Diet to Lower Triglycerides

A triglyceride-lowering diet is similar to a cholesterol-lowering diet. It includes adding certain fish (such as salmon and tuna) and fish oil (which contains omega-3 fatty acids) to the diet, while limiting the amount of saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol. As part of a diet to lower triglycerides, the use of alcohol should be limited or eliminated.

 

Diet to Lower Triglycerides: An Overview

When a person is diagnosed with high triglycerides, his or her healthcare provider may suggest a diet to lower triglycerides. Combined with exercise and weight loss, diet changes are very effective in lowering triglycerides to a normal level.
 

Diet to Lower Triglycerides: Recommendations

A diet to lower triglycerides is similar to a
 cholesterol-lowering diet. It should include:
 
  • No more than 7 to 10 percent of total calories coming from saturated fat
  • Limiting the total amount of fat in your diet to under 30 percent
  • Limiting the amount of cholesterol in your diet
  • Eating only enough calories to achieve or maintain a healthy weight
  • Adding triglyceride-lowering food or supplements, such as fish and fish oil.
     
As part of this diet, it is also recommended to limit or eliminate the use of alcohol. Alcohol can significantly increase triglyceride levels.
 
(Click Low Cholesterol Diet for more specifics and suggestions on this diet to lower triglycerides.)
 
(Diet to Lower Triglycerides Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD