Do you know what level of triglycerides you must have to stay healthy? Discover this and much more here at Cardiosmile Chile.
To begin, you should know that triglycerides are a type of glycerol that is part of the lipid family. In simple words, it is a type of fat that is present in blood and that travels throughout our body in order to supply energy or to be stored for long periods as fat. Thus, triglycerides are a more efficient long-term energy source than carbohydrates, however, it is important to have their levels under control.
Our body produces its own triglycerides, but also absorbs those present in the foods we consume. When we lead a sedentary life and/or exceed the consumption of carbohydrates and fats, this excess of calories is stored in the form of triglycerides in the cells of our body.
Now, it is important to know that this is not the only way to increase your triglyceride levels, since there are other factors such as genetic diseases, in addition to the intake of some medications such as corticosteroids.
The synthesis of triglycerides takes place in the endoplasmic reticulum of almost all cells of the body and is connected to the secretion of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL cholesterol). However, it is in the liver where the synthesis process is most active and where it has the greatest metabolic relevance.
It should be noted that the liver is not considered a place of physiological storage of lipids, so, if there is accumulation of triglycerides, it corresponds to a pathological case known as fatty liver or fatty liver.
Triglyceride’s function
The transport of triglycerides is closely related to the transport of other lipids such as cholesterol, which is why it is also linked to diseases such as arteriosclerosis.
Regarding the biological function of triglycerides, it is important to point out that they are the main energy reserve of our organism – and animal organisms in general – which is stored in the form of fats, while in plant organisms it is stored in the form of oils.
In the case of animal organisms, the excess is stored in adipose tissues which function as thermal insulators, producers of metabolic heat and mechanical protectors of certain organs such as the kidneys (like a mattress that prevents their detachment).
Triglyceride level
As with cholesterol, it is important that you monitor your triglyceride level since there may be hypertriglyceridemia due to an increase of these in the blood.
Hypertriglyceridemia can be classified according to its origin: when it occurs as a consequence of genetic defects, it is called “primary”. When it is due to other diseases or environmental/external factors, such as feeding, it is called “secondary” hypertriglyceridemia.
Whatever the origin, the key is to know that a high level of triglycerides is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Hence the importance of having a blood test to know your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, also known as lipid profile.
Through this test you can know in detail your cholesterol levels and triglycerides, in order to determine the risk of developing heart disease, among others, because a high level of triglycerides can lead to atherosclerosis or inflammation of the pancreas, also known as pancreatitis.
By reviewing your lipid profile you can guide yourself through these ranges:
Normal: less than 150 mg / dL.
Upper limit: 151 to 200 mg / dL.
High: 201 to 500 mg / dL.
Very high: greater than 500 mg / dL.
It is important to know that these ranges are referential and may vary according to the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors, so it is essential that you indicate to your doctor any family history related to cholesterol, diabetes or another disease, in addition to your medical history.
In case your results indicate that you have high levels of triglycerides, consider that they may be due to:
- A diet low in protein and high in carbohydrates
- Low thyroid activity
- Cirrhosis or liver failure
- Other medications, such as female hormones
- Nephrotic syndrome (kidney disorder)
Diabetes poorly controlled - A hereditary disorder in which high amounts of cholesterol and triglycerides are present in the blood
To lower your triglyceride level, the general recommendation focuses on changing eating habits and increasing physical activity. Also, your doctor can recommend medications to reduce triglyceride levels and thus prevent pancreatitis in case of levels above 500 mg / dL.
Conversely, if your triglyceride levels are low, it may be due to the following factors:
- Hyperthyroidism (very active thyroid)
- Low fat diet
- Malabsorption syndrome (the small intestine does not absorb fats well)
- Malnutrition
If you discovered that your triglyceride levels are above the normal range, you can also use Cardiosmile, a natural product that helps reduce your LDL cholesterol by 12% and your triglycerides by 14% *.
Cardiosmile is a product free of gluten, sugar, sodium, lactose, calories and fats so anyone can consume it from 5 years old. Cardiosmile contains 2 g. of phytosterols in just one sachet, the recommended portion to contribute to the effective reduction of cholesterol.
The phytosterols of Cardiosmile inhibit cholesterol absorption at the intestinal level and have no observed side effects. And it is also a versatile product that you can add to any of your meals without changing its taste, texture or smell.
Check your results and keep your cholesterol and triglyceride levels in a natural way. Remember that with just one sachet a day you can take care of your heart and lead a healthier life.
Cholesterol? Cardiosmile.