What Are Some Things That May Contribute To High Cholesterol And Triglycerides
We often associate high cholesterol and triglyceride levels with obesity, stress, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor diet. However, there are many things that may contribute to these conditions.
One of the most common causes of high cholesterol and triglycerides is a diet rich in saturated fats. Saturated fat is found in red meat, dairy products, butter, cheese, and eggs. These foods contain large amounts of cholesterol and saturated fat.
Another cause of high cholesterol and triglyceride levels is a diet lacking in fiber. Fiber helps lower cholesterol and triglycerides by removing excess cholesterol and triglycerides from the body.
Other factors that may contribute to high cholesterol and triglyceride include genetics, age, gender, hormones, medications, and lifestyle choices.
To reduce your risk of developing high cholesterol and triglycerides, try making some simple dietary changes. Avoiding processed food and eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, fish, and poultry may help.
Also, avoid trans fats, which are found in fried foods, baked goods, snack foods, and fast food. Trans fats raise bad cholesterol and decrease good cholesterol . Theyre linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and weight gain.
How Do I Know If My Cholesterol Levels Are High
High blood cholesterol levels are a major cause of heart attacks and strokes. They also lead to clogged arteries and increased blood pressure. To reduce your risk for these conditions, keep your total cholesterol level below 200 mg/dL. This means that your HDL and triglyceride levels must be above 40 mg/dL and 150 mg/dL, respectively.
The following tests can help determine whether your cholesterol levels are too high. If you have any symptoms of high cholesterol, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, leg swelling, or arm numbness, speak with your doctor immediately.
- Total cholesterol test A simple blood test that measures the amount of total cholesterol in your blood. Your doctor may recommend this test when you first visit him or her because it can give clues about your overall health.
- HDL cholesterol test A blood test that measures the HDL cholesterol in your blood. High HDL cholesterol levels indicate a healthy lifestyle.
- LDL cholesterol test A simple cholesterol test that measures the amount of LDL cholesterol in your blood.
About 38% of American adults have high cholesterol (total blood cholesterol 200 mg
Does Triphala Reduce Triglycerides
Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic medicine used to treat high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Triphala contains three herbs: Amalaki , Haritaki and Bibhitaki . These herbs work together to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides.
Amalaki helps lower cholesterol by increasing bile production. Bitter melon reduces cholesterol by breaking down fats in the liver. And Ashwagandha increases metabolism, helping the body break down fat.
Recommended Reading: How Much Cholesterol Does An Egg Have
Recommended Reading: How High Cholesterol Causes Stroke
Plant Sterol And Stanol Supplements
Plant sterols and stanols are substances found in many fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, and other plants. Some processed foods are also fortified with plant sterols or stanols, such as fortified margarine, orange juice, or yogurt products.
Plant sterols and stanols may help lower your risk of heart disease. They help prevent your small intestine from absorbing cholesterol. This can lower LDL cholesterol levels in your blood.
Recipe For Lowering Blood Sugar Cholesterol And Triglyceride Levels
Best recipe for lowering blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels is: take 1 tbsp. organic apple cider vinegar + 1 raw garlic clove + 3 gm cinnamon powder + ½ tbsp. organic grated ginger + 1 tbsp. raw honey. Put all these ingredients in a blender and blend them until they are well combined. Eat one teaspoon of this remedy before every meal. If its too strong to consume it on its own you can dilute it in a glass of water and then take it.
Also Check: What Foods Are Good To Eat For High Cholesterol
Drink Apple Cider Vinegar With Honey
Apple cider vinegar also helps reduce triglycerides and cholesterol levels.
A 2008 study published in the Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences found that apple cider vinegar helped improve serum lipid profile in both normal and diabetic rats by decreasing triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins while raising HDL levels.
You can also mix apple cider vinegar with fresh orange, apple, grape, or other fruit juices.
Note:
What Is The Difference Between Good And Bad Cholesterol
Bad cholesterol, also known as low-density lipoprotein , will build up in the inner walls of your arteries, making them narrow. This slows down blood flow. If this buildup of plaque breaks off, a clot forms that can completely block the flow of blood, causing a heart attack.
Good cholesterol, also known as high-density lipoprotein , helps protect us from heart attacks and strokes. This type carries the bad cholesterol away from the arteries.
You May Like: What Is Best To Lower Cholesterol
Homeopathic Medicine To Restore Healthy Cholesterol Levels
If youre like most people, you believe that avoiding saturated fats and keeping your blood cholesterol level low is the key to combating heart disease. Youve been avoiding eggs for years, trimming the fat off all meats, and eating low fat or non-fat dairy products. You may even be taking cholesterol lowering drugs, believing that you are taking good care of your health.
You will be surprised to learn that these are all misconceptions. According to a growing number of medical researchers, scientists and medical doctors, the cholesterol-heart disease hypothesis is one of the biggest scams in the history of medicine. Saturated fats and cholesterol are actually essential to good health and maintaining a strong immune system. Furthermore, there is no tangible evidence that high cholesterol contributes to heart disease.
A consistently high level of bad cholesterol in the blood is indicative of an underlying health problem. Rather than fighting to keep your blood cholesterol levels low, you need to address the root cause. This root cause could be a stressful job, depression, anxiety, suppressed anger, or something physical such as chronic pain, inflammation, indigestion or insomnia.
Homeopathy is one modality that can help heal deep emotional wounds as well as eliminate chronic physical ailments. Once the underlying stressors have been eliminated, the body will begin to regulate and maintain healthy levels of blood cholesterol.
Donât Miss: Is Oats Good For High Cholesterol
Is It Possible To Lower Triglycerides Naturally
Similar to cholesterol, triglycerides come from the food we eat and our liver. When levels are normal, triglycerides are used for energy. The problems arise when levels are high, explains Dr. Nissen. When we make more triglycerides than we use, the rest are stored as fat. Thats why many people who are overweight or have type 2 diabetes have high levels.
Poor diabetes control is a major factor in causing high triglyceride levels, Dr. Nissen says. He stresses the importance of watching your carbohydrate consumption. Eating a low-carb diet and getting plenty of exercise are often effective in lowering triglyceride levels.
Recommended Reading: Which Part Of The Egg Has Cholesterol
You May Like: Is High Cholesterol A Disease
Health Conditions Related To Triglycerides And Cholesterol
High blood lipid levels may increase your risk for plaques to develop in your arteries or thicken the walls of your arteries .
Other health conditions related to high triglycerides or cholesterol include:
- High blood sugar levels or diabetes
- Metabolic syndromea cluster of conditions that increase your risk for heart disease
- Genetic conditions
Incorporate Cinnamon In Your Diet
Cinnamon may help lower your triglycerides.
According to a 2003 study published in Diabetes Care, cinnamon improves the glucose and lipids in people with type 2 diabetes. Intake of 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon daily helped people with type 2 diabetes lower their triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.
A 2016 study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine found that supplementation with 500 mg of cinnamon extract for two months engendered a positive impact on the fasting insulin, blood glucose, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol levels while simultaneously enhanced the insulin sensitivity of subjects with elevated blood glucose.
- Add ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to your morning oatmeal. You can also sprinkle ground cinnamon on smoothies, soups, and salads.
- Cinnamon is also available in capsule form at most drugstores and health food stores. Take the supplement after consulting your doctor.
Read Also: What Is A Safe Cholesterol Level
Prepare Your Food A Little Differently
Its not only what you eat its how you eat it. Just as you can change what you buy in the grocery store, you can also choose healthier ways to make your food that help lower your cholesterol naturally. For example:
- Consider trimming fat and removing the skin when cooking meat or fish. This helps you get the protein while reducing fat intake.
- Focus on boiling, broiling, baking, poaching or grilling. These are better methods of preparation than deep frying or breading, which can add extra fat.
Signs And Symptoms Of High Triglyceride
High triglycerides usually do not cause symptoms. However, it can pose a risk of:
- Cholesterol problems
A simple blood test that goes by the name of a lipid panel is administered to determine your triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Fasting for 8-12 hours prior to the test is advised to get an accurate measurement of your triglyceride level and to determine whether your triglycerides fall into a healthy range.
Normal triglyceride level less than 150 mg/dL
Borderline high triglyceride level 150 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL
High triglyceride level 200 mg/dL to 499 mg/dL
Very high triglyceride level 500 mg/dL and above
You May Like: Is A Keto Diet Good For Cholesterol
Develop Healthy Sleep Habits
Sleeping too little is common but detrimental to your health. In fact, loss in sleep is associated with increased cholesterol levels and related problems, such as high triglycerides and blood pressure. To improve your sleep, aim for consistent bed and waking times, sleep in a cool, dark, comfortable room, and avoid stimulating activities, such as working on a computer, before bed.
Try Vitamins And Supplements That Can Lower Your Cholesterol
Remember that pills should be a supplement to, not a substitute for, a good diet. If youre trying to lower your cholesterol, ask your doctor about the following options.
- Psyllium: This bulk-forming fiber laxative, which is sold over the counter , finds cholesterol and eliminates it from your body. Two grams a day can lower your cholesterol.
- Red yeast rice: Taking 1,200 milligrams twice a day may lower your cholesterol, but its critical that you talk to your doctor before taking it. Youll need to have your liver function monitored, Dr. Cho notes.
- Phytosterols: Phytosterol is similar to your bodys natural cholesterol and can block cholesterol from being absorbed into your body. Dr. Cho says two grams of phytosterol a day can lower your cholesterol by 10% and your LDL by 14%.
You may hear about garlic and grapeseed and other ways to lower your cholesterol, Dr. Cho says. But these ingredients wont impact your cholesterol, so save your money for something good like sneakers so you can go exercise!
You May Like: Is Peanut Butter Bad For High Cholesterol
Becoming More Physically Active
A sedentary lifestyle lowers HDL cholesterol. Less HDL means theres less good cholesterol to remove bad cholesterol from your arteries.
Physical activity is important. At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week is enough to lower both cholesterol and high blood pressure. And you have lots of options: brisk walking, swimming, bicycling or even yard work can fit the bill.
Putting Together A Low Cholesterol Diet
When it comes to investing money, experts recommend creating a portfolio of diverse investments instead of putting all your eggs in one basket. The same holds true for eating your way to lower cholesterol. Adding several foods to lower cholesterol in different ways should work better than focusing on one or two.
A largely vegetarian “dietary portfolio of cholesterol-lowering foods” substantially lowers LDL, triglycerides, and blood pressure. The key dietary components are plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains instead of highly refined ones, and protein mostly from plants. Add margarine enriched with plant sterols oats, barley, psyllium, okra, and eggplant, all rich in soluble fiber soy protein and whole almonds.
Of course, shifting to a cholesterol-lowering diet takes more attention than popping a daily statin. It means expanding the variety of foods you usually put in your shopping cart and getting used to new textures and flavors. But it’s a “natural” way to lower cholesterol, and it avoids the risk of muscle problems and other side effects that plague some people who take statins.
Just as important, a diet that is heavy on fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts is good for the body in ways beyond lowering cholesterol. It keeps blood pressure in check. It helps arteries stay flexible and responsive. It’s good for bones and digestive health, for vision and mental health.
Don’t Miss: Is The Keto Diet Good For High Cholesterol
Ayurvedic Home Remedies To Lower Cholesterol And Triglyceride Levels
How to lower the cholesterol and triglyceride levels naturally? In India, Ayurveda provides several natural remedies to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. The most important thing about these Ayurvedic home remedies is that they are completely natural and do not have any side effects.
These home remedies are easy to prepare at home and cost-effective if you can properly follow the simple instructions given below. Here is how you can start using them to prevent high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Eat More Soluble Fibres:
Foods like oats, rice bran, citrus fruits, apples, strawberries, peas, whole grains, and seeds are rich in soluble fibres. These reduce the absorption of cholesterol in your bloodstream and help your body flush it out.
Try these home remedies for high cholesterol along with cardio based exercises for 10 to 20 minutes daily for best results.If your cholesterol levels are unstable, consult your doctor before starting any home remedy or exercise routine. You can find more articles on health & well-being at our activ-living blog section. On our website, you can also check out how you can be protected against high cholesterol emergencies and get comprehensive Medical Cover For Heart Patients.
You May Like: Are Avocados Good For Cholesterol
Alternative Remedies For High Triglyceride Levels
Here are 10 home remedies to reduce your triglycerides.
Garlic is one of the best remedies to reduce triglycerides.
A 2016 study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that garlic supplements have the potential of lowering blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, stimulating the immune system and regulating slightly elevated cholesterol concentration.
Another 2006 study published in the Journal of Nutrition further highlighted the effectiveness of garlic compounds in suppressing low-density lipoprotein oxidation, which may be one of the mechanisms that make garlic contributive to better cardiovascular health. However, further studies are required to comprehensively validate this health-promoting attribute of garlic.
Do take note that raw garlic has a more profound effect than boiled garlic in controlling these parameters, given fresh garlic has lipid-lowering activity.
- Eat 2 to 3 raw garlic cloves on an empty stomach daily for a few months. You can also include fresh garlic in your salad dressings.
- Alternatively, take garlic supplements after consulting your doctor.
Diabetes Remedies That Dont Work
Because there are a lot of diabetes products on the market, it can be hard to determine whats legit and whats too good to be true. Even many natural remedies listed above, despite limited evidence, havent been scientifically proven to be effective. For example, some people believe that lemon water reduces blood sugar, but Dr. Sood says there is no evidence of this. Thats why its always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any home remedy for diabetes control and before taking herbal supplements to lower blood sugar naturally.
Also Check: How Can You Tell When Your Cholesterol Is High
Top Homeopathic Remedies For High Cholesterol
Homeopathy has a number of natural remedies that are of great help in lowering the high cholesterol levels in blood. These medicines act in two ways for high cholesterol patients. The natural remedies first help in reducing the high cholesterol levels in blood and secondly, they have the inherent power to dissolve the cholesterol deposits that have clung to the arterial walls and narrowed down their lumen. Symptoms like chest pain, palpitations and shortness of breath can also be effectively controlled by the use of natural medicines. The medicines that work best for the patient are always selected based on the symptoms narrated by each individual.
You May Like: How To Check Ldl Cholesterol
Eat Fewer Refined Grains Such As White Flour
Were a nation of white food eaters white bread, white rice, white pasta, and white-flour foods like muffins, croissants, bagels, crackers, dried cereals, tortillas, pretzels, and chips. Yes, more than half of many Americans typical diets are made up of hyperprocessed refined white flour, often injected with sugar, salt, and/or fat.
Thats a real problem in part because the more white, or refined, grains we eat, the fewer whole grains we tend to take in. Research has found that eating whole grains can help lower both total and LDL cholesterol, and improve heart health.
In Harvard Universitys Nurses Health Study, for example, women who ate two to three servings of whole-grain products each day were 30% less likely to have a heart attack or die from heart disease over a 10-year period than women who ate less than one serving of whole grains per week.2
When first starting to make the switch from refined to whole grains, many people often feel a bit confused. Where to begin? Whats whole? What isnt?
The registered dietitians at the Pritikin Longevity Center start with one very simple rule. When looking at products like breads and cereals, they recommend turning the package around and making sure the first word in the Ingredient List is whole. If you see the word whole at the top of the list, its a good bet that what youre buying is in fact 100% whole grain, or close to it.
Recommended Reading: Will Steel Cut Oats Lower Cholesterol
You May Like: How Much Cholesterol Should You Eat In A Day