- 1. Low calorie diet
- 2. Use of cholesterol drugs
- 3. Malnutrition
- 4. Malabsorption syndrome
- 5. Hyperthyroidism
- How to increase low triglycerides
Although there is no minimum value for the amount of triglycerides in the blood, very low values, such as those below 50 ml / dL, may indicate some type of disease or metabolic alteration, such as malabsorption, malnutrition or hyperthyroidism, for example.
So, although it is recommended to have low triglyceride values to ensure better cardiovascular health, very low values should be evaluated by a doctor, to identify if there is any problem that needs to be treated.
1. Low calorie diet
The main reason for the increase in triglyceride levels in the blood is the excess of calories in the diet, either through the consumption of carbohydrates or fat. Thus, people who are on very restrictive diets, especially in the amount of calories, may have very low levels of triglycerides.
What to do: this is considered a normal situation, however, it is important that the diet is being monitored by a nutritionist, since very restrictive diets can negatively affect health in the long run.
2. Use of cholesterol drugs
Some drugs used to control high cholesterol levels can have the side effect of lowering triglycerides, even when they are in adequate values. The most common is the use of statins, fibrates or omega 3.
What to do: one should consult the doctor who prescribed the use of the medication and evaluate the possibility of exchanging its use for another medication.
3. Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a cause similar to the low-calorie diet and happens due to a very low level of calories, which ends up not allowing the formation of triglycerides. However, this is a much more serious situation, which leads to the reduction of several important nutrients for the body.
Some symptoms that can help to identify a situation of malnutrition include:
- Excessive weight loss; Swollen belly; Weak hair, fragile nails and dry skin; Sudden mood swings
What to do: if a situation of malnutrition is suspected, especially in people who are fasting or do not have access to quality food, it is important to consult a general practitioner or an endocrinologist to confirm the diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment, which, in addition to food, must include the use of nutritional supplements to replace missing nutrients.
4. Malabsorption syndrome
This is a syndrome in which the intestine is unable to properly absorb nutrients from food, which leads to a decrease in the amount of calories, preventing the formation of triglycerides and decreasing their amount in the body.
An easy sign to identify, and which could indicate that the person suffers from the malabsorption syndrome, is the presence of fatty, clear and floating stools.
What to do: a gastroenterologist should be consulted for diagnostic tests, such as endoscopy and stool tests, to identify the cause of malabsorption and start the most appropriate treatment.
5. Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid is a very important gland in the regulation of metabolism, so when there is a change in which its functioning is increased, as in hyperthyroidism, the body starts to use more energy and can end up consuming the triglyceride reserves, which leads a sharp decrease in their levels.
In addition to the change in triglycerides, hyperthyroidism can have other consequences on the body such as weight loss, changes in heartbeat, weakening of nails and hair, as well as changes in behavior, with periods of greater nervousness and anxiety.
What to do: To identify a case of hyperthyroidism, it is advisable to consult a general practitioner or an endocrinologist to do blood tests and identify whether there is excess thyroid hormone, which is produced by the thyroid. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor can advise treatment with changes in the diet and use of any medication. See in more detail how is the treatment of hyperthyroidism.
How to increase low triglycerides
In order to normalize triglyceride values in addition to controlling the cause with medical treatment, healthy eating should be adopted, eating meals every 3 hours. Here are some tips on what you can eat at: Secrets of healthy eating.
However, it is not recommended to increase triglycerides excessively because they increase the risk of developing heart disease or even having a heart attack, for example. The reference values for triglycerides vary between 50 and 150 ml / dL and must be kept within this range to ensure sufficient energy to face moments of prolonged fasting or insufficient food.
Triglycerides are produced by eating excess sugar and are not directly related to dietary fat. When the individual ingests large amounts of sugar, the body initially produces the triglycerides which then accumulate in the form of fat that can form atheromatous plaques inside the arteries or be stored in the form of localized fat.
Learn what you can do to normalize your triglycerides: Fattening diet.
