Dietary Guidelines and Lifestyle Changes to Lower Triglyceride Levels in the Blood

Triglyceride is the commonest form of fat stored in the human body. Triglyceride is formed in our body when glucose comes into the blood in excessive amounts and insulin converts it to triglyceride and sends it to the fat cells where it is stored. When this storage mechanism breaks down the triglyceride remains in the blood.

Factors contributing to raised triglycerides are as follows

1. Family history - those who have ancestors who have died of heart disease or have had a heart attack or even just have high blood lipid levels should regularly check their blood lipid profile. You may be thin and active but suddenly show high triglycerides

2. Severe stress -at work, long working hours, family problems, financial problems, etc. can shoot up the triglycerides in the blood, without any warning.

3. Obesity - Those who are overweight are definitely more prone to high triglyceride levels and also those already suffering from high B.P or diabetes or gout must regularly check their blood lipid levels.

4. Lifestyle – Those who have had a very active childhood and youth, been into heavy sports and games and suddenly become very sedentary because of heavy and tight work schedules, will see triglycerides rising.

5. Smoking - those smoking heavily may find the lipid picture drastically changing for the worse.

6. Diet - last but not the least your diet and eating habits have a profound effect and can be the one biggest contributing factor to changing or raising your triglycerides.

Everything we consume, fats, carbohydrates (sugars, starches) proteins and alcohol are all digested to form glucose. 1tsp sugar or starch gives us 20 cals of glucose and 1 tsp fat gives 45 cals of glucose. 1 large drink, 1 glass beer,1 glass wine gives us approximately 6-7 tsp sugar or 150 cals of glucose.

All excess glucose, no matter what its origin is converted to triglycerides. If large excesses keep coming and the removal system breaks down the triglycerides rise in the blood and can block the blood vessels and a heart problem is then just round the corner.

The simple rule is moderation. You have to stop binging (overeating) on food or drinks of any kind. “Fatty foods, oh no! I don’t indulge in fatty food, only I love my rice, I have to eat at least 2-3 cups at lunch daily”. “I never over eat anything but I need my 3-4 large drinks or half bottle wine every time I drink”. “You see, my doc said I could have 2 larges, 3 times a week. But I drink only once a week, so I do 6 larges when I do”. That kind of drinking binge can lead to high triglyceride levels.

Even excess sweets, excess fruits or even juices, can raise triglycerides. The only two things that you can binge on are raw vegetable salads and water! The more salad you eat the lower will be your triglycerides as fiber in salad helps to break the fat in the blood. (salad should be garnished with salt, pepper, lime juice, vinegar, curds and any spices but no oil or fatty dresssings. Fruits, corn, potatoes, etc., should not be added to the salad)

So here are some specific rules to lower your triglyceride level.

1. For atleast 3 months you have to cut out all fatty foods i.e. cream, butter, ghee, cheese, paneer, mayonnaise, all fried snacks, pickles, papads, nuts, soya, red meat, organ meat, cookies, pastries, sweets, chocolate, icecream, etc. (Use only commercially skimmed milk- Nandini Good Life Slim, Amul slim, Nestle slim, etc., Nandini Skimmed milk powder may also be used).

2. Day to day regular food has to be eaten in measured, moderate quantities, this also includes fruits. (Avoid dried fruits, banana, mango, chikoo, jackfruit and grapes)

3. Rice or rice items to be eaten once in a day. Otherwise use whole wheat bread, cereal, ragi, jowar or bajra and phulka (dry chapatti) Rice may be measured and eaten at lunch but strictly to be avoided at dinner. Phulkas are the best option for dinner other cereals and millets may be eaten at breakfast or lunch.

4. Eat raw salad- tomato, cucumber, onion, radish, capsicum, bell peppers, lettuce etc., daily, at both lunch and dinner.

5. Alcohol- try to avoid this completely for at least 3 months. (Thereafter, if you must drink, restrict yourself to, 2 small drinks or 1 glass beer or 1 glass wine, once or twice a week).

Finally drink two and a half to three liters water daily and a 30-45 minutes’ walk, all 7 days is a must. The best effects are seen from walking twice a day, 30 minutes in morning and 30 minutes in the evening. The evening walk must be done before dinner.