healingways
Beyond Cholesterol
How Triglycerides Take a Toll by James Occhiogrosso
F
or many adults, an annual physical involves routine blood tests, followed by a discussion of cholesterol and blood pressure numbers, along with prescribed treatment ranging from improved nutrition and exercise to drugs. Triglycerides tend to be relegated to a minor mention—if they are discussed at all—yet regulating triglyceride levels can improve health.
Why Triglycerides Count
ment of any specific disease, they are associated with the narrowing of arteries and impaired blood flow associated with cardiovascular disease. (Impaired blood flow also effects male erectile function.) Several recent studies, including one in the Annals of Internal Medicine, also suggest these could instigate the metabolic syndrome associated with the onset of diabetes and atherosclerosis, which can lead to stroke and cardiovascular disease.
“High triglyceride levels usually acWhat Creates Triglycerides? company low HDL (good) cholesterol Triglycerides, a normal component of levels and often accompany tendencies blood, are introduced into the body toward high blood pressure and central by the fat in foods. Some are produced (abdominal) obesity. These are the mark- in the liver as the body’s response to a ers of metabolic syndrome and insulin diet high in simple sugars or carbohyresistance, very common disorders drates—especially hydrogenated oils underlying obesity and increased risks and trans-fats. of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes,” Evidence reported by the National explains Dr. Andrew Weil on his webHeart, Lung and Blood Institute sugsite, DrWeil.com. gests that very high intakes of carbo While high triglyceride levels are hydrates are accompanied by a rise in not conclusively linked to the developtriglycerides, noting that, “Carbohy40 Lehigh Valley www.healthylehighvalley.com
drate intakes should be limited to 60 percent of total calories.” Many research scientists agree that the main cause for high triglyceride levels is the Standard American Diet, notoriously high in sugars and simple carbohydrates, trans-fats and saturated animal fats, and far too low in complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals; specifically, vitamins A, B, C, D and especially E, plus the minerals selenium, magnesium, silicon and chromium. Sugars added to soft drinks and food products, especially those containing high-fructose corn syrup, also raise triglyceride levels significantly. Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, author of From Fatigued to Fantastic! and national medical director of the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers, observes, “The average American gets about 150 pounds of sugar added to his/her diet each year from processed food, causing fatigue, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and a host of other problems.” Animal fats, like those in farm-raised red meats, typically contain a skewed ratio of the fats known as omega-3 and omega-6, with the latter dominating by nearly 20:1; a ratio also found in commercial packaged foods and baked goods. Many studies show such a high omega-6/omega-3 ratio tends to promote disease. Eating oily fish and healthy plant oils such as cold-pressed virgin olive and coconut oil, nuts, seeds and minimally prepared foods provides a more balanced ratio of omega fatty acids.
Lowering Triglyceride Levels
Part of today’s medical paradigm focuses on lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol. As a result, many patients and doctors worry about cholesterol levels, but ignore triglycerides. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a triglyceride level of 100 milligrams per deciliter or less; about one-third of the population currently exceeds this. While drugs can help, the AHA does not recommend drug therapy except for people that have severe levels (more than 500mg/dL), which can increase