What is Therapeutic Carbohydrate Restriction (TCR)?

Introduction

In recent years, a dietary approach known as Therapeutic Carbohydrate Restriction (TCR) has gained popularity. This strategy involves reducing carbohydrate intake to a level that optimizes metabolism, particularly for individuals with metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

What is Therapeutic Carbohydrate Restriction?

TCR is based on the principle that reducing carbohydrate consumption to a certain level can improve carbohydrate-insulin metabolism. Depending on the degree of carbohydrate reduction, several approaches fall under TCR:

• Low-carbohydrate diet – carbohydrate intake between 50-100 g per day, which helps stabilize glucose and insulin levels.
• Very low-carbohydrate diet (ketogenic diet) – restricting carbohydrates to below 50 g per day, leading to a state of ketosis, where fat is used as the primary energy source.
• Moderately low-carbohydrate diet – carbohydrate intake between 100-150 g per day, which is beneficial for physically active individuals and those who want to gradually reduce carbohydrates in their diet.

Benefits of Therapeutic Carbohydrate Restriction

Scientific research highlights numerous health benefits of TCR, including:

1. Improved Glycemic Control

A low-carbohydrate diet can help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), which is crucial for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

2. Weight Loss

TCR promotes fat loss, especially visceral fat, which helps prevent and treat obesity and its complications.

3. Reduced Insulin Resistance

Lower carbohydrate intake leads to reduced insulin levels, improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

4. Cardiovascular Health Benefits

TCR can help lower triglyceride levels, increase “good” HDL cholesterol, and reduce levels of small-dense LDL cholesterol (sdLDL), supporting heart health.

5. Impact on Mental Health

Low-carbohydrate diets are being researched for their effects on mental health. Increasing evidence suggests they may be beneficial in metabolic psychiatry, including the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.

6. Support in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Some studies suggest that low-carbohydrate diets may support the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease by improving brain energy metabolism.

How to Implement TCR in Practice?

1. Gradual Reduction of Carbohydrates – Instead of making drastic changes, gradually reduce carbohydrate intake by replacing them with healthy fats and proteins.
2. Choosing Minimally Processed Carbohydrates – Opt for vegetables, nuts, and seeds instead of highly processed foods.
3. Avoiding Simple Sugars – Eliminating sugary drinks, white bread, whole grain bread, and sweets. Whole grain bread is often mistakenly considered a healthier option, but it is still high in carbohydrates and has a similar glycemic impact as white bread.
4. Customizing the Diet to Individual Needs – Not everyone requires the same level of carbohydrate reduction.

Conclusion

Therapeutic Carbohydrate Restriction is an effective dietary approach that can provide numerous health benefits, especially for individuals with metabolic disorders. Implementing this strategy requires careful planning and personalization. Consulting a doctor or nutritionist before making dietary changes is advisable to ensure optimal results and prevent potential nutrient deficiencies.