Q. What causes high triglycerides? What can I do to lower them? — Anonymous
A. Triglycerides have a bad reputation, but these fatty molecules serve a useful purpose: storing energy until you need it. However, like wine, chocolate and other basically good things, too much can do you in. Levels above 150 mg/dL of triglycerides in your blood can thicken the walls of your arteries and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Bringing down your triglycerides to healthy levels calls for some serious waist management. That’s because belly fat — specifically, the apron of fat inside your belly known as the omentum — is a key player in raising your triglyceride levels (not to mention your cholesterol count and pants size). Your ideal waist size is 32½ inches if you’re female, 35 if you’re male.
What you eat can bring these fats down, too. Serve yourself plenty of fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, including mackerel, lake trout, herring and salmon. Cut out sugary, refined foods that spike insulin levels and, in turn, raise triglycerides. And, sorry, but give up alcohol. Even a little sends triglycerides skyward.
Submit questions at RealAge.com. Dr. Oz appears on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and gives more advice in his podcast at suntimes.com.
Thank you Drs. MEHMET OZ AND MICHAEL ROIZEN for yet another reason to keep taking my Moxxor! The most powerful Omega-3 supplement on the planet!
To Your Health!
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