What are triglyerides? What happens when they are high? What can be done to lower high triglyceride levels? –K.T.

Dear K.T.

Triglycerides are fats that circulate in the blood stream. Their primary significance is that as triglyceride levels increase HDL cholesterol levels decrease. Since HDL cholesterol protects LDL cholesterol from damage, low levels of HDL are a risk factor for heart attacks. It is very difficult to demonstrate a risk for atherosclerosis independent of that relationship.

When triglyceride levels become markedly elevated (in the 600 + range - they can go into the thousands) pancreatitis, a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas, can occur.

Triglyeride levels rise as foods made with refined sugars, flours, and grains are eaten. They are typically elevated in uncontrolled diabetes. They are improved by eliminating refined foods from the diet, increasing physical activity, and supplementing omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil. Inositol hexanicinate, a non-toxic form of niacin, can be added if necessary. –Dr. Dale