What is the Connection between Alcohol and Triglyceride Levels?

There are many hazards associated with alcohol abuse and people have been warned against them. High triglyceride levels are a cause for concern and research has proved that it is linked to high alcohol consumption.

Alcohol is simply fermented sugar (glucose) which is quickly absorbed by the body. The sugar compounds contain no nutrients, only calories and if found in excess, they are converted into triglycerides. Sugar is used by the body for energy but the extra sugar is converted into fat to be stored as fat cells for later use. It is the same for all sugar-filled items like sweets. Another way by which alcohol raises triglyceride levels is by inhibiting the liver enzyme responsible for breaking down triglycerides and consequently, excess of triglycerides will be released by the liver into the bloodstream. Alcohol is considered the priority for the liver to metabolize above other metabolic processes. The liver is capable of detoxifying about one ounce of alcohol per hour, equivalent to one serving of an alcoholic beverage. Meanwhile, the glucose is processed into triglycerides.

High concentrations of triglycerides in the blood leave the patient vulnerable to atherosclerosis and other kind of diseases that can afflict the heart. There is also the risk of fatty liver, a condition wherein large deposits of triglycerides attach to the liver. It may be a temporary or permanent condition that can have serious health ramifications. In extreme cases, the liver expands to three times its normal size becoming sensitive and painful. Scarring and hardening of the organ is also a real possibility as a result of the expansion. The primary cause of fatty liver is alcoholism.

For people with unhealthy levels of triglycerides, indulging in alcohol can have detrimental effects on their health by worsening their levels. Avoidance or limiting consumption will help to manage the amount of triglycerides in your blood. Even light drinking is known to provoke a noticeable increase in your triglyceride levels. That is the reason people with high or borderline triglycerides are warned against drinking alcohol including red wine, beer or whiskey. Moreover, it is widely known that drinkers also eat small snacks to complement their alcohol consumption. The snacks like nuts or chips have high fat and sodium content that increase triglyceride level.

Studies have uncovered that small amounts of alcohol are beneficial to diabetics and those afflicted with cardiovascular disease. However, studies have also stated that people known as ‘responder’, their triglyceride levels will spike even if they moderate their consumption of alcohol.

Overweight individuals who consume large quantities will find their triglyceride levels will improve if they lose weight and limit their alcohol consumption. If you are unsure of how alcohol affects your triglyceride levels, then seek a professional opinion. First have your triglyceride levels tested, then halt consumption of alcohol for three weeks, test your triglyceride levels again. If there is a notable decrease in triglyceride levels after your period of abstinence, you might be a responder. Responders typically need only one drink to increase their triglyceride levels.

Additional Resources: