Low Triglyceride Levels

You've probably heard of people having dangerously high triglyceride levels and all the associated risks with it, but what if the levels are too low? Before we answer this question, let's understand what triglycerides are exactly.

In the body, fats are stored in the form of triglycerides, which are then used to provide energy to the heart and body to perform daily functions. When someone has too much of these fats (lipids), it can prove to be very harmful for the body. The arteries can harden, and the risk of developing heart problems in the long run may increase. While a low level of triglycerides is healthy, extremely low levels can lead to several health problems.

The normal range of triglycerides occurs below 150 mg/dL. A level of 100 mg/dL or lesser is also considered to be optimal as recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA). However, any figure lower than this is considered to be dangerously low.

☛ So, you are a health-conscious person who follows a low-fat diet and avoids all kinds of foods rich in fats. Perhaps, you have taken it a little too far, which is why there are lesser fats or to say low triglyceride levels in the body.

☛ Always remember that fats are an essential source of energy and are also responsible for the absorption of essential fat-soluble vitamins in the body. They are also responsible for healthy cell formation.

☛ No matter how much weight you need to lose, you have to include healthy fats in your diet. Avoid trans and saturated fats, as these are the unhealthy culprits responsible for a host of problems. Also, always consult a nutritionist before getting started on any such diet plan.

✔ There are a lot of reasons for this. Even if you are overeating, it doesn't mean you are receiving all the essential nutrients required by your body. On the other hand, you may not be eating enough, therefore, the body is depleting its reserve of nutrients for healthy functioning.

✔ Stress, depression, anxiety, and other health problems, that kill your appetite, may be a reason you are eating too much or too little.

✔ When the reserve of fats is depleted by the body due to malnutrition, it means the triglyceride levels have reduced drastically.

☛ This is a condition known as the malabsorption syndrome in which the body is unable to absorb fats and other nutrients, such as vitamins, sugars, and carbohydrates.

☛ There are many reasons for the development of this syndrome. Some of them include: Celiac disease, genetic disease, lactose intolerance, certain medications, and problems with the small intestine.

☛ You may experience symptoms, such as gas, chronic diarrhea, and unexplained weight loss.

✔ Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is overactive, producing excessive amount of the hormone thyroxine. The hormones triiodothyronine (T-3) and thyroxine (T-4) are mainly produced by the thyroid gland.

✔ Symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, sleeplessness, anxiety, sweating, and increased appetite may be observed.

✔ The exact relation between hyperthyroidism and low triglycerides is not yet clear. However, in some cases, it has been found that hyperthyroidism could be responsible for low lipid levels in the body.

☛ A lot of you may be consuming medicines, such as fish-oil supplements, clofibrate capsules, and niacin to lower triglyceride levels.

☛ To put it simply, a drug that is meant to reduce the level of triglycerides will do so. It is the excessive consumption of these, over a period of time, that can prove to be detrimental. Therefore, regular consultation with your physician is a must.

As mentioned earlier, triglycerides are an important source of energy for the body. When their level is low, you tend to feel weak and exhausted, which can further lead to a host of other problems.

In case of any doubts, or if you feel that you can relate to the causes mentioned above, contact a trusted physician as soon as possible to diagnose the causal factors. It is only after a proper diagnosis that you can begin with the treatment and observe certain precautionary measures to bring the levels within the normal range.

Disclaimer: This Story is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.