Annual Blood Work (Sept 2021

 Blood work normal except for the following:  (normal range) [last year]

HDL cholesterol 39L (>50) [43]

Triglycerides 358 (<150) yikes! [329]

Non HDL cholesterol 146 (<130) [154}

Noteworthy:

Total cholesterol; 187 (<200) [197] getting better.  (fasting worked?)

Potassium and Chloride both normal this year, wasn't last year.

A1c 5.6 (5.7+ is pre diabetes, same number last year)

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What causes high triglycerides?

Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. They come from food, and your body also makes them. Triglycerides are fats from the food we eat that are carried in the blood. Most of the fats we eat are in triglyceride form. Extra calories, alcohol and sugar in the body turn into triglycerides and are stored in fat cells throughout the body. Triglycerides become elevated due to excess calories that do not get burned off, and in turned get stored in fat cells.

Factors that can contribute to elevated triglyceride levels:

• Insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome
• Alcohol consumption, especially in excess
• Excess sugar intake, especially from processed foods
• High saturated fat intake
• Hypothyroidism
• Physical inactivity

Certain dietary and lifestyle changes can lower triglyceride numbers. To keep triglycerides and total cholesterol within a healthy range:

• Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet with less unhealthy fats and simple sugars (carbohydrates) and more fiber.
• Control high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Cut back on alcohol.
• Get enough sleep.

Keith at Idy Health Center mentioned they think they might put me on high Omega-3 regime.  Omaga-3s high in fish, flaxseed, walnuts, chia seeds.  Been taking chia seeds for about a month now, does it take longer to work? hmmm...