According to Nan Kathryn Fuchs, PhD, a well-known nutritionist and good friend of mine, "Triglycerides are fats your body stores for future energy. We all need a little extra stored energy. But if you're carrying excess weight around your tummy, thighs, buttocks, or other areas, you've got more triglycerides than you need."



Well, I definitely fit into that group. So I was very curious about how to lower triglycerides. I certainly don't want to lose my memory. And Nan was kind enough to tell me. First, get some exercise, lose weight, and eat very little sugar.

The ideal level for triglycerides is under 100 mg/dl. But if your level is over 150, changing your diet and exercising may not be enough. There are several nutrients you can use that are very effective at lowering triglycerides. Nan's favorites are:

* Chromium: This mineral is frequently low in people with high triglycerides. Study after study shows that just 200 mcg of chromium supplementation has significantly lowered triglycerides. But some people need much more. Talk with your doctor about taking 200 mcg two to three times a day for a few months. It's safe.

* Fish oil and flax oil: These essential fats can lower your triglycerides up to 65%, so include them in your daily supplements. Take one to two capsules of a contaminant-free fish oil each day. You can find them in any health food store.

* Padma Basic: This herbal remedy contains 22 natural ingredients. It was originally used to increase circulation and improve peripheral artery disease. The result is reduced leg pain and cramps that come from walking. Now we're finding that Padma does much more. A side effect of this antioxidant-rich formula is that it significantly lowers triglycerides (two tablets taken two times a day). Padma Basic is very hard to find, but you can get it by calling Advanced Bionutritionals (800-728-2288). Give it a three-month trial.

* Garlic: This popular herb is known for its ability to lower cholesterol and triglycerides. However, you should know that it could take three to four months before you see a significant drop. Be patient and try it for six months. Eating raw garlic, and taking one of the many garlic products available may lower your triglycerides. But be aware that garlic supplements vary in their chemical makeup. If you're going to take a garlic supplement to lower your triglycerides, I suggest you use Kwai -- the brand used in most studies. You can find it in all health food stores. The dose most commonly used was one tablet, three times a day.

Nan says a change in diet and the right supplements are usually all you need to lower your triglycerides to a safe level. And it's one of the best ways to make sure you don't lose your memory to Alzheimer's.