How long does it take to lower triglyceride levels?
What are Triglycerides?
Triglycerides are the products of the breakdown of fats in the blood. A triglyceride is a molecule of sugar with three fatty acids. When the amount of triglycerides in our body is high, it poses a health risk and causes diseases.
Triglyceride Values Explained
The normal triglyceride levels for those 19 years of age or older are less than 150 milligrams per deciliter. Triglyceride levels are already considered to be borderline high at 150 to 200 milligrams per deciliter. A triglyceride level of 200 to 500 milligrams per deciliter is considered a high level. Triglyceride levels of 500 milligrams per deciliter or greater are considered to be at very high levels and are extremely dangerous to your health. Elevated triglyceride levels carry an increased risk of developing pancreatitis and cardiovascular disease, especially in those who suffer from high cholesterol as well.
Triglyceride Levels Go Down Based on Current Health and Lifestyle
Lowering triglyceride levels is especially important to reduce future health risks. It is important to remember that reducing triglyceride levels in the blood without medication can only be done with the guidance of a specialist, and it is advisable to combine this approach with the assistance of a dietitian. Lowering triglyceride levels in the blood without medication focuses on different therapeutic directions such as dietary changes, reducing the intake of medications and substances such as alcohol, steroids, and pills, and balancing diseases with diabetes treatment and weight loss.
Lowering triglyceride levels in the blood without medication can be done in various ways, accompanied by a medical professional, for varying periods, from weeks to months and beyond. This is done by treating the various factors that led to high triglyceride values.
The length of time it takes to lower triglyceride levels can vary according to the new diet and lifestyle changes made and can take up to several months. That is, after 6 months, we should see a significant decrease in triglyceride levels. Already before that, the triglyceride levels will begin to gradually get lower, and we can expect to see some small results.
Different Factors Contribute to More Noticeable Results
If we are dealing with high triglyceride levels due to alcohol consumption, a significant decrease in these levels can be expected within shorter periods if one drastically cuts alcohol out of their daily drinking habits.
If taking a niacin supplement to improve triglyceride levels (as well as cholesterol levels), the results may not be so sudden, and can take up to several months to notice.
Consuming foods that are low in saturated fat and carbohydrates, increasing physical activity, and reducing or eliminating the consumption of processed foods are expected to lead to a reduction in triglyceride levels within six months. After six months, the triglyceride level reduction was most evident; after a year (and even two years), the decline was still noticeable if the lifestyle changes were maintained.
