Question: My husband’s cholesterol is good but his triglycerides are very high. They put him on statins but within a few days he ached all over. Can you please help?

Dr. Brownstein's Answer:

Triglycerides are molecules that have three fatty acids attached to them. They are found in the blood stream. It is the main fatty substance of vegetable oils and animal fats. They are a major source of energy for the body.

High triglycerides have been linked to heart disease and atherosclerosis. High levels also are linked to pancreatitis. Triglycerides should be below 150 mg/dl.

High triglyceride levels do not result from a lack of a statin drug. Therefore, statin drugs should not be used to treat the problem.

Niacin deficiency has been shown to correlate with high triglyceride levels. I have used niacin successfully for years to help control triglyceride levels. The doses of niacin can range from 500 mg to 2,000 mg a day. It is best to avoid timed-released or “no-flush” niacin products because they have been associated with liver problems.

Eliminating refined sugar and refined carbohydrates from the diet is very helpful to lower triglyceride levels.