If this indicator is high, your whole body metabolism will be messed up! 4 tips to help you lower it →

There is a physical indicator whose name is difficult to remember, but you must have seen it on your physical examination form - triglyceride (TG).

Triglycerides

It is a basic item in blood lipid examination, along with total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, commonly known as "good cholesterol"), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, commonly known as "bad cholesterol").

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The main function of triglycerides is to supply and store energy, and also to fix and protect internal organs. It has two main sources:

1

Exogenous

The intestines absorb fat from food and convert it into triglycerides.

2

Endogenous

The human liver and fat can synthesize triglycerides autonomously. Therefore, the level of triglycerides is only partly due to diet. Even if you control your diet properly, triglycerides may still rise.

If a physical examination reveals elevated triglycerides, then you also need to check whether there are other diseases that may be causing the elevated triglycerides , such as hypothyroidism, kidney problems, other lipid metabolism abnormalities, and hyperuricemia. These need to be further clarified in order to more effectively lower triglycerides.

【Notice】

The normal value of triglycerides is generally below 1.7mmol/L. If it is higher than this value, it is called hypertriglyceridemia . Generally, about 2mmol/L is called a mild increase. It is recommended that patients control their diet, increase exercise, and then observe the trend of blood lipid changes. Generally, if it is greater than 4mmol/L, it means that the blood lipids are relatively seriously elevated.

High triglycerides cause systemic metabolic disorder

An article published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology stated that hypertriglyceridemia is often accompanied by a variety of metabolic abnormalities, especially in people with elevated triglycerides and excessive waist circumference:

1

Increased risk of atherosclerosis

Triglycerides in plasma exist in chylomicrons and lipoprotein particles (such as very low-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein) and participate in the metabolism of cholesterol in the human body.
High triglycerides may lead to atherosclerosis because:

● Some of the triglyceride-rich lipoprotein particles can directly cause atherosclerosis;

● Other lipoprotein abnormalities associated with hypertriglyceridemia, such as low or dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein (HDL), may also lead to atherosclerosis.

2

Insulin resistance

Obese patients with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop hypertriglyceridemia. These people are generally in a state of insulin resistance.

Hypertriglyceridemia and certain markers of metabolic syndrome have been shown to precede the onset of type 2 diabetes and can predict the subsequent development of type 2 diabetes.

3

Increased risk of inflammation

The metabolic changes in the body caused by hypertriglyceridemia can also affect the occurrence of acute and chronic inflammation.

For example, the concentration of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins increases abnormally after meals and causes inflammation through a variety of mechanisms.

4

Increased risk of abnormal blood pressure

Hypertriglyceridemia and hypertension share several common mechanisms, including weight gain and visceral obesity.

Proinflammatory factors in patients with hypertriglyceridemia can also indirectly affect cardiovascular damage.

5

Increased procoagulant state

Increased concentrations of very low-density lipoprotein produced by the liver are associated with a procoagulant state. Increased serum fibrinogen is associated with hypertriglyceridemia, and fibrates have been shown to reduce both triglyceride and fibrinogen concentrations.

Hypertriglyceridemia is also associated with increased concentrations of procoagulant phospholipids and thrombin.

6

Increased risk of fatty liver disease

Hypertriglyceridemia is also common in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

The liver is the main source of triglyceride lipoproteins in the human body. Abnormal metabolism of triglycerides by the liver can lead to hypertriglyceridemia, while increased liver fat production can in turn promote the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

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How can triglyceride levels be lowered?

Patients with hypertriglyceridemia who have identified the cause of their disease should receive appropriate treatment based on the cause. First, improve your lifestyle. If the triglyceride index is still not up to standard after controlling your diet and exercising for a period of time, then drug treatment is recommended. A healthy lifestyle is the main treatment method that is strongly advocated, that is, non-drug treatment: control your diet, move your legs, stabilize your emotions, and control your weight.

1

Control fat intake and eat less fried foods

Fried foods contain a lot of fat and should not be consumed in excess. In addition, you should control your weight and keep your body mass index (BMI) below 24.

You can choose the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet mainly consists of fruits and vegetables, nuts, beans, whole grains, etc. The oil is mainly olive oil, and the meat is mainly fish and poultry.

2

Eat less sweets

People with high triglycerides are very sensitive to sugar, and sugar will aggravate the increase of triglycerides.

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3

Reasonable stress relief and emotional regulation

Stress triggers adrenaline to react with triglycerides, raising LDL cholesterol levels.

Patients with hyperlipidemia should take time out from their busy schedules to be in a daze for 5 minutes, or go outdoors to relax, or do some meditation and yoga.

In terms of work and life, set realistic goals, release stress appropriately, arrange work and life reasonably, and leave yourself more time for rest and entertainment.

4

Avoid sitting for long periods of time and develop a habit of regular exercise

Developing a habit of regular exercise can help accelerate the decomposition of triglycerides. It is recommended to perform at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, etc., and the frequency should be maintained at 3 to 5 times a week.

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Planning and production

Source: CCTV Life Circle, Life Times

Review | Department of General Medicine, Run Run Shaw Hospital

Editor: Yinuo