Managing High Triglycerides: Effective Treatments & Lifestyle Changes

A high-triglyceride level can place a person at a higher risk for heart disease, stroke and heart attack. There are many things you can do to lower high triglycerides that include diet, exercise and medical intervention.

Lose Weight

• If you are overweight, you can lower your triglyceride levels by losing weight. Getting to your ideal weight helps your metabolism and thus lowers triglycerides.

Exercise

• The American Heart Association recommends adding exercise to your lifestyle. Additionally, morning exercise has been shown to lower triglyceride levels in diabetic patients.

Diet

• Lower your daily fat intake to less than 35%. You should substitute unsaturated fats for saturated fats.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• A diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids reduces triglyceride levels. Eat a lot of fish, almonds and flaxseed.

Green Tea

• Green tea can help to reduce high triglyceride levels. Substitute green tea for other caffeinated and sugary drinks.

Medication

• Niacin is often prescribed to help reduce triglyceride levels. For patients not responding to lifestyle adjustments, statins, bile-acid-binding resins or cholesterol-absorption inhibitors may be prescribed by your doctor.