The TLC diet or “Therapeutic Lifestyle Change” diet is a three-part program that uses physical activity, weight management, and diet to help reduce high blood cholesterol. Have you ever looked at the definition of cholesterol?
In the definition, it describes it as a waxy fat-like substance. This substance is found in all parts of the body in the walls of cells – this includes everything from the liver and the nervous system to the heart. The body uses cholesterol in order to make bile acids, hormones, Vitamin D and a variety of other substances.
High cholesterol is no respecter of persons and can affect anyone of any age, race or ethnicity. It is the number one killer of both men and women in America. The higher your cholesterol is the more at risk you are for serious diseases and even premature death.
Before beginning the TLC diet as with any lifestyle change in your diet you should consult a physician. Sometimes drugs are needed to help reduce blood cholesterol but the TLC program should still be followed.
The bad news about high blood cholesterol is that anyone can get it but the good news is that everyone can take certain steps that lower their chances of getting it. The TLC diet is one of the main ways and is safe and actually encouraged for all ages from children to adults and for men and women.
The medical community has stated there are no health risks or serious side effects for the TLC eating pattern. The TLC diet is considered a heart-healthy diet. This means the main emphasis for eating is heavy on fruits, veggies, and whole grains. It is light on saturated fat and salt. This is still considered the best way to maintain cholesterol and blood pressure and prevent heart disease.
A recent study showed 36 adults following a typical American diet which is high in saturated fat and cholesterol and the other group following the TLC diet which maintains low amounts of cholesterol and saturated fats. After 32 days when the study ended those who participated in the LDL diet decreased their LDL by 11 percent. This study was published in the Journal of Lipid Research in 2003. Although not as much research has been done on the TLC diet regarding diabetes the Journal of Atherosclerosis states that TLC significantly lowers the fasting insulin levels of participants with high cholesterol.
The best thing about the TLC diet for all age groups is it promotes healthy eating. Many people today have dietary restrictions from religious to personal beliefs. This diet can be structured to fit most needs from vegetarian to kosher to halal. You may also be able to create a low salt or a gluten-free diet with the TLC diet. It is always a good idea to include a multivitamin. TLC is not just a diet but a lifestyle change for anyone wishing to help reduce high cholesterol they have now or to help prevent getting this disease in the future.
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