Am I at increased risk for COVID?

Q:

At my yearly physical, my doctor told me that I have high triglycerides. When I mentioned it to my sister, she said that puts me at a higher risk of contracting COVID. Is that true, and if so, what can I do to reduce my risk?

A:

Triglycerides are a type of blood fat, and while having elevated levels doesn’t put you at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, it’s often associated with cardiovascular disease, which is linked to an increased risk of more severe symptoms if you do get COVID. Thankfully, you can lower triglyceride levels naturally, and researchers at George Washington University found that doing so reduces the risk of severe COVID symptoms by 73%, plus slashes heart disease and stroke risk in half.

Here’s how: Supplement with vitamin D-3. The nutrient can trim up to 60 points off your triglycerides in about five months, making it as effective as some prescription medications, according to a study conducted by scientists at Cornell University. Not only does vitamin D help the body burn blood glucose before it can be converted into triglycerides, it also improves immunity. In fact, research published in the journal JAMA Network Open found that having ample levels of vitamin D lowers the risk of catching COVID by 44%. Plus, the immunity boost can help prevent severe symptoms if you do get the virus. I recommend taking 2,000 IU of D-3 daily with a meal that has fat, since the vitamin needs fat to be efficiently absorbed.

Taking 30 minutes a week to stretch can also lower your triglycerides. The gentle movement tamps down levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is linked to high triglycerides and poor immune function.