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How to Naturally Lower Triglycerides Infographic from Dr. Josh Axe |
It is currently estimated that one in three Americans have higher than what is considered healthy triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a type of lipid (fat) found in the blood. When extra calories are eaten that cannot be used by the body right away, they are converted and stored as triglycerides in the fat cells for later use.
Higher than healthy levels of triglycerides are associated with overweight and obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetes, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Belly Fat
According to current understanding, where on the body fat is stored depends on several things. Certain hormones and heredity play a role. Additionally, metabolic abnormalities can influence fat storage and are thought to be acquired as a result of certain lifestyle choices.
There appears to be an association between high triglyceride levels and abdominal or visceral fat, aka "belly fat".
According to Harvard Health, research suggests that abdominal fat cells are biologically active. They produce certain hormones, immune system chemicals and other substances which can have a profound effect on our health.
Therefore, reducing excess abdominal fat and lowering triglyceride levels is something to seriously consider if you have high triglyceride levels, belly fat or both.
Know Your Number
Triglyceride concentration is measured in the blood and is almost always tested whenever you have a glucose fasting blood test. You can readily ascertain your number by looking at your lab test.
"Normal" Ranges
There is a significant range of triglyceride levels results. The generally accepted categorization is as follows:
Under 100 mg/dl is optimal
101-149 is normal
150-199 is borderline high
200-499 is high
500-999 is very high
Over 1000 is severe
However many holistic and functional health practitioners maintain that these so-called "normal" ranges are not normal at all and that, generally, a score above 100 should be more closely looked at.
Infographic
This infographic is from Dr. Josh Axe who has also written an excellent article on this topic.
The infographic and article cover the following:
🔶 What Are Triglycerides
🔶 Why Do Triglycerides Matter
🔶 Causes of High Triglycerides
🔶 Risk Factors for High Triglycerides
🔶 Conventional Treatment
🔶 How to Lower Triglycerides Naturally
You can see a large version of this infographic as well as read the article here: What High Triglycerides Mean for Your Heart and How to Lower Triglycerides Naturally.