Low Carb Diet (atkins)

Ted_Hutchinson

Sazbo wrote: »

I've really enjoyed it, shykins. It's quite heavy going with all the research that is quoted, but then again, Taubes is very critical of the low-fat mob for ignoring research when it didnt fit their view, so I suppose he is at pains to avoid being criticised of doing the same. It's a very illuminating read; as much for what it shows about the way science is bent to fit the demands of policy, as much as for the role of carbohydrates in the body. Highly recommended, although Ted's summary of course is excellent.

Should own up to it not being MY summary but it's Taubes own summary. I've been away for a few days and I posted from a library and didn't have time to provide the link to source material as I usually do.
I would suggest that anyone thinking of buying the book listens to His Berkeley lecture first and only proceed with the book if you find the lecture fascinating, otherwise I suspect you may find it hard going. I expect some here would consider I'm a bit of a nerd when it comes to reading scientific medical research. Taubes does it not as a hobby but as a professional and confirms a lot of what I have been suspecting for a long time, that what gets published is what suits those who advertise in professional peer reviewed journals. Anyway don't forget it will be in paperback in January and so a bit cheaper, and it will have an up to date after word that I'm hoping to read. May have to spend an hour or so "browsing" in Watersons though.

HC_2

OH went to see the diabetic nurse today. His medication isn't working. He is 5' 8" and 11 and half stone, so not obese, or particularly overweight. He is eating a 'healthy low-fat diet' and is not sedentary. He is taking metformin (the standard treatment) plus something else. Yet his BG fluctuates from 10.4 to 17. The nurse has upped his tablets but she, he and I don't hold out a lot of hope. She says if there is no significant improvement - which is before his next appointment (on New Year's Eve) - he will be put on to insulin. It'll be a relief in a way, since as a result he will probably feel human again after so many months of a seemingly permanent 'hangover'.

But what worries me is the lack of tests. Is it that his beta cells are defunct? Or perhaps his insulin resistance is beyond the usual treatment. They don't know because they've never tried to find out. Perhaps there are no such tests.

Certainly there is no suggestion from the nurse or GP that he try a low-carb diet, yet I know that for many diabetics this is the only way of controlling their blood glucose, without going on to insulin. Heaven forfend that anyone from the British medical profession might speak against the government-approved high-carb regime.

OH knows about low-carb diets, and how and why they work - this is the third time I've done it in the twenty-five years we've been together. But, for the moment anyway, he is following medical advice. For that, I can't blame him, I guess. But I think that, if it ever happens to me (at the moment I think I'm OK - he's checked me with his meter and I was 5.7) I shall go low-carb in order to avoid /postpone drugs/insulin. There seems to be so much evidence to support it.

Ted_Hutchinson

HC wrote: »

OH knows about low-carb diets, and how and why they work - this is the third time I've done it in the twenty-five years we've been together. But, for the moment anyway, he is following medical advice. For that, I can't blame him, I guess. But I think that, if it ever happens to me (at the moment I think I'm OK - he's checked me with his meter and I was 5.7) I shall go low-carb in order to avoid /postpone drugs/insulin. There seems to be so much evidence to support it.

I'm sure you're aware on my views on the subject. I think reducing the pro inflammatory inputs are as important as increasing the anti inflammatory status. I think Mendosa's experience of low carb together with his anti inflammatory regime suggests that a low carb (low inflammatory) diet works best together with a high anti inflammatory regime. But that also suggests that any diet will work better in conjunction with a high anti inflammatory regime.

We know that throughout the digestive system we have many storage points for 25(OH)D that provides the substrate for the active metabolite, should the Vitamin D receptors determine that need to be activated. It's a bit like a factory with fire prevention facilities at every potential high risk inflammable situation. If we knew that not one of the fire prevention systems were fully supplied we'd be worried. But our bodies stores of anti inflammatory substrate only fill when circulating 25(OH)D is above 125nmol/l and 5000iu/d vitamin D is available. Similarly for the omega 3 or magnesium anti inflammatory resources. If you are not eating oily fish 3 times a week where is your 1.8g EPA+DHA coming from? Where is your magnesium being sourced.

I've put my thoughts onevidenced based supplements for Diabetics here. but don't forget that is only a part of one side of the story.

shykins

HC i do feel for u... can u not persuade him that as the meds etc arent working this is worth trying even if only for a couple of weeks??.. men can be so stubborn i know or could u not sort of sneak it up on him by cutting his carbs yourself?? would be such a shame to keep upping meds if it could be helped in other ways, i think some UK drs are coming round to the lowcarb thing but its taking time, what if u mentioned it to the nurse/dr to see their response?? i do hope u find something that helps

ted fantastic on the 32 trousers, its so nice to be able to go into 'normal' shops and things fit isnt it... we all need nerds so u carry on being as nerdy as u want it saves us lazy ones finding the research lol

saz coffee was lovely i was tempted with the choc cookie latte but resisted and had my usual black with pouring cream... stil not made my baileys yet cant bring up the enthusiasm to go to tesco (for cream) and fight the crowds maybe a late night visit is in order

right i must get my posterior out of this bed and off the gym .. still on light workouts but am getting there and chiro/acupuncture lady says 1 more visit and then i can go bi monthly (thank god cos it costs £36!!! eeek)

x

Ted_Hutchinson

shykins wrote: »

we all need nerds so u carry on being as nerdy as u want it saves us lazy ones finding the research lol

Long-term consumption of a carbohydrate-restricted diet does not induce deleterious metabolic effects Carbohydrate (CHO)-restricted diets have been recommended for weight loss and to prevent obesity, but their long-term effects have not been fully elucidated. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of long-term (>1 year) consumption of a low-CHO high-fat diet ("The optimal diet," developed by Dr Kwaśniewski referenced herein) on lipid profile, glycemic control, and cardiovascular disease risk factors in healthy subjects. Of 31 "optimal" dieters enrolled in the study (17 women and 14 men, aged 51.7+/-16.6 years), 22 declared adherence to the diet for more than 3 years. Average energy intake and principal nutrients consumed were assessed from 6-day dietary records provided by the participants. In most dieters, concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate, free fatty acids, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol exceeded the upper limits of the reference ranges for nonstarved subjects. The metabolic profiles of most subjects were positive for several indicators, including relatively low concentrations of triacylglycerols, high levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and normal ratios of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/HDL-C and total cholesterol/HDL-C. In most subjects, plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, glucagon, cortisol, homocysteine, glycerol, and C-reactive protein were within reference ranges. Notably, in all but one subject, the homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance remained below the threshold for diagnosis of insulin resistance. These results indicate that long-term (>1 year) compliance with a low-CHO high-fat "optimal diet" does not induce deleterious metabolic effects and does not increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, as evidenced by maintenance of adequate glycemic control and relatively low values for conventional cardiovascular risk factors.

Dr. Jan Kwasniewski's The Optimal Diet The ideal proportion between the main food components of protein, fat and carbohydrates should be in the range of : 1 protein : 2.5 - 3.5 fat : 0.5 carbohydrate
An important additional recommendation of the diet is to eliminate readily digestible food products, such as sucrose, sweets, honey, jam, white rice, bread, potatoes, starch, beans, and sweetened drinks.


Although this is only a small study, without a control group, it simply adds to the body of knowledge and confirms what low carbers are finding happens in practice. What we really need is a big study with a control group showing the same results. In the mean time it's nice to know that all the good health markers are pointing in the right direction.

Another interesting new paper for those interested is Does Vitamin D Make the World Go ‘Round’? It's particularly important for anyone pregnant or thinking of becoming so.

Sazbo

Ted_Hutchinson wrote: »

Anyway don't forget it will be in paperback in January and so a bit cheaper, and it will have an up to date after word that I'm hoping to read. May have to spend an hour or so "browsing" in Watersons though.

Lol 'browsing' in Waterstones - I can think of worse ways to spend the time! I pursued the other MSE option and borrowed the Taubes book from my local library:) :money:

HC hun I have to say I agree with shykins, you could try going low carb in a general way, just cut them out from meals gradually? Worth a try, if the alternative is insulin? Just my thoughts hun xx

Hope everyone's having a good day.

Love Sazzy xxxxxxxx

shykins

kicks the thread.. why am i not getting notifications of replys any more... another kick!!! there should work fine now

now i forgot what i was gonna say <sigh>

oh yeah.. have a good weekend everyone hehe

x

suemagoo

Hi Shykins just thought i would say hello low carbing a bit out of the window for me at the moment but will get back to it after Christmas still the same weight so quite happy merry christmas:j

ravylesley

Hi Everyone just thought I'd check in to say I'm now off the low carbing for the Christmas Period.I'm not going nuts though and havent put any weight on but have indulged in a McD's and a couple of choccies.I'm not bothered about losing weight for the next couple of weeks but dont really want to put any one.So I'll be lurking in the background and reading what you are all up to rather than posting.Sazzy,Gilly,shykins,Badgerlady,Ted,Tinks and all the rest of the gang hope you have a lovely xmas and new year

Lesleyxx

shykins

still not getting notifications GRRRR... have to say i am not strictly lowcarb myself at the moment, have decided to relax it all a bit this chrimbo as i am pretty much maintaining still

will hit induction in the new year to lose anything i gain
x