Cholesterol, High Cholesterol

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services review of published data on the Pritikin intensive cardiac rehabilitation programs found that it effectively reduced LDL cholesterol levels (25,26), total cholesterol (26), and the need for cholesterol medications (25).

Pritikin Diet characteristics (24,25,26):

• Diet plus exercise counseling for three to four weeks.
• Very low fat, less than 10% of calories compared to 35% in the normal American diet.
• Eat low sodium and avoid salty foods.
• High fiber with at least five ½-cup servings of whole grains daily (wheat, oats, and brown rice or starch vegetables such as potatoes, and dried beans and peas.
• Refined grain products (white flour, regular pasta, white rice) are limited to two servings daily.
• At least four 1-cup servings of raw vegetables daily or ½-cup servings of cooked vegetables. Dark green, leafy, and orange or yellow vegetables are preferred
• At least three servings of fruit, one of which can be fruit juice.
• Two servings daily of calcium-rich foods such as nonfat milk, nonfat yogurt or fortified and enriched soymilk.
• No more than one caffeinated drinks daily. Instead drink water, low-sodium vegetable juices, grain-based coffee substitutes or caffeine-free teas.
• No more than four alcoholic drinks per week for women and no more than seven for men, with red wine preferred over beer or distilled spirits.
• No more than seven egg whites per week.
• No more than 2 ounces (about 1/4 cup of nuts) daily.
• Moderate amounts of fish, nonfat dairy, and lean meat with no more than one 3.5 cooked serving of animal protein per day with fish and shellfish are preferred. Lean poultry should optimally be limited to once a week and lean beef to once a month.
• Adapted to vegetarians by replacing animal protein with protein from soy products, beans, or lentils.
• Avoid fried foods, dressing with fat, and fatty sauces, animal fats, processed meat, dairy products not made with non-rat milk, egg yolks, salty snacks, cakes, cookies, and similar high-calorie choices.
• Eat frequently with three meals a day plus two snacks.
• Artificial sweeteners such as Splenda are okay.
• Exercise component of the Pritikin Program: The exercise component includes 45 minutes of moderate exercise daily such as walking.

Insurance approval for the Pritikin Program:

Medicare may approve coverage for the Pritikin Program for qualifying individuals with a history or risk of cardiovascular events. The program has been approved for coverage under Part B of Medicare. Medicare will reimburse eligible beneficiaries for up to 72 one-hour ICR sessions, up to 6 sessions per day, at the Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa.