Causes of High Triglycerides Revealed

The cause of high triglycerides is the subject of much debate. It really depends on where your point of view is coming from. The mainstream medical community has their opinions. Nutritionists and naturopaths have different opinions. But it's clear that some people are more likely to have a higher triglyceride content than others.

Those who smoke or drink too much alcohol, and those who do not receive adequate training tend to have higher levels of blood flow. Those with hormone or chemical imbalances are at risk and genetics also play a minor role.

Diseases, such as diabetes, kidney or liver disease are sometimes the cause of high triglycerides. Prescription medications such as beta blockers and steroids can cause this problem. But the major causes are considered to be excessive foods fried or cooked in hydrogenated oils (margarine, pork fat, shortening), sometimes referred to as "trans-fat" or trans-fat acids. High levels of triglycerides usually accompany high cholesterol levels and low HDL levels, which are considered "good" cholesterol, as they carry LDL or bad cholesterol.

Health problems especially related to high triglycerides and high cholesterol levels are heart disease, heart attack and stroke, as these fats build up artery walls and veins, disrupt blood flow and increase risk of obesity. However, it is clear that dietary intake of fats or cholesterol is not the only factor.

Fat is not the same. In Japan, men take an average of 446 mg a day, but only 57 per 100,000 die from stroke or coronary heart disease. In the US, the average fat intake for men is 348 mg / day, lower than in Japan, but the number of deaths from heart disease and stroke is 202 per 100,000. So what's the real reason for this dramatic difference?

Typically Japanese foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. A typical American diet high in omega-6 fatty acids. So it turns out that one of the causes of high triglycerides and unbalanced cholesterol levels is the lack of omega 3s in the diet.

Good health comes with balance. It has been suggested that the best ratio of omega6 to omega3 consumption is 1 to 1. However, the only good food source for omega 3 fatty acids is fish. Therefore, supplements are advised.

It has been shown that omega3 fish oil supplements increase HDL levels (good cholesterol) and therefore lower LDL levels. It also lowers the total level of triglycerides.

It is now almost guaranteed that one of the causes of high triglycerides is a diet that is too high in fat of all kinds. Only fat is better than others. Make any necessary dietary changes and start taking good fish oil supplements before it's too late.

It may be years before we fully understand the causes of high triglycerides, but we know we can do something about them today.

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