Why are my triglycerides too low?

Why are my triglycerides high and how can I lower them?

• I had a health screening at my nutrition class today and found that my Total Cholesterol was high and my LDLs were not super high but still should be low. My total Cholesterol was 238 My BMI is normal I am 21 am 5'4 (64 in) and weight 139 lbs. I had normal blood pressure. I fasted 10 hours before this screening as well. I am a nutrition major and try to live a relatively healthy life style. I work out rigorously about 5 to 6 times a week. I do eat eggs regularly in the morning (1 yolk, 2 whites). I do not eat a lot of red meat. I stay away from butter and mayo and many processed fats. I do drink alcohol (in college, it does happen) and High cholesterol is prevalent in my family. I have lost 16 lbs in the past year and plan to keep on going. What can I do to lower my levels to a healthy range?

• Answer:

  Continue to eat a healthy diet and be sure to include lots of fruits and vegetables. Exercising does help increase heart protective HDL. Avoiding alcohol and sugary foods can help reduce triglycerides. Natural omega 3 fatty acids from fatty fish like salmon or from nuts can help improve cholesterol too. There are also natural supplements like omega 3 oils, flax seed and niacin that have been shown to reduce cholesterol Red yeast rice is another supplement that may reduce your levels. Unfortunately there may be a strong genetic component and your best defense is healthy diet, healthy weight and exercise.