Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. They are used as energy when your body needs them, such as during exercise or a low intake of carbohydrates. However, high levels of Triglycerides can be a sign of hypertriglyceridemia.

Hypertriglyceridemia happens when your liver has trouble processing fat. Symptoms of hypertriglyceridemia include feeling very thirsty, swelling in your hands, feet, or abdomen, feeling very hungry all the time, and weight gain.

In some cases, triglycerides can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and pancreatitis. Triglycerides can also be caused by certain medications.

What causes high triglycerides? Eating too many carbohydrates and sugars, lack of exercise, genetics, and being overweight all increase one’s risk for Hypertriglyceridemia. Fortunately, you can reduce the level with a healthy diet and regular physical activity. This article will discuss high triglycerides symptoms, causes, and Treatment.

What are normal triglyceride levels?

Normal Triglyceride Levels for adults are between 100 and 150 mg/dL. The level for children is different from adults. It is usually lower than 90 mg/dL for kids ages 10 to 19.

There are three types of high triglycerides. 150–499 mg/dl is moderate hypertriglyceridemia. 500 mg/dl or more is severe hypertriglyceridemia. 880 mg/dl or more is very severe hypertriglyceridemia. If your triglyceride levels are consistently above 150 mg/dL, you should see your doctor discuss ways to lower them.

Symptoms of high triglycerides

• Unusual fatigue and lethargy – You may feel exhausted and tired. High triglycerides can make you feel like you have no energy at all.
• High blood sugar – Hypertriglyceridemia can lead to high blood sugar, increasing your risk of diabetes. People with high triglycerides are usually also overweight, have high blood pressure, and have unhealthy diets. All of these can contribute to high blood sugar.
• High cholesterol – If your triglyceride level is high, your cholesterol (another type of fat in the blood) may also be increased.
• Heart disease – Hypertriglyceridemia increase the risk of heart disease. This is particularly true if you are overweight, have high blood pressure, or have diabetes.
• Liver disease – Hypertriglyceridemia may increase the risk of liver disease in people with fatty liver. This condition can cause scarring of the liver and lead to liver failure.

What are the risks of elevated triglycerides?

• Coronary heart disease – Hypertriglyceridemia may increase your risk of heart disease by increasing your blood cholesterol.
• Stroke – Hypertriglyceridemia may increase your risk of stroke by increasing your blood cholesterol.
• Diabetes – Certain types of high triglycerides may increase your risk of type 2 diabetes. This happens when the high level of triglycerides causes insulin resistance.
• Kidney disease – Hypertriglyceridemia may increase your risk of kidney disease by increasing your blood cholesterol.
• Liver disease – Certain types of high triglycerides may increase your risk of liver disease by increasing your blood cholesterol.
• Impotence– Hypertriglyceridemia may increase your risk of impotence by increasing your blood cholesterol.
• Fatty deposits in blood vessels – Hypertriglyceridemia is thought to cause blood vessel blockages and lead to heart attacks and strokes.
• Fatty buildup in the pancreas – Hypertriglyceridemia may increase your risk of fatty buildup in the pancreas. This can lead to pancreatitis.

What causes high triglycerides?

1. Diets High In Calories, Carbs, and Fats

Your triglycerides may be high if you eat a diet high in calories, carbs, and fats. This is because the body uses fat as a source of energy. When you consume too many calories or have a high-fat diet, your body stores the extra fat, some of this fat is stored in the liver, where it’s converted into triglycerides. If you have high triglycerides, you’d better eat a healthy diet.

2. Obesity

If you are obese, you are more likely to have high triglycerides. Fatty liver disease is another condition that can increase your risk of high triglycerides. While high triglycerides are often symptomless, they can lead to other health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes.
If you have high triglycerides, you may need to change your diet or exercise routine to bring them down. These changes may include eating a healthier diet and getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.

3. Smoking and Excessive drinking

If you smoke or drink alcohol excessively, your triglycerides may be high. It’s also possible that if you have a condition that increases triglycerides, such as diabetes, you may be more inclined to drink alcohol or smoke. Try to quit smoking, and avoid or limit alcohol consumption to reduce triglyceride levels.

4. Liver Disease

High triglycerides can also be caused by liver disease. If you have liver disease, your liver cannot process fat as well as it usually does. As a result, the fat builds up in your bloodstream.

If you have high triglycerides and are diagnosed with liver disease, your doctor may recommend changing your diet to lower triglycerides.

5. Inflammation, Infection, and Autoimmunity

High triglycerides can also be caused by inflammation, infection, or an autoimmune disorder. Often, high triglycerides are found in people with high cholesterol as well. Take your high cholesterol and triglycerides as a warning sign that you may be at risk for developing heart disease.

6. Vitamin D Deficiency

If you have low vitamin D levels, you may be at a higher risk for high triglycerides. Vitamin D is essential for keeping your body healthy and helps break down fat. Vitamin D is also important for regulating blood pressure, which may help keep your triglycerides down. To increase your vitamin D levels, you can spend time outside in natural sunlight and take a vitamin D supplement.

7. An Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism)

If you have an underactive thyroid, it may cause your triglycerides to be high. An underactive thyroid is also known as hypothyroidism.

High triglycerides and other hypothyroidism symptoms, such as excessive fatigue, muscle weakness, and poor memory, can be a sign that you have an underactive thyroid. Check with your doctor if you have high triglycerides and any of these symptoms.

8. Inactivity

If you don’t exercise regularly, your triglycerides may be more elevated. To help lower your triglycerides, try exercising at least 150 minutes each week. Exercising regularly can help you manage your weight. It will also reduce your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.

9. Certain Medications

Certain medications can increase your triglycerides, including blood pressure medications like beta-blockers. Birth control pills. If you take birth control pills containing estrogen, your triglycerides may increase.

10. Age and Gender

As you get older, your triglyceride levels increase. This is normal and healthy. However, if you are younger and your triglyceride levels increase, you may want to see your doctor. In addition, men are more likely to have high triglycerides than women.

How to lower triglycerides with Natural Remedies

Changes to your diet and exercise routine can bring your levels down to a healthy level.

1. Eat a healthy diet

If your triglycerides are high, your doctor may recommend eating a healthy diet. So what foods are high in triglycerides?

• Alcohol and caffeine: Alcohol and caffeine can raise your triglycerides.
• Saturated fats: Fats found in meat, dairy products, and certain nuts and seeds—are more likely to raise your triglycerides than other kinds of fats.
• Trans fats: Foods containing Trans fats are typically processed and packed foods. See a few examples of Trans Fats below.
• Sugar: High-sugar foods can cause triglyceride levels to rise. If you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugar level is essential in lowering your triglyceride levels.

In addition, doctors recommend that people with diabetes limit their intake of saturated fat and eat more polyunsaturated fat. A healthy diet for high triglyceride levels includes:

• Low-fat and low-sugar diet – A healthy diet for Hypertriglyceridemias is low-fat and low-sugar. You should avoid foods high in fat and sugar, such as candy and soda.
• Healthy fats include olive oil, fish oil, seeds, nuts, and legumes.
• Whole grains – Whole grains are high in fiber and other nutrients. They are also lower in calories and fat than refined grains.
• Vegetables and fruits – Vegetables and fruits are filled with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating foods with high vitamins and minerals that help break down fat in your liver, such as broccoli, carrots, and sweet potatoes.

2. Getting regular physical activity

Exercise is good for lowering your triglycerides, along with a healthy diet. Exercising regularly can help your body break down and use fat.

You can get the most benefits from exercise if you do it for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. You can also do aerobic exercises such as jogging or walking, strength training, and yoga. If you have a medical condition, you should talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program.

3. Quitting smoking and alcohol

If you smoke cigarettes and have Hypertriglyceridemia, quitting can lower your triglyceride levels.  Alcohol may also increase your triglyceride levels. If you have high triglycerides, you should avoid alcohol.

4. Drink more water

Drinking water is not only good for your overall health but also for lowering your cholesterol levels. Drinking eight or more glasses of water daily can slightly lower triglycerides. If you have Hypertriglyceridemia, you should drink more water. You can also add a small amount of lemon to the water to make it taste better.

5. Keep good quality sleep

Poor sleep can increase your risk of Hypertriglyceridemia. The exact reasons for this are unclear, but doctors believe it may be related to Hypertriglyceridemia or sleep, which increases your risk of diabetes.

You can lower triglycerides and improve overall health by getting more sleep. Sleeping seven to eight hours per night is recommended for healthy adults.

6. Lose weight

If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can lower your triglycerides. Losing weight may also help prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other health problems.

How to lower triglycerides with medical treatment

From omega-3 fatty acids to fibrates, many options can help reduce triglyceride levels.

1.Fibrates to lower triglyceride levels

Fibrates are a standard treatment for lowering triglyceride levels. These drugs work by reducing the number of triglycerides that your liver produces. Fibrates can be used alone or in combination with other treatments for Hypertriglyceridemia.

Although fibrates are generally safe, some people experience severe side effects. These include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and an increased risk of pancreatitis. Fibrates are usually most effective in people with Hypertriglyceridemia due to genetic factors.

2. Fish oil with omega-3 fatty acids

If you have high triglycerides, you might benefit from taking omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of “good” fat that can help lower triglycerides. There are several different types of omega-3 fatty acids. The most well-studied are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These types of omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish oil supplements.

3. Medication

There are several different types of drugs that can help lower triglycerides. Fenofibrate is a commonly used drug. It works by preventing your liver from making as many triglycerides.

Nicotinic acid is another type of drug. It increases the number of lipids you break down and excrete. People with diabetes, kidney disease, or a history of gout should avoid this drug.

How Often Should Your Triglycerides Be Tested?

Triglyceride levels should be checked at least once a year if you have normal levels and twice a year if your levels are high. If you have Hypertriglyceridemia, you should also be checked for other conditions that can cause high triglycerides. These include hypothyroidism, diabetes, and kidney disease.

Several different tests can be used to check your triglyceride levels. These include a blood test, an oral swab, or a blood test. Your doctor will choose the best method based on your situation.

When to see a doctor

If you have Hypertriglyceridemia, you should be sure to talk to your doctor about how to lower your levels. Even if your triglyceride levels are in the healthy range, keeping an eye on the numbers is a good idea.

High triglyceride levels can signify other health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, or hypothyroidism. You should speak with your doctor if you’re having trouble increasing your triglyceride levels. They can help you come up with a plan to reduce your triglycerides.

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