What is the Meaning & Definition of triglycerides
Transformation process
Fats contained in the foods we eat are subjected to a process of digestion by the action of a group of enzymes called lipases that convert them into short-chain fats and fatty acids that can be easily absorbed in the intestine, once blood are carried to the liver where they become triglycerides which may be used to generate energy to be processed by the muscle , or shall be deposited as energy reserve in fatty tissue to be used in the future.
In addition to fatty acids, carbohydrates also can be converted into triglycerides, especially when they are ingested in excess and reach high levels in the blood.
Elevated levels of triglycerides
Elevated levels of triglycerides are due to various factors such as genetic conditions, type of diet, lifestyle and drug use. In some cases this elevation is due to genetic conditions that affect normal metabolism of these substances by increasing their concentrations in the blood, however the main cause of the elevation of triglycerides is related to factors such as diet.
Sometimes there may be only triglyceride elevation, but in some cases they increase both triglycerides and cholesterol. In the particular case of triglycerides, these tend to be elevated in conditions such as obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and when there is excessive intake of alcoholic beverages.
The elevation of the levels of insulin in people with diabetes or hyperinsulinism favors the development of hypertriglyceridemia and fatty liver, which is associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk. In cases of over 1000 mg/dl triglyceride elevation there is an increased risk of developing serious conditions such as acute pancreatitis.
Other conditions associated with elevated levels of triglycerides in blood are diseases such as hypothyroidism, sedentariness, renal diseases, hepatitis, immunological diseases and the use of some drugs as steroids, hormonal therapies with estrogen and even the use of drugs for the treatment of hypertension diuretics and beta-blockers.
How to treat it
The main treatment of disorders of triglycerides is the combination of a diet low in fats and foods high in carbohydrates accompanied with a plan of aerobic exercise. Recommended the adoption of diets similar to the Mediterranean diet rich in fatty acids omega 3 from fish, also the use of oils such as olive oil and the reduction in the intake of red meat, accompanied by increased consumption of fruits and vegetables as well as dairy nonfat or low-fat.
In the event of changes in the diet and lifestyle are not sufficient, the use of treatment schemes is possible with drugs to reduce levels of triglycerides isolated or as much triglycerides as cholesterol.
Article contributed by the team of collaborators.