What our Triglycerides are Trying to Tell Us

High triglycerides (TGs) are our liver’s white flag. It’s telling us that it’s storing excess carbs and sugars as fat in the liver and that the metabolic system in the body is struggling.

When I see TGs ≥1.5 mmol/L (or ≥133 mg/dL) – it’s not a cholesterol issue – it’s a sign that the engine is running on the wrong fuel.

That’s when we start exploring a bit more. At first, most people just say that they eat “chicken and vegetables” whenever I ask about diet, but once we dig deeper and go over their labs, usually recollections become more clear…there is no shame in that, it’s not like my nutrition is perfect and at times was quite ghastly to be frank, but we use it as a reality check now, before we get a heart attack.

The beautiful thing is that triglycerides are also one of the fastest lab markers to respond when we make changes. Labs will usually shift as quickly as 3-6 weeks (depending on the consistency) and continue to improve. Of course, there are exceptions to everything and some people are genetically unlucky but most of the time this is related to our habits .

Why don’t we want this excess storage of fat in our liver? Because it’s extremely inflammatory to the organ. Think of patch of skin that continues to get inflamed like with eczema…thinking of my poor kiddo here. If we keep scratching it, it just doesn’t heal and eventually scars. The excess processed carbs and sugars are the perpetual scratch to your liver. Alcohol will not help the situation either, but that’s for another post. 

While TGs respond quickly to lifestyle changes, there is another risk marker I want on your radar – which is not included in your routine cholesterol panel.

It’s called Lipoprotein(a) – or Lp(a) for short. Unlike TGs, Lp(a) is mostly genetic – you’re either born with high levels or you’re not. But if it’s elevated, it’s the sticky, inflamed version of cholesterol that unfortunately accelerates your plaque build up in your arteries.

Levels >100nmol/L (or >50mg/dL) are a signal to go into prevention mode. It doesn’t mean you’re doomed – it means we get proactive with things we can control.

I don’t view eggs as harmful or dangerous to your health. In fact, for most people, I’d much rather someone watch their processed food/take out intake than worry about eating eggs (unless they’re eating a MacMuffin – then just no).

Next time you check your labs, check your TGs and Lp(a). If they are high, you’ve got decisions to make. You don’t need to keep checking Lp(a)! Once in your lifetime is ok to just understand your genetic risk