How to lower triglyceride levels

My husband is 64 years old and extremely active..He is also very fit and is doing most things that he can to lower his triglyceride level..which is still at 560..

Our primary physician has him on 80 mg. of simvistatin each day as well as taking the omega 3;s, eating oatbran,, oatmeal.,etc..


His levels have been high for several years and I wonder if he should continue with this regimen or seek the counsel of a cardiologist...His primary physician checks him every 6 months and seems to think he is doing ok...
I am not so sure and think maybe he can get his levels lowered... 

Thanks for your question.  It may be that your husband's triglyceride levels are high due to a familial/genetic condition.  Many individuals have hypertriglyceridemia (elevated triglyceride levels).  Triglyceride levels should always be checked when a patient is fasting for at least 8 hours as the level will be higher post-prandial (after meals).  A normal triglyceride level is below 150 mg/dL.

Triglyceride levels can be elevated due to high fat and/or high sugar diet, as well as alcohol.  In addition to limiting high fat foods (fast food, fried food, high fat desserts, butter, gravy, margarine, fatty cuts of meat, sausage, bacon, etc), excess sugar consumption should also be scaled back.  Sugar from soda, sweetened beverages, candy and dessert is not the only culprit.  Even excess sugar from fruit and fruit juice as well as other carbohydrates (pasta, rice, cereal, pretzels, corn, etc) may increase triglyceride levels.  Finally, being overweight or obese will increase triglyceride levels as can alcohol consumption.

Beyond diet, exercise, medication and omega-3-fatty acid supplementation (ie. prescription dose fish oil), there is not much more to do.  It sounds like your husband's physician has him on the right regimine to reduce his triglycerides and your husband is doing his part.

If his other lipid levels are within normal limits (HDL at 40 or higher, LDL at 130 or less and total cholesterol below 200), and other risk factors for coronary heart disease are controlled (i.e. high blood pressure, diabetes, etc), his risk for heart disease may be less even with an elevated triglyceride level.

Finally, if he has not seen a Registered Dietitian to review his diet for sugar and fat content, I'd highly recommend it!  To find an RD in your area, check out the American Dietetic Association web site: www.eatright.org  there is a section called "Find a nutrition professional" where he can locate one to work with.

Best of luck!

Nutrigirl

Red, white and blueberry

We had plenty of leftover ice cream, cake and a peach pie my husband whipped up this morning for a neighborhood pot luck.

But the best dessert for the 4th?  It doesn't get much easier (or healthier) than this!

Cut and wash 1 cup of fresh strawberries.
Wash 1 cup of fresh blueberries
Place a half cup of each in a bowl and cover in light ready whip.  Serve to your two favorite sweeties. Done.

Hooked on McDonald's for breakfast

Dear Nutrigirl-

I can't seem to kick my egg McMuffin habit.  Any thoughts on a healthier alternative?

Thanks,
Egg on her face

Dear Egg-

Here's a simple and tasty way to enjoy your favorite breakfast, while reducing the carbon footprint!  The time and money you spend to hit the drive-through could be used making this simple sandwich.  Here's what you'll need:

1 whole wheat English muffin
1 egg & 1 Tbsp. water
Non-stick cooking spray (i.e. Pam)
1 Tbsp. low fat shredded cheddar or other cheese
1 Tbsp. Chopped onions, peppers or other spinach (optional)

Directions
Toast the muffin and set aside.
Spray a small bowl with non-stick spray.
Crack the egg and place it in the bowl with 1 Tbsp. water.  Scramble the egg.
Add your vegetables of choice and mix in with the egg.
Microwave the egg mixture for ~1 minute, then take out of the microwave and add the cheese.
Fold the egg & cheese in a square and place on the muffin.

Voila- healthy breakfast sandwich!

Nutrition Facts: Calories 280, Fat 11 grams, Protein 14 grams

supplements for broken hip?

My mother broke her hip, and is temporarily residing in a nursing home for rehabilitation. What type of additional supplements can she take to speed up her recovery?

Thanks for your question.  Hopefully your mother's appetite is good enough for her to maintain her weight and heal her hip.  Her diet should be a bit higher in calories and protein to aid in healing.  For example, the RDA for protein for healthy adults is .8 gram/kg (1 kg = 2.2 lbs).  To aid in healing, she should be eating closer to 1.2 grams of protein/kg. Also- if she is in rehabilitation for longer than 2 weeks, I'd suggest she have her vitamin D level checked.  Vitamin D deficiency is more common in the elderly and can affect bone health as it is needed for calcium absorption. Additional calcium + vitamin D (1200 mg calcium + 800 IU vitamin D) daily may aid in healing her hip.  If her vitamin D level is low, her doctor may need to replace it with an even higher dose. Finally, she should maintain adequate hydration by drinking plenty of fluid (1.5 -2 liters) daily. Best of luck!

weight loss during lactation

I gained 47 pounds while I was pregnant. I just gave birth and I’m still 20 pounds heavier than before I got pregnant. Is it safe to go on a weight reduction diet if I breastfeed my child? Thanks Gwen

03/07/11

Hi Gwen- Thanks for your question.  It is perfectly safe to diet while breastfeeding, as long as your baby is getting the nutrients he or she needs.  The most important nutrients are calcium and vitamin D, so make sure you consuming 3-4 servings of low fat dairy products daily (skim or 1% milk, low fat yogurt, light string cheese, calcium fortified cottage cheese, etc).  The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends 200 IU of vitamin D drops for infants that are breastfed. If you are not already exercising, regular aerobic exercise as well as strength training will also help you lose excess weight.  You may want to meet with a Registered Dietitian to help you with a meal plan that meets your needs.  You can locate one through the American Dietetic Association.  The web site is: http://www.eatright.org/ Go to the "Find a Nutrition Professional" section to locate one in your are. Best of luck with your new baby!

difference between mono and polyunsaturated fat

Fat

	Question submitted on 03/06/11 on RDCentral.com by Dani25 to RD has Responded: Hello, Which type of fat is better, monounsaturated or polyunsaturated? And, can you explain the difference. I hear these terms a lot when it comes to Cholesterol, but I'm not really sure the what they mean exactly. Thank You

Thanks for your question.  Both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated are heart healthy and can help in reducing blood cholesterol levels.  In general, they are liquid at room temperature, although some polyunsaturated fats (such as omega-3-fatty acids) are found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna. Sources of monounsaturated fats include canola, olive and peanut oil.  Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, peanuts, etc) are also good sources of monounsaturated fats.  Most foods have a mix of different fats, so these foods also contain some saturated, natural trans fat as well as polyunsaturated fat. Polyunsaturated fats include corn oil, sunflower, safflower, soybean and other vegetable oils.  These fats help lower cholesterol, but may also lower HDL ("healthy" cholesterol).  It is best to obtain a balance of both types of fat in your diet.  Polyunsaturated fats are more prevalent in our diet as they are found in many processed foods (crackers, cookies, etc). Cholesterol is only found in animal foods as it is made in the liver.  Foods high in saturated and trans fat (butter, beef, bacon, margarine, fast food, desserts, full fat dairy products, etc), raise blood cholesterol and should be limited if you're trying to lower your cholesterol level.  Weight loss and a diet high in soluble fiber (oats, beans, barley, fruits, vegetables) also lower blood cholesterol. I hope this clears the confusion!

Diet and osteoporosis

Hi, Can nutrition reverse or cure osteoporosis? Thank You

Thanks for your question.  While you cannot 'cure' or reverse osteoporosis, there are medications that will help to maintain current bone mass and prevent further loss.  These include Fosamax, Boniva and other prescription medications. A diet high in calcium and vitamin D will help to maintain bone mass, as will calcium and vitamin D supplementation.  Regular exercise (weight bearing such as walking) will also help to maintain bone mass.  Check with your doctor for other options.