Triglyceride levels lowered through healthy diet and weight loss

Healthy living can reduce triglycerides

Triglyceride levels that are high have been linked to heart disease and other conditions, but a healthy diet, regular exercise and weight loss can dramatically lower concentrations according to the American Heart Association.

The AHA said that 31 percent of American adults have high triglyceride levels, classified as greater than 150 milligrams per deciliter. In a meta-analysis of 500 studies conducted in the last three decades, researchers have concluded that lifestyle changes can reduce the amount of triglycerides in the blood by between 20 percent and 50 percent.

An AHA news release states that: "The good news is that high triglycerides can, in large part be reduced through major lifestyle changes," said Dr. Michael Miller, who is director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology of the the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

New guidelines suggest that triglyceride levels should be maintained at not more than 100 mg/dL to reduce cardiovascular risks. The initial screening method recommended is non-fasting triglyceride testing.

Dr. Miller said that triglycerides may be responsive to lifestyle changes alone rather than medications as is sometimes the case in high cholesterol.

Those with high triglyceride levels should have a diet composed of more vegetables as well as low-sugar fruits such as banana, cantaloupe and strawberries. Whole grains and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are also part of a healthy diet.

The AHA said Americans need to cut down their soda intake and limit sugar, alcohol, trans fat and total calories.

Regular exercise or physical activity such as brisk walking for a minimum of 150 minutes per week has also been shown to be effective in lowering triglyceride levels.

Posted by George Daniels on Tuesday April 19 2011, 4:58 AM EST. Ref: HealthDay. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0