What Causes HIGH TRIGLYCERIDES? (5 EASY Steps to Fix It) 2024

Summary

Dr. Ken Berry explains how high triglycerides can lead to heart disease, stroke, and pancreatitis, and offers a solution to reverse it naturally. He emphasizes that the root cause of high triglycerides is excessive carbohydrate consumption, especially processed sugars and fructose. Dr. Berry outlines five steps to lower triglycerides: eliminate processed carbs, reduce fructose intake, replace carbs with healthy fats, cut back on alcohol, and review medications that may raise triglycerides. By following these steps, individuals can manage their triglyceride levels and improve their overall health without relying on medications.

Takeaways

• 😀 High triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia) increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
• 😀 Medications like statins, omega-3 fatty acids, and fibrates only treat symptoms, not the root cause of high triglycerides.
• 😀 The root cause of high triglycerides is an excessive intake of carbohydrates, not dietary fat.
• 😀 To lower triglycerides, focus on reducing total carbohydrate intake, especially processed carbs like sweets and pastries.
• 😀 Cutting out highly processed carbs such as sugary snacks and cereals can be enough for some people to normalize triglyceride levels.
• 😀 Those with a genetic predisposition to high triglycerides may need to lower their carbohydrate intake to 50 grams per day or less.
• 😀 Fructose, found in sugary drinks and fruit juices, contributes directly to high triglyceride levels and should be minimized.
• 😀 Replacing carbohydrates with healthy fats from animals and plants can help normalize triglycerides and improve overall health.
• 😀 Limiting alcohol consumption is essential, as alcohol can elevate triglyceride levels. Some may need to abstain completely.
• 😀 Certain medications, including over-the-counter drugs, can raise triglyceride levels. It's important to consult a healthcare provider about alternatives.
• 😀 Normalizing triglycerides through lifestyle changes improves both physical and mental health, and supports longevity.

Q & A

What is hypertriglyceridemia, and why is it concerning?

Hypertriglyceridemia refers to elevated levels of triglycerides in the blood. It increases the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, and pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening condition.

What is the most common treatment prescribed by doctors for high triglycerides?

Doctors typically prescribe medications such as statins, prescription omega-3 fatty acids, or fibrates, which can lower triglyceride levels slightly but do not address the root cause.

Is high triglycerides a purely genetic condition?

While there is a genetic component that may predispose some people to high triglycerides, the root cause is primarily related to diet and lifestyle, particularly carbohydrate intake.

What are the triglyceride level cutoffs for diagnosing hypertriglyceridemia?

Triglyceride levels above 150 mg/dL (or 1.69 mmol/L) are considered high. Levels above 500 mg/dL (or 5.65 mmol/L) increase the risk of pancreatitis.

What causes high triglycerides according to the script?

High triglycerides are primarily caused by consuming too many carbohydrates, especially processed carbohydrates, sugars, and fructose. Eating fats does not raise triglycerides.

What is the first step in managing high triglycerides?

The first step is to reduce total carbohydrate intake, especially highly processed carbs like cookies, cakes, and sugary drinks, as these spike blood sugar and cause the liver to produce more triglycerides.

How much carbohydrate intake should people aim for to lower triglycerides?

For most people, reducing carbohydrate intake to under 100 grams per day can lower triglycerides. For those with a genetic predisposition, cutting carbs to 50 grams per day may be necessary.

Why is fructose particularly harmful to triglyceride levels?

Fructose has been shown in studies to directly elevate triglyceride levels. It is found in many sugary beverages, including soft drinks and fruit juices, which can be as harmful as soda for people with high triglycerides.

What types of fats should be included in a diet to reduce triglycerides?

Healthy fats, both from animal sources (like fish and meats) and plant sources (such as olive oil and avocados), should replace carbohydrates in the diet to help reduce triglyceride levels.

What role does alcohol consumption play in managing triglyceride levels?

Alcohol can raise triglyceride levels. Some people may need to reduce alcohol consumption to just one or two drinks a day, while others may need to eliminate alcohol entirely to control triglycerides.

How can medications affect triglyceride levels?

Certain medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can raise triglyceride levels. It’s important to review all medications with a healthcare provider to ensure they are not contributing to elevated triglycerides.