Triglyceride

Triglycerides are esterified fatty oils that forms the core of chylomicrons and VLDL cholesterol. Elevated blood levels of triglycerides, but not cholesterol, have been associated with an impaired fibrinolytic system and is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Triglycerides and cholesterol both measure the total amount of lipoproteins in the serum, which can be a rough indicator of risk for cardiovascular disease. The associated cardiovascular disease risk prediction offered by triglycerides and cholesterol by themselves is 44% , but when coupled with Vitamin A and E, looking at the ratio of (cholesterol + triglycerides)/ (Vitamin A & E), the risk predictive power goes to 85% accuracy.

Elevated serum triglycerides have been associated to the occurrence of atherothrombotic stroke and transient ischemic attacks. It is a powerful predictor  of myocardial infarction.

A diet high in saturated fats and sugar (including grains) can raise serum triglycerides.

While a normal triglyceride laboratory can be up to 200mg/dl, the appropriate goal for anyone serious about optimum health should target their triglyceride to be no higher than 100 mg/dl. A triglyceride count of 100 or more increased the relative risk of a new cardiovascular event by 50% and reduced the chance of surviving a subsequent heart attack.

Since triglyceride elevation is almost universally related to dietary intake of sugar (including grains), high triglycerides is one of the most easy and straightforward problems to correct with proper diet alone. The decline is dramatic and in a matter of weeks if the proper low glycemic, low grain anti-aging diet is followed.

Start with eliminating all grain products from your evening meal. This includes wheat, rye, barley, potato, bread, and rice. You may find it difficult in the beginning and experience cravings. This is quite common because your body is already addicted after years of taking in grains and, then cut back by 30%. Do this for at least 60 days. As your body slowly gets used to the reduced grains intake, you can then also reduce grains intake at lunch. Substitute with more above the grounds vegetables, eggs (raw is best, and try not to cook the yolk too well), and unroasted nuts. Oils are acceptable as long they have not been exposed to high heat. Use virgin olive oil for salads and light stir fry, butter for high heat frying, and coconut oil for deep frying (which should be kept to a minimum). As usual, no desserts after dinner, and reduce snacks before bedtime. All refined carbohydrates such as cookies, ice cream, and chips should be avoided. Follow the above, and you will be surprised how quickly the triglycerides come down. As the triglycerides normalize, the total cholesterol will reduce automatically, and the total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio will automatically improve.