High triglycerides helped by diet and exercise

DEAR DR. GOTT: Is there anything I can do to lower my triglyceride levels? My doctors have tried medications, but every one gives me heart issues. The heart specialist I was sent to says I can't take any of the cholesterol-lowering medications presently on the market. I now take niacin daily and am also trying to change my diet. I walk three miles a day. I am 52, 45 pounds overweight (I've lost 20 in the last year) and am disabled from a bad back. I had spinal cord surgery in 2003, so my workouts for weight loss are limited.

DEAR READER: Triglycerides are a type of fat (along with the various forms of cholesterol) found in the blood. They are converted by the body from calories that aren't used or needed immediately. They are stored in the fat cells until hormones release them for energy between meals. Individuals who regularly consume more calories, especially from carbohydrates and fats, than are burned may develop hypertriglyceridemia (high triglycerides).

Diagnosis is simple and made through a blood test. Levels below 100 are considered optimal, but those 149 or lower are normal. Borderline high levels range from 150 to 199, high from 200 to 499; those above 500 are considered very high.

Treatment typically doesn't include medication because weight loss, diet and exercise often work well. Diet changes include reducing calories, avoiding sugary/refined foods, reducing fat/cholesterol intake, eliminating trans fats, limiting alcohol, and choosing healthier fats, such as olive, peanut or canola oil. Replacing red meats with fish can also be beneficial, especially those high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon. Omega-3 fish oil pills can be used as well.

Exercising at least 30 minutes five to seven days a week can help lower triglyceride levels and LDL "bad" cholesterol, while increasing HDL "good" cholesterol. It can also stabilize and lower blood pressure and improve mood. Sometimes finding the time to exercise can be difficult, so try splitting it up into 10-minute increments. Take a short, brisk walk outside, use the stairs instead of the elevator, walk on a treadmill or do sit-ups while watching television.

Readers who are interested in learning more can order my Health Report "Understanding Cholesterol" by sending a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 U.S. check or money order to Dr. Peter Gott, P.O. Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title, or print an order form from my website's direct link: www.AskDrGottMD.com/order_form.pdf.

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have had tremors since my 20s (I'm now 73) and have had relief from them with brewer's yeast tablets. I started with one, and as I aged, am now up to four daily. Also, an article in Prevention magazine years ago said brewer's yeast stops morning sickness, so I have told many ladies about it. The ones who have tried it had immediate relief. It's cheap and effective but is getting harder to find, and I am afraid it will disappear from the market.

DEAR READER: Brewer's yeast is made from a one-celled fungus and is typically used in beer making. It can also be specifically grown for use as a nutritional supplement. For this use it is rich in chromium, selenium, protein and most of the B vitamins. It does not contain B12 and therefore is not appropriate for those looking to supplement this particular vitamin.

Over the years it has been thought to help treat diabetes, lower cholesterol, aid weight loss and improve acne. Some studies have suggested that brewer's yeast may actually be beneficial for these conditions, although other studies have not had similar results. It might help tremors or morning sickness, but clearly you and your friends have had success. I hope others benefit as well.

Readers, remember that before adding any over-the-counter medication, supplement or herbal therapy, to speak with your physician and/or pharmacist to ensure that the risk of interaction with other foods or medications is low. A balanced diet should provide adequate levels of most, if not all, vitamins and minerals that the body needs to function normally.

Readers who are interested in learning more can order my Health Report "Vitamins and Minerals" by sending a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 U.S. check or money order to Dr. Peter Gott, P.O. Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title, or print an order form from my website's direct link: www.AskDrGottMD.com/order_form.pdf.

Dr. Peter H. Gott is a retired physician and the author of several books, including "Live Longer, Live Better," "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet" and "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook," which are available at most bookstores or online. His website is www.AskDrGottMD.com.