Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood, formed from the foods you eat—especially fats like butter, margarine, and oils. When you consume more calories, sugar, or alcohol than your body needs, the excess is converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells throughout your body.
What Causes High Triglycerides?
Elevated triglyceride levels are often linked to other health conditions or lifestyle habits, including:
- Obesity
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Kidney disease
- Consistently eating more calories than you burn
- Excessive alcohol consumption
Certain medications may also contribute to high triglycerides, such as:
- Tamoxifen
- Steroids
- Beta-blockers
- Diuretics
- Estrogen or birth control pills
Are There Any Symptoms?
In most cases, high triglyceride levels don’t cause noticeable symptoms. However, in rare genetic cases, fatty deposits may appear under the skin—these are known as xanthomas.
Ways to Naturally Lower Triglyceride Levels:
The good news is that lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Here’s how you can support healthy triglyceride levels:
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce added sugars in your diet
- Increase physical activity
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol intake
