Originally published March 25 2011
Lower your triglyceride levels and reduce your stroke risk
by Derrell Jones
(NaturalNews) Stroke is a highly recognizable and tragic part of our health psyche today. With good reason prevention is seen as being key. Medical science has pointed a decisive finger at controlling cholesterol levels as one of the ways to reduce the risk of ischemic stroke. Recent research has shown, however, that there may be more to the prevention equation to consider.
A study conducted in Copenhagen highlights an interesting correlation between ischemic stroke and non-fasting triglyceride levels (triglyceride levels while eating or just after eating). Researchers found that as non-fasting triglyceride levels rose the risk of ischemic stroke rose as well. It would seem that lowering one's non-fasting triglyceride levels would be imperative in reducing stroke risk.
Ischemic Stroke
An ischemic stroke is the result of a blockage or partial blockage of an artery that supplies blood to the brain. People, who are overweight, have high cholesterol and/or high triglyceride levels and are sedentary, have an increased risk of having an ischemic stroke. Pharmaceutical interventions to reduce triglycerides are most often sought by doctors and patients alike. Statins or fibrates are then prescribed with potentially devastating side effects.
Diet and Lifestyle
Some healthcare professionals require a sincere effort in making dietary changes before prescribing triglyceride lowering medications. The dietary advice given is generally vague like "reduce your fat consumption" or "take in more fruits and vegetables". These are good ideas but in the absence of a more thorough nutritional evaluation it may not be enough. Also a person's lifestyle must be taken into consideration but is often over looked. A stressful job or personal life can affect how the body deals with triglycerides. For these patients drug therapy would unfortunately be automatic.
Naturally Lower Your Triglyceride Levels to Lower Your Risk of Stroke
An often overlooked culprit of higher than normal triglyceride levels is the consumption of inflammation causing foods. Highly processed foods and foods containing things like high fructose corn syrup, MSG or any derivative thereof will lead to increased triglycerides in the bloodstream. Eliminating highly processed foods from the diet is crucial.
In addition to eliminating processed foods one should increase consumption of fresh organic fruits and vegetables significantly. Decreased exposure to chemical pesticides and herbicides with increased intake of non-inflammatory foods is ideal for lowering triglyceride levels (and cholesterol as well). Besides, the more healthy fruits and vegetables you consume the less room you will have for the stroke inducing processed stuff.
A published study in the journal Psycophysiology confirmed that mental stress caused triglycerides to remain in the bloodstream longer contributing to adverse cardiovascular episodes. Relieving stress through moderate exercise and limiting stress response through meditation are just two of the numerous ways stress management can reduce triglyceride levels.
Finally, seek a holistic minded nutritionist or naturopath that would be able to give specific and tailored advice.
Sources
http://www.timesofindia.com/PDATOI/articlesh...
http://www.reducetriglycerides.com/relaxatio...
http://www.medicinenet.com/fibrates/article....
Psychophysiology, 2002: 39; 80-85
About the author
Derrell is a Nutritional Consultant and is currently seeking a diploma as a Holistic Health Practitioner. His mission is to assist as many people as possible during a time when good health is stolen instead of fostered. Follow Derrell at thoughtfulhealth.blogspot.com or email him at [email protected]. If you are interested in toxin free personal care products please visit mysisel.com/thoughtfulhealth. Sign up to purchase products.
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