10 Causes of High Triglycerides Level
Triglycerides are the most common fat types in the body. Saved in fat cells for further use, triglycerides are a key energy source. A correct level of triglycerides is important for good health and wellness. The human body gets triglycerides from foods they eat, like oil, butter, and other kinds of fats. High triglyceride levels, also called hypertriglyceridemia can indicate an underlying problem, and are a major risk factor for various health conditions. An increased level of triglyceride is often a sign of metabolic syndrome which is a set of problems, including high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar.
What Causes Triglycerides?
An increased level of triglyceride can be caused by several factors, such as obesity, poorly controlled diabetes, having too much unhealthy food, kidney disease, genetics, or underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Apart from that certain drugs and medicines, and heavy alcohol use can also cause high triglyceride levels.
Here are some major causes of high triglyceride levels.
Unhealthy Diet
The type of food people eat on regular basis can increase the triglycerides level in the blood and the risk of heart disease. A diet high in trans fat, saturated fat, dietary cholesterol, and excess calories can raise the TG level.
What foods cause high triglycerides?
• High sugar intake
• High-calorie foods
• Processed foods
• French fries, pizza, pastries, and donuts
• Deep-fried foods
Having plenty of fruits, lean proteins, green vegetables, and complex carbohydrates can aid people to maintain normal triglyceride levels.
Obesity
This is also what causes triglycerides to increase in people. Extra calories found in fatty foods get converted to triglycerides and then saved in fat cells. Obesity also changes metabolic function, affecting how triglycerides are processed by the body. It can also increase the risks of heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, strokes, and high cholesterol. So, one should eat a diet that is high in lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy products.
Heavy Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is high in sugar and calories, affecting the triglycerides levels in the blood. Even a small quantity of alcohol can lead to an increase in the TG level. Having too much alcohol on regular basis not just raises triglycerides level, but also increases the risks of high blood pressure, liver issues, and other health problems. Limiting alcohol use can help people to keep their heart, liver, and triglyceride levels healthy.
Health Conditions
Certain health conditions are the key reasons for high triglycerides in the elderly. Any health issue or condition that makes the body produce more triglycerides than normal or stops the regular breakdown of TG can raise the lipid level in the blood. Many health problems are associated with increased lipids and triglycerides levels. These issues may cause several effects and symptoms, with triglyceride level among others.
What causes high triglycerides?
Health conditions that cause high triglycerides level are:
• Hypothyroidism
• Diabetes
• Paraproteinemia
• Metabolic syndrome
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Nephrotic syndrome
Smoking
What causes triglycerides to go high? The answers also include smoking which has a huge effect on triglycerides level. Smoking can lead to the issue of insulin resistance, a condition in which the body does not react to insulin. A reduced insulin response can increase triglyceride levels. Smoking cessation can help people avoid the risks of developing high triglycerides levels, and other health problems such as lung cancer, emphysema, and heart disease.
Genetics
Some genetic conditions are also related to high triglyceride levels. One can have an inherited tendency to develop high triglycerides level even if they do not have any disease associated with hypertriglyceridemia. Genetic conditions that cause an increased level of triglycerides include:
• Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS)
• Familial hypertriglyceridemia
• Dysbetalipoproteinemia
• Familial combined hyperlipidemia
Lack of Exercise
Lack of exercise is also what causes the triglycerides to be high in the blood. Workouts use energy. In the body, stored and saved triglycerides are crushed and used for energy purposes. For people who do not use energy, their triglycerides stay in the blood, causing a higher than normal TG level. Thus, it is vital for everyone to dedicate at least 30 minutes to any kind of workout plan.
Medications
Certain medicines can also raise triglyceride levels in the body. There are many different categories of medicines related to such side effects, affecting lipid metabolism and causing high triglyceride levels.
Inactive Lifestyle
A sedentary or inactive lifestyle is also what causes high triglyceride levels. An inactive lifestyle can add to the damaging effects of not working out and even can prevent people from receiving the advantages of exercise, especially for those who exercise infrequently. So, being physically active is very important to keep the triglycerides level reduced.
With a few changes in the diet plan and lifestyle, one can maintain their triglycerides level and boost overall health at the same time.
At Emoha, we understand that elders often have to deal with different health issues. However, we offer the best elder health care services, meeting all the requirements of senior citizens. We take care of everything right from regular health monitoring to emergency support and much more. For us, it is always #EldersFirst
