High triglyceride levels can be genetic, and may be related to obesity or untreated diabetes, but dietary influences are strong. Carbohydrates in the diet are the main factor affecting their levels in the blood, especially quick-digesting (high glycemic load) carbs. In many people, these foods elevate insulin levels, and insulin affects triglyceride synthesis and the storage of fat. High triglyceride levels usually accompany low HDL (good) cholesterol and often travel with tendencies toward high blood pressure and central (abdominal) obesity. These are the markers of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance, very common disorders that increase risks of heart and adult-onset diabetes.
I recommend several lifestyle changes to help keep your serum triglyceride levels down in the desirable range. You will want to get regular exercise; lose weight if you're overweight; reduce the amount of saturated fats and trans fat in your diet; and cut back on alcohol, avoiding beer especially. (Even small amounts of alcohol can elevate triglyceride levels.) Also increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating salmon, sardines, black cod, and herring on a regular basis. – or take a good fish oil supplement, as you are doing, 1-2 grams a day.
The conventional medical recommendation for a low-fat, high carbohydrate diet to lower triglycerides and bring down cholesterol is dead wrong in my opinion. Instead you want to be on a low carbohydrate diet, such as anti-inflammatory diet or the South Beach Diet. Familiarize yourself with the concept of glycemic load (http://www.mendosa.com/gilists.htm) and choose carbohydrate foods that rank low on that scale.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet Tips
The following summarizes some of the specifics of a diet intended to prevent inappropriate inflammation, reduce the risk of age-related diseases, and promote optimum health at any age.
General Recommendations:
Aim for variety. Include as much fresh food as possible. Minimize your consumption of processed foods and fast food. Eat an abundance of fruits and vegetables.
Caloric Intake
Most adults need to consume between 2,000 and 3,000 calories a day. Women and smaller and less active people need fewer calories. Men and bigger and more active people need more calories. If you are eating the appropriate number of calories for your level of activity, your weight should not fluctuate greatly. The distribution of calories you take in should be as follows: 40 to 50 percent from carbohydrates, 30 percent from fat, and 20 to 30 percent from protein. Try to include carbohydrates, fat, and protein at each meal. Carbohydrates
On a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet, adult women should consume between 160 to 200 grams of carbohydrates a day. Adult men should consume between 240 to 300 grams of carbohydrates a day. The majority of this should be in the form of less-refined, less-processed foods with a low glycemic load. Reduce your consumption of foods made with wheat flour and sugar, especially bread and most packaged snack foods (including chips and pretzels). Eat more whole grains (not whole wheat flour products), beans, winter squashes, and sweet potatoes. Cook pasta al dente and eat it in moderation. Avoid products made with high fructose corn syrup.
-------------------- "absolute power corrupts absolutely".
Lord Acton,
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