High Triglycerides?

[NaomiZ]

Hi,
I have a friend who in a recent checkup was told his triglycerides were up to 4,000 when they should be 400! I was wondering if anyone has a suggestion as to the quickest natural way to bring his triglycerides down. I'm not sure if his doctor has him on any drug or not. I just haven't the immediate knowledge to share with him and havn't had time to do the research, so was hoping to tap into the well of knowledge here! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, he's a little stressed out by it.
Thanks again,   Naomi

[blujay]

They probably thought he shouldn't be living if has a level that high.

From what I understand, our levels can fluctuate dramatically, depending alot on our diet, stress, foods recently eaten, medications, organ function, disease presence, etc.

As long as he is still alive, there is hope, and the worst thing he could do is take the doctors opinion to seriously and get all stressed out, this will just compound and increase the problem. (Most doctors first mistake: mis-inform and mis-lead their patients).

But he should take this as a sign of some serious changes needed in his diet and life style. There isn't just one natural thing that will lower his levels, while he continued to neglect the impact of his other dietary choices. If thats what he wants, then the doctor has lots of drugs to fit that bill.

Just like all prevention strategies, quality whole foods and consistent exercise will alway stand out. So as for a whole foods dietary approach, I would recommend high quality anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory foods. (depending on the kind of medication he is already on)

To get a more accurate test level. Work on adding whole foods to the diet then go and get at least 2 more tests at different times.

[susan]

Yikes!  I have seen pictures of blood drawn right after someone has had hamburger, fries & and a milkshake and you would fall over to see the thick layer of coagulated fat in the test tube of blood. Depending on the food eaten prior to the test, the fat in blood will vary. I absolutely agree with the previous post and will add one thing - FIBER. Dietary soluble fiber can latch on to triglycerides in our blood and eliminate them through our bowel. With the severity of this case, I would also recommend adding supplemental fiber to the diet. Oat, rice, wheat bran can be purchased in bilk and added to foods. Ground flaxseed, chia and other seeds are great. Beans are also high fiber foods. Fiber caps that contain a combination of different fiber sources may be easier for some people as well.

Remember, however adding a lot of fiber all at once especially for someone who has had a highly refined diet, will cause gas, bloating and discomfort. Slowly add fiber foods as refined foods are eliminated. Digestive enzymes can help this process as well.

Another important component is EXERCISE we burn fatty acids in our muscles. Weight baring exercise is key!

[AmandaL]

Also, he needs to avoid alcohol.  The sugar in alcohol can drive up triglycerides. 

[NaomiZ]

Thank you all so much,
 All really great info! He works in a bar so the alcohol thing is prob. a major contributing factor. I'm having him keep a food journal and passing on all this advice! Hooray for the forum!
Naomi