Low-Cholesterol Diet

Recommended for persons with a high level of cholesterol, which increases the risk of coronary disease and especially that of heart attacks. The TLC diet is a specially designed diet to lower cholesterol. It reduces total level of cholesterol by 15 percent.

All low-cholesterol diets aim to reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL) by replacing bad saturated fats (animal fats) with healthy, unsaturated ones (vegetal, especially olive oil), consumed in moderation. Hydrogenated oils should be avoided by all means, as they not only increase LDL cholesterol but also decrease the level of HDL cholesterol.

Regular exercise is a great help.

The Gluten-Free Diet

Is a lifetime diet for persons with gluten intolerance.

Gluten intolerance (Celiac Disease) is a cohesive, elastic protein found in wheat, rye, oats, and barley, which affects many people worldwide. Sufferers must totally avoid foods that contain these grains.

Celiac Disease could develop complications like cancer, osteoporosis, anemia and seizures. It is related to many immune-related disorders: Type I diabetes (mellitus), chronic active hepatitis, chronic fatigue syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.

Low-Glycemic Diet

Is recommended especially for diabetics. It has been proven to reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease and help cure obesity.

Benefits of Low-Glycemic Diets

They help control levels of blood sugar and body weight. They reduce levels of unhealthy blood triglycerides and boost beneficial fat and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). They cut levels of C-reactive protein — an indication of inflammation associated with increased heart disease risk.

Low-glycemic diets include plenty of fruit, vegetables, beans, nuts, whole grains and healthy fat (especially olive oil but also canola oil), lean meat, skinless poultry and seafood.

High-glycemic foods: highly processed foods, with minimal amounts of fiber and plenty of sugar, refined breads and breakfast cereals. They also include white potatoes, which have a significantly higher glycemic index than sweet potatoes.

A Low-Potassium Diet

Is recommended for persons with kidney problems, in the situation when the kidneys cannot regulate the potassium level all by themselves. High potassium levels may lead to heart problems triggering blood pressure problems and even cardiac arrest, muscle and nerve problems.

Foods that are rich in potassium: dairy products, nuts, seeds, beans, and many fruits and vegetables.

Most salt substitutes contain potassium.

Besides avoiding high-potassium foods, a low-potassium diet involves cooking frozen fruits and vegetables in water. Rinse and drain them well before serving. All canned fruits and vegetables should also be treated this way. Potassium can be lowered by soaking them in water for at least four hours. In particular, all leafy green vegetables and peeled potatoes should be treated like this before cooking or consumption.

Low-Protein Diets

Are recommended particularly for people who suffer from kidney affections. Reducing the protein in food helps to relieve the load taken by the remaining functioning kidney portion. By reducing this load (made up particularly of proteins), one can preserve the life of the kidney. Proteins in particular require higher levels of filtration. Essential amino acid supplements may be helpful to allow further protein reduction.

A Low-Purine Diet

Is recommended for persons suffering from gout. In these cases, the body has an increased uric acid production with a reduced elimination. It is deposited in the small joints and soft tissues, causing arthritis-like symptoms. High purine levels contribute to elevated uric acid levels. That is why a low-purine diet is recommended. This diet should also observe a restricted calorie intake and low alcohol consumption, accompanied by plenty of fluids. All these must be combined with adequate medication.

Purine is mainly found in animal protein. A low-purine diet should include alternative sources of protein.

A Low-Sodium Diet

Is recommended for people with high blood pressure and some other types of heart, kidney and liver disease. The diet is also used when taking certain prescription drugs that cause the body to hold fluids.

A low-sodium diet is a low salt diet. Table salt is a major source of sodium.

Dietary prescriptions about added salt: avoid table salt and avoid obviously salty foods (e.g. pretzels, salted crackers, potato and corn chips and salted popcorn), cured meats (such as bacon, ham, sausages and salami), canned meats, olives, pickles, as well as any foods which contain high sodium.

Also avoid luncheon meat, kosher meat, canned meats, olives, pickles and sauerkraut.

There are also foods that contain sodium, even if they do not taste salty: meat, milk products, eggs.

Vegetables containing sodium: artichokes, beets, carrots, turnips, celery, and some vegetables such as kale, chard, spinach, beet, dandelion and mustard.

Avoid baking soda and baking powder and all baked goods containing these. Also decrease the level of HDL cholesterol.