I'd be interested in input from members in regards to the TG/HDL ratio (triglycerids: high density lipids) I just had bloodwork done and my ratio is 3.13 (141/45) which I'm thinking is not exactly ideal. I'm 47 and male in good health. Is a 3.13 ratio in the danger zone? I've heard that over 2 is not good. How can I get this down below 2 (or lower). Thanks very much in advance! Charlie

Two words Charlie, Zone diet. My TG/HDL was not good in my pre-Zone days (almost 4, yikes). That was 18 years ago and now I'm a bit under 0.6.

Charlie, some more info, the TG/HDL is a surrogate marker for fasting insulin. With the higher TG/HDL your insulin levels are most likely also elevated, which points to higher than desirable levels of cellular inflammation. The best defense is an anti-inflammatory diet rich in polyphenols (the Zone) and Omega Rx.

Charlie, the 4 on the TG/HDL is a typo. Was much higher. My TG was about 215 and my HDL in the mid-30's, making it around 5.5-6 My HDL is about 80 now.

Sue thanks so much for your response. Yes, I do think my insulin levels are high (would recent bloodwork show this?) and that I have cellular/systemic inflammation going on; psoriasis outbreaks which I never had before (the skin problems began in my early 40's. Perhaps my only saving grace is tennis and I'm not overweight at all (well maybe 5-10 pounds Which of the dietary supplements would you recommend? Am I able to get the Omega 3's naturally or do I need a supplement?

Hi,

Recent blood work would only give you the insulin answer if you specifically had a fasting insulin test done (not to be confused with fasting glucose, which is a measure of the blood sugar level).

I take the Zone fish oil, Sea Health Plus and Polyphenols XT (active ingredient in this is delphinidins from the maqui berry, which is a South American blueberry) The anti-inflammatory Zone diet together with the polyphenols and Omega RX produces positive results that you can actually feel and measure with blood testing. The omega 3's Dr. Sears recommends to reduce the cellular inflammation are specifically those found in fish (EPA and DHA), but you would have to eat enormous amounts of fish daily to benefit. The other downside is you'd be ingesting high amounts fo ocean pollution, if you could even manage to eat pounds of fish daily.

Click on the many links on this page to learn more about it http://www.zonediet.com/omega-3-fish-oil

Here's more info about polyphenols http://www.zonediet.com/polyphenols

You check here to find out your current body fat %, including pounds of both lean body mass and body fat (15% body fat is ideal for a man) http://www.zonediet.com/tools/body-...calculator