Scientific Analysis of Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolutionby Jan McBride, M.D.
Dr. Atkins claims that some people have a condition of "hyperinsulinism", in which they produce excess amounts of insulin when they eat carbohydrates, which in turn causes fat storage, diabetes, and a craving for more carbohydrates. This theory is scientifically logical but has not been accepted as proven by the medical community. However, recent controversies over the food guide pyramid have exposed some mainstream experts as agreeing with many of Dr. Atkins claims that have been rejected previously. Dr. Atkins diet plan is one that creates ongoing ketosis for weight loss. In his "induction phase" the stores of glycogen in the liver are purposely depleted. Glycogen is the source for the body to obtain glucose quickly when it is needed, mainly for brain activity. This forces the body to burn fat for energy and also to create glucose from protein. To avoid losing muscle mass adequate amounts of protein must be consumed. In Dr. Atkins' "maintenance
phase" he advises that persons increase their carbohydrate intake
to the point where they do not gain or lose weight.
I believe that it is not necessary for abnormal amounts of insulin to be produced for a person to suffer the effects Dr. Atkins attributes to hyperinsulinism, but that insulin is such a powerful hormone that our present-day diet of moderate starches and sugars overwhelms the body's nutritional balance merely through the normal activities of the insulin that is produced. Insulin is a hormone, which is a substance that travels through the body and stimulates chemical reactions. The human body has mechanisms to regulate how much of each hormone is produced, so that its effects can be controlled. With insulin, however, there is no "shut-off" switch as there is with other hormones. Insulin is produced by the digestion of carbohydrates, and there is no way to stop its activity once it is present in the bloodstream. There is also no way to prevent it from being produced when carbohydrates are consumed, even if these are in excess of what the body needs for fuel. I believe the reason for this is clear - that when humans evolved to produce insulin, carbohydrates were so limited in the diet that a shut-off mechanism was not necessary. Dr. Atkins' "induction phase" may cause problems in persons who typically consume large quantities of carbohydrates, or who are prone to hypoglycermia (low blood sugar), because their bodies may not be able to produce either glucose or ketones fast enough to supply the requirements of the brain and muscle activity, causing fatigue which may be sudden or extreme. I am aware of numerous persons who have had major problems with this aspect of the Atkins diet. It also is apparent that this sudden decrease in carbohydrate intake prevents some very overweight persons from losing weight, probably due to a drastic decrease in metabolic rate. As a long term maintenance plan, there is a concern that ongoing ketosis may present some hazards, and this is the major criticism of this diet plan. In some cases the definition of ketosis is at issue - some persons mistake the ketosis of a low carbohydrate diet with the ketoacidosis of a diabetic who does not obtain adequate insulin, or the normal ketone levels caused by fat metabolism with the ketosis of excess fatty acid breakdown. As for the safety of long-term ketosis with adequate calorie intake, enough scientific studies have not been performed to provide an answer on this, although no adverse effects have been noted to date, especially on liver and kidney function. One issue which has not been studied adequately is that of potential calcium and bone loss from acidification of the bloodstream by ketones over a prolonged period of time. It is apparent that the Atkins diet can be useful for persons who have an active metabolic rate. This type of individual can lose weight very quickly on this diet, however, if a low carbohydate diet is not continued, the weight will be regained, and the metabolic rate will adjust to make it more difficult to lose weight the next time. Persons who have yo-yo dieted many times can adjust fairly quickly to the Atkins diet and have minimal weight loss. The Atkins' diet does not restrict protein intake, which is the correct approach. However, his advice to add cabohydrate grams for the maintenance phase so that continued weight loss does not occur is not scientifically sound. There is no indication that a person will continue to loss weight below an ideal level even with no carbohydrate intake. For this reason, a person could easily think s/he is in maintenance phase while remaining in ongoing ketosis that is not necessary for maintaining weight. Persons who do not have a weight problem and are seeking a long-term maintenance low carbohydrate diet, and those who are only mildly overweight, are probably better off limiting carbs to a lesser degree than recommended by Dr. Atkins, and avoiding high levels of ketosis that are not necessary to achieve their goals. But if the Atkins diet is used successfully, one should be committed to continuing a low carb diet indefinitely. This should not be viewed as a short-term weight loss solution. While the Atkins diet provides the basics for making a drastic change from a high carb to a low carb intake, many persons find they need more guidance in selecting foods and determining their carbohydrate intakes. As an ongoing health maintenance way of eating, I believe the low carb diet will continue to be refined, especially as we recognize that even this approach requires "fine-tuning" in order to provide an optimal eating plan for persons with various dietary needs and responses. "DIET TRUTHS REVEALED: The IDEAL DIET for Human Health" provides guidance and information that makes the low carb diet easy to use for weight loss and as a long-term healthy diet. Specific instructions are given to help avoid low blood sugar, and to adjust the diet to your lifestyle. Persons who have a slow metabolism may find it difficult to lose weight even with a low carb diet. For these people, the "Metabolic Switch" diet can provide success. This method is described in DIET TRUTHS REVEALED. Food lists, sample menus and charts are provided to guide you in starting, adapting and continuing the diet for your long term weight maintenance and good health. You can order DIET TRUTHS REVEALED by mail for only $14.95 plus $5.00 shipping and handling, or by instant download.
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