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 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 multi vitamin.
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.