Lower Cholesterol with the Right Foods and the First Line Therapy Program
Cholesterol is a chemical compound that is naturally produced by the body and is a combination of fats and steroids. Cholesterol is transported in the blood and used as a major component of cell membranes and in the production of hormones like estrogen and testosterone, Vitamin D and bile acids. About 80% of the body's cholesterol is produced by the liver, while the rest comes from our diet.
Major dietary sources of cholesterol include cheese, egg yolks, beef, pork, poultry, and shrimp.
Total fat intake, especially saturated fat and trans fat, plays a large role in blood cholesterol levels. Therefore, a change in diet in addition to other lifestyle modifications can help reduce blood cholesterol.
High levels of cholesterol are associated with cardiovascular disease because cholesterol promotes atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the hardening of the arteries caused by inflammation and build–up of cholesterol and triglycerides. This process can lead to heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.
A low-glycemic diet.
Our bodies react differently to different foods. The Glycemic Index ranks foods based on their effect on the body’s blood sugar levels. Foods that have a High Glycemic Index (above 70) cause large fluctuations in blood sugar and insulin levels. Conversely, Foods that have a Low Glycemic Index cause small fluctuations in blood sugar and insulin levels.
Research has shown that a Low Glycemic Diet promotes the breakdown of fat and makes people feel fuller for longer, these foods also tend to contain more soluble fiber, which reduces total and low density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol. Also, a recent study showed that a diet consisting of calorie restriction and Low Glycemic Foods showed the greatest reduction in body fat compared to a calorie restricted diet and High-Protein/Low Carbohydrate Diet.
Your personalized First Line Therapy program offers:
- Practitioner consultations
- Initial and follow-up labs and evaluations
- Program guidebook
- Solutions for staying active
- Simple eating guidelines
- Progress tracking
- Lifestyle counseling
- Nutritional product recommendations
- Solutions for managing stress
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Program Costs
- 6 Appointments with the Doctors and Lifestyle Educator over 12 weeks. Cashpay amount is $590. These visits may be covered by your insurance. Make sure to discuss with the True Harmony Staff to review the details of your personal insurance coverage.
- Medical Food and Supplementation. Retail costs of Metagenix UltraMeal products and Fish Oil Supplements - contact the office for today's prices and specials.
Dr. Grobe ND, Dr. Brass OB/GYN, Jenna Boettner -Lifestyle Educator, Lorri Woodmansee ? Lifestyle Educator, will guide you through a process that will change your life for the better. Learn how to be healthy, learn what your body needs.
FirstLine Therapy (FLT) can help you regain health
FirstLine Therapy is a specialized therapeutic lifestyle change program unlike any other in that the FLT system targets the underlying causes of chronic illnesses by incorporating a sensible eating plan, exercise, nutritional supplementation and stress management. In fact, the following key characteristics are unique to the FLT program.
FLT is not just a weight loss program
Most programs are focused on weight while FLT is best used as a first line treatment for common, chronic health problems (eg. High cholesterol, insulin resistance, unhealthy body composition).
The FLT eating plan is different
Most programs are focused on lowfat diets while FLT emphasizes the importance of a low-glycemic eating plan that is consistent with current research.
FLT incorporates medical foods and nutritional supplements
The appropriate use of medical foods and supplements enhances program effectiveness and shortens the time it takes for you to achieve risk reduction goals.
Send your questions to info@trueharmonywellness.com or call 480-539-6646 and we'll help you get started. This article was written by MaryAnn Shostek PA-C and Dr. Denise Grobe ND for the use by the Center for True Harmony Community.
