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TRIGLYCERIDES
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Smoking,
high blood pressure, diabetes, lack of exercise, hypertension, obesity,
a family history of heart disease are all factors that increase the
risk
of heart disease. Another is high blood cholesterol and high
triglycerides
level.
The
greater the number of risk factors, the more likely you are to develop
cardio-vascular problems. It is important, therefore, to do something
about
as many of them as possible. Not smoking, controlling your blood
pressure,
maintaining a healthy weight, getting more exercise, learning to cope
with
stress, lowering your blood cholesterol and eating the right foods are
all steps towards a healthy head.
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Don't
let yourself be confused by cholesterol and triglycerides!
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Triglyceride
is the principle form of fat found in foods, body tissues and blood. It
is a name given to all visible fat.
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Fat
in food becomes fat (triglycerides) in our blood. A diet high in
carbohydrate
(sugar and starches) and alcohol may also raise blood triglyceride
levels.
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If
you are overweight, your body stores the extra calories that you eat as
triglycerides.
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A
HIGH TRIGLYCERIDE LEVEL is one risk factor associated with the
development
of heart disease.
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There
are FOUR reasons for high triglycerides:
1.OVERWEIGHT
2.
A diet high in sugar and starches
3.
A high alcohol intake
4.
Stress |
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| High
triglyceride levels can be controlled in most cases, but not cured. To
do so you must make permanent, beneficial changes in your lifestyle. |
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| How
can blood triglycerides be lowered? |
1.
Achieve and maintain your ideal body weight
To
do that, examine your eating habits. Are you overeating, eating only
one
large, late meal a day, having a bedtime snack?
There
are many reasons for overeating, not just hunger (stress, boredom). |
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2.
Increase your activity
If
you are overweight, you have taken in more calories than you have used
up. "Burn up" calories by exercising - moderate brisk walking (1/2 hour
3 - 4 times per week, or as directed by your physician). |
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3.
Decrease your calorie intake
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Take smaller portion sizes at each meal. Use low calorie foods and
snacks.
Have three meals a day rather than one large, late meal.
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Choose whole grain, higher in fiber breads, cereals, crackers, whole
grain
pastas, and rice.
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Try homemade, high fiber, low sugar baked goods.
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Fruits contain natural sugars. Limit fruit juice and use only 100 %
fruit
juice, no sugar added brands.
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Choose whole fruits more often.
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Use artificial sweeteners. |
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4.
Avoid alcohol until you have reached your ideal weight and your
triglycerides
are within or below the normal range. Any type of alcoholic
beverage
(beer, alcohol, wine) will raise blood triglyceride levels.
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| Our
pages are created to provide medically accurate information that is
intended
to complement, not replace or substitute in any way the services of
your
physician. Any application of the recommendations set forth in the
following
pages is at the reader's discretion and sole risk. Before undergoing
medical
treatment, you should consult with your doctor, who can best assess
your
individual needs, symptoms and treatment. |
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