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What are Triglycerides?
Triglycerides are the body’s storage form of fat and are
transported in the blood to you fat stores or used as fuel for
your muscles. In HIV/AIDS, triglyceride levels may be higher
than normal because the body may not be breaking down fat and
storing it in the proper way. This could be because of a HAART
medication or from the HIV virus itself.
What are the Side Effects?
Having high triglycerides can increase your risk of heart
complications such as heart attack and stroke.
Causes of High Triglycerides
- HIV Virus
- HIV Meds
- High Sugar Intake
- Increased Alcohol Consumption
How Do I Know I Have High Triglycerides? |
| <150 |
normal |
| 150–199 |
borderline high |
| 200–499 |
high |
| >500 |
very high |
How to lower Triglyceride Levels
- Avoid refined sugar and concentrated sweets such as juice, soda, candy, cake,
white bread/pasta/rice, added sugar and honey
- Avoid alcoholic beverages
- Include Omega 3 fats:
o Fish: Eat 2-3 servings of fish per day or take a fish oil supplement approved by your MD or nutritionist
o Include flaxseed and walnuts in diet often. They have a type of fat called ALA, which can lower triglycerides
- Include monounsaturated fats such as olive oil, canola oil, avocado, almonds, peanuts
- Include soy products in diet such as soy milk and tofu
- Include soluble fiber such as oatmeal, the inside of fruits, vegetables and beans
- Increase physical activity, both cardiovascular and resistance training
- Improve weight if overweight
Tips
- Make a trail mix with walnuts, or almonds and dried fruit as a snack
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of crushed flaxseed in oatmeal, muffins, pancake mix and smoothies
- Add tofu to soups and smoothies
Revised 5/06
© 2006 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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