with diligent attention to your diet.

Triglyercides

Triglycerides are always naturally present in your body to some varying degree, as they are the chemical form in which most fat exists. Although they are a form of fat, triglycerides can also be formed from other energy sources as well, such as carbohydrates. Triglycerides are either stored in fat cells for later use, or mobilized into the bloodstream by the body to provide energy.

Triglycerides and Heart Disease

It should first be noted that triglycerides do not directly cause heart disease. Elevated triglyceride levels are merely a marker signifying an increased risk of coronary dysfunction. While science has yet to fully uncover the reasons for the link between triglycerides and heart conditions, as there is a connection, it would behoove you to focus on lowering triglyceride levels that have been deemed excessive.

Triglycerides and Low Carb

According to a study by Duke University, individuals following a low carb diet for six months showed both an increase in HDL levels ("good" cholesterol) and a decrease in triglyceride levels when compared to a control group. Triglyceride levels fell by 74.2 points in the low carb group, compared to a change of 27.9 points for the control group. Thus, a low carb diet is a good bet for reducing your triglyceride levels.

Low Carb Lifestyle

In the study, the low carb dieters followed an extremely low carb approach (less than 20 grams per day at the start of the study), more akin to Atkins than other "higher low carb" diets. To replicate the effects of the study, you will want to undergo the same strategy.

Following Atkins

To follow the Atkins plan, your carb limit for the first two weeks will be at less than 20g per day. This will allow your body to make the switch into ketosis, a fat-burning state from which many of the diet's benefits are derived. After the first two weeks, double your carb count to 40g per day, making sure to consume the majority of your carbs from vegetables and fruit (excluding items like bananas and corn, which are excessively sugary). After six months on this plan, have your triglyceride levels checked again and you will likely be pleasantly surprised at the difference.