Comments on: How the media disses low-carb diets II http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/fast-food/how-the-media-disses-low-carb-diets-ii/ A critical look at nutritional science and anything else that strikes my fancy. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:38:34 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Kathy http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/fast-food/how-the-media-disses-low-carb-diets-ii/#comment-132472 Kathy Mon, 26 May 2008 07:43:23 +0000 http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/fast-food/how-the-media-disses-low-carb-diets-ii/#comment-132472 Thanks for this! I'll read more of your stuff. I wrote about the study and your outing of it here: http://wiredpen.com/2008/05/25/abc-misrepresents-swedish-study-afp-gets-it-right/ FYI - the "yahoo" story was an AFP (agencie france-presse) story and that Yahoo link is broken. I link to the AFP site in my post. Any thoughts on insulin resistance and estrogen (its absence)? <em>Hi Kathy-- Thanks for the mention in your post; I appreciate it. Elevated insulin levels stimulate the liver to produce more sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). SHGB binds to the sex hormones (which include estrogen) and make them unavailable for use. The free hormones are the ones that perform the hormone functions - the bound hormones are basically just along for the ride and are not active. Anything that increases the amount of SHBG (as insulin does) decreases the amount of free hormone. Hope this answers the question. Cheers-- MRE</em> Thanks for this! I’ll read more of your stuff. I wrote about the study and your outing of it here: http://wiredpen.com/2008/05/25/abc-misrepresents-swedish-study-afp-gets-it-right/

FYI – the “yahoo” story was an AFP (agencie france-presse) story and that Yahoo link is broken. I link to the AFP site in my post.

Any thoughts on insulin resistance and estrogen (its absence)?

Hi Kathy–

Thanks for the mention in your post; I appreciate it.

Elevated insulin levels stimulate the liver to produce more sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). SHGB binds to the sex hormones (which include estrogen) and make them unavailable for use. The free hormones are the ones that perform the hormone functions – the bound hormones are basically just along for the ride and are not active. Anything that increases the amount of SHBG (as insulin does) decreases the amount of free hormone.

Hope this answers the question.

Cheers–

MRE

]]> By: Jeff http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/fast-food/how-the-media-disses-low-carb-diets-ii/#comment-109877 Jeff Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:36:17 +0000 http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/fast-food/how-the-media-disses-low-carb-diets-ii/#comment-109877 First off Dr. Eades I am new to your site and let me say it rocks! I have been in the media (radio) for 16 years and 1 thing i can say for cetain is this: The Media will whore themselves out to the highest bidder. I have worked for several companies both big and small and that truth is always the same. Trust me folks, these big media outlets are bought and paid for by big pharma i have seen it first hand! First off Dr. Eades I am new to your site and let me say it rocks! I have been in the media (radio) for 16 years and 1 thing i can say for cetain is this: The Media will whore themselves
out to the highest bidder. I have worked for several companies both big and small and that truth is always the same. Trust me folks, these big media outlets are bought and paid for by big pharma i have seen it first hand!

]]> By: Tom http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/fast-food/how-the-media-disses-low-carb-diets-ii/#comment-107852 Tom Sat, 01 Mar 2008 05:57:28 +0000 http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/fast-food/how-the-media-disses-low-carb-diets-ii/#comment-107852 <i>It seems the consensus is shifting. Slowly, no doubt, but definitely shifting.</i> I think it's a combination of the Taubes' book and how the internet (& Google+blogging) have changed public discourse. In the past, people like Kolata & Brody could control the story just by being gatekeepers at the NY Times. But now, anyone who can read Taubes is capable of discussing the "story behind the story" of Kolata's attempting to smear Taubes book (to push her own inferior tome), or how the diet Brody's been pushing on America for years has given her heart disease. It seems the consensus is shifting. Slowly, no doubt, but definitely shifting.

I think it’s a combination of the Taubes’ book and how the internet (& Google+blogging) have changed public discourse. In the past, people like Kolata & Brody could control the story just by being gatekeepers at the NY Times. But now, anyone who can read Taubes is capable of discussing the “story behind the story” of Kolata’s attempting to smear Taubes book (to push her own inferior tome), or how the diet Brody’s been pushing on America for years has given her heart disease.

]]> By: steve http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/fast-food/how-the-media-disses-low-carb-diets-ii/#comment-107127 steve Wed, 27 Feb 2008 22:13:07 +0000 http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/fast-food/how-the-media-disses-low-carb-diets-ii/#comment-107127 Dr. Eades, It was good to see you over on Tim Ferris's site. I was rather surprised at how positive the response was. Sure, there were a few low-fat disciples, but most people were very receptive to the ideas and many even backed you up. I don't think we would have seen such a response a few years ago. It seems the consensus is shifting. Slowly, no doubt, but definitely shifting. <em>It was an interesting experience, that's for sure.</em> Dr. Eades,

It was good to see you over on Tim Ferris’s site. I was rather surprised at how positive the response was. Sure, there were a few low-fat disciples, but most people were very receptive to the ideas and many even backed you up. I don’t think we would have seen such a response a few years ago. It seems the consensus is shifting. Slowly, no doubt, but definitely shifting.

It was an interesting experience, that’s for sure.

]]> By: ethyl d http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/fast-food/how-the-media-disses-low-carb-diets-ii/#comment-107056 ethyl d Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:56:22 +0000 http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/fast-food/how-the-media-disses-low-carb-diets-ii/#comment-107056 Just to follow up a little more on the liver biopsy anecdote, when the gastroenterologist said my liver enzymes were almost normal but I did test positive for auto-immune hepatitis (and I remember from PPLP you connect auto-immune disorders to high carb consumption) I asked if we could wait and maybe test a couple more times (best two out of three) and see if the positive came up each time or if the following tests came back negative. Oh no, we couldn't do that, I was told--a liver biopsy is the only way to be sure. I wonder how much Expensive Procedure $$$$ influenced that thinking? And I didn't mention all the mental stress of wondering whether I had this serious condition (even though I felt really good). The doctor told me it was easily treated with Prednisone, and then I read up on that and thought somebody would have to crazy to take that stuff and I had decided to refuse to take it if the biopsy showed hepatitis. I wish I had known then what I know now about nutrition and the medical system. I wouldn't have let them jerk me around so trustingly. But I'll be better armed for next time if, God forbid, there is one. Just to follow up a little more on the liver biopsy anecdote, when the gastroenterologist said my liver enzymes were almost normal but I did test positive for auto-immune hepatitis (and I remember from PPLP you connect auto-immune disorders to high carb consumption) I asked if we could wait and maybe test a couple more times (best two out of three) and see if the positive came up each time or if the following tests came back negative. Oh no, we couldn’t do that, I was told–a liver biopsy is the only way to be sure. I wonder how much Expensive Procedure $$$$ influenced that thinking? And I didn’t mention all the mental stress of wondering whether I had this serious condition (even though I felt really good). The doctor told me it was easily treated with Prednisone, and then I read up on that and thought somebody would have to crazy to take that stuff and I had decided to refuse to take it if the biopsy showed hepatitis. I wish I had known then what I know now about nutrition and the medical system. I wouldn’t have let them jerk me around so trustingly. But I’ll be better armed for next time if, God forbid, there is one.

]]> By: Tom Naughton http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/fast-food/how-the-media-disses-low-carb-diets-ii/#comment-107006 Tom Naughton Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:45:12 +0000 http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/fast-food/how-the-media-disses-low-carb-diets-ii/#comment-107006 Here's more bad science, or at least bad reporting on science: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/25/health/webmd/main3874244.shtml?source=RSSattr=HOME_3874244 http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSKIM05928020080220?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews Note that the headlines claim whole grains "reduce belly fat." But if you read into the articles, the real story is that two groups of dieters were compared, one eating whole grains, the other eating more white flour, and the dieters eating whole grains lost a bit more weight. All this tells us is that whole grains may be less fattening than more refined grains. They didn't demonstrate that whole grains promote weight loss; they only demonstrated that whole grains are somewhat less likely to inhibit weight loss. This makes about as much sense as having one study group smoke filtered cigarettes, having another group smoke unfiltered cigarettes, and when the filtered group develops cancer at a slower rate, we claim that smoking filtered cigarettes helps prevent lung cancer. Lead researcher Dr. Penny Kris Etherton, by the way, is a member of the USDA -- surprise! Here’s more bad science, or at least bad reporting on science:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/25/health/webmd/main3874244.shtml?source=RSSattr=HOME_3874244

http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSKIM05928020080220?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews

Note that the headlines claim whole grains “reduce belly fat.” But if you read into the articles, the real story is that two groups of dieters were compared, one eating whole grains, the other eating more white flour, and the dieters eating whole grains lost a bit more weight.

All this tells us is that whole grains may be less fattening than more refined grains. They didn’t demonstrate that whole grains promote weight loss; they only demonstrated that whole grains are somewhat less likely to inhibit weight loss.

This makes about as much sense as having one study group smoke filtered cigarettes, having another group smoke unfiltered cigarettes, and when the filtered group develops cancer at a slower rate, we claim that smoking filtered cigarettes helps prevent lung cancer.

Lead researcher Dr. Penny Kris Etherton, by the way, is a member of the USDA — surprise!

]]> By: Esther http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/fast-food/how-the-media-disses-low-carb-diets-ii/#comment-106741 Esther Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:49:39 +0000 http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/fast-food/how-the-media-disses-low-carb-diets-ii/#comment-106741 I'm pretty surprised that she had a liver biopsy done, too, at that stage. Hubby's liver enzymes were elevated for several years and a liver biopsy was only done to confirm his PSC diagnosis once his gastro had ruled out everything else. As you said, they aren't all that benign, and hubby's gastro didn't like to do them unless it was absolutely necessary. The connection between carbs and liver inflammation is interesting. While hubby has cut way back on his carb consumption, I still think he could do better. Perhaps this will help. I’m pretty surprised that she had a liver biopsy done, too, at that stage. Hubby’s liver enzymes were elevated for several years and a liver biopsy was only done to confirm his PSC diagnosis once his gastro had ruled out everything else. As you said, they aren’t all that benign, and hubby’s gastro didn’t like to do them unless it was absolutely necessary.

The connection between carbs and liver inflammation is interesting. While hubby has cut way back on his carb consumption, I still think he could do better. Perhaps this will help.

]]> By: Lowcarb convert http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/fast-food/how-the-media-disses-low-carb-diets-ii/#comment-106707 Lowcarb convert Tue, 26 Feb 2008 22:32:06 +0000 http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/fast-food/how-the-media-disses-low-carb-diets-ii/#comment-106707 Hi Dr Mike - Glad to see you are back. Hope the book writing is going well. I have my own anecdote, sample size of one re. elevated liver enzymes. About a month or so ago, I posted a comment about my experience with starting VLC and it eliminating my drinking problem. And that is still the case. I have a glass or two of wine about once a week. And I'm not even trying not to drink - I really don't want to. And I've dropped another 5 pounds. I mentioned in that post that during my 20 or so years of eating very low fat, that I had developed the drinking problem, lost my gall bladder (which I now know was due to not eating ENOUGH fat though all the medical people I encountered tried to imply it was from eating too much fat) and supposedly developed liver problems. I was diagnosed as having non-alcholic biliary cirrhosis a few years ago as I had very elevated liver enzymes. My first tests showed AST 206 U/L, ALT 351 U/L and GGT 648 U/L. I thought it was very funny that in spite of my drinking problem both my GP and specialist said that the drinking couldn't have anything to do with the elevated enzymes because of the ratio of ALT to AST - and I was honest with them about it. Though my GP suggested it was probably not a good idea to drink considering my condition, my specialist said it was ok!! My intuition told me the drink was probably the reason for the elevated enzymes (at least partly) but, heh, he is the expert right? So I was put on Urso which is very expensive (and as my partner are both self-employed, no drug plan to cover it). That SEEMED to help the numbers reduce but not get close to normal. I say seemed becaused I know realize that during that time, though my drinking remained a problem, I started to reduce the carbs in my diet - no pasta, potatoes, rice - but still had some sugar. So I just got another round of test results after eating VLC (mainly meat, eggs, whole fat dairy and some green vegetables) AND not drinking heavily for 3 months. My numbers are now AST 18 U/L, AST 13 U/L, and GGT 14 U/L. Hmmm....seems I really do not have a liver problem. It was a problem with what I was eating and drinking! I keep getting angrier and angrier about the pig-headed mainstream nutrition advice and what it did to my health! I have not heard from my specialist yet. I am very curious to see what he has to say when I tell him how I have chosen to eat. I post another comment when I do speak to him. Thanks again for reading my long post! <em>Be sure to let me know what the specialist says. I'll be curious to find out. Glad to see you're doing so well. Cheers-- MRE</em> Hi Dr Mike -

Glad to see you are back. Hope the book writing is going well.

I have my own anecdote, sample size of one re. elevated liver enzymes.

About a month or so ago, I posted a comment about my experience with starting VLC and it eliminating my drinking problem. And that is still the case. I have a glass or two of wine about once a week. And I’m not even trying not to drink – I really don’t want to. And I’ve dropped another 5 pounds.

I mentioned in that post that during my 20 or so years of eating very low fat, that I had developed the drinking problem, lost my gall bladder (which I now know was due to not eating ENOUGH fat though all the medical people I encountered tried to imply it was from eating too much fat) and supposedly developed liver problems.

I was diagnosed as having non-alcholic biliary cirrhosis a few years ago as I had very elevated liver enzymes. My first tests showed AST 206 U/L, ALT 351 U/L and GGT 648 U/L. I thought it was very funny that in spite of my drinking problem both my GP and specialist said that the drinking couldn’t have anything to do with the elevated enzymes because of the ratio of ALT to AST – and I was honest with them about it. Though my GP suggested it was probably not a good idea to drink considering my condition, my specialist said it was ok!! My intuition told me the drink was probably the reason for the elevated enzymes (at least partly) but, heh, he is the expert right? So I was put on Urso which is very expensive (and as my partner are both self-employed, no drug plan to cover it). That SEEMED to help the numbers reduce but not get close to normal. I say seemed becaused I know realize that during that time, though my drinking remained a problem, I started to reduce the carbs in my diet – no pasta, potatoes, rice – but still had some sugar.

So I just got another round of test results after eating VLC (mainly meat, eggs, whole fat dairy and some green vegetables) AND not drinking heavily for 3 months. My numbers are now AST 18 U/L, AST 13 U/L, and GGT 14 U/L. Hmmm….seems I really do not have a liver problem. It was a problem with what I was eating and drinking! I keep getting angrier and angrier about the pig-headed mainstream nutrition advice and what it did to my health!

I have not heard from my specialist yet. I am very curious to see what he has to say when I tell him how I have chosen to eat. I post another comment when I do speak to him.

Thanks again for reading my long post!

Be sure to let me know what the specialist says. I’ll be curious to find out. Glad to see you’re doing so well.

Cheers–

MRE

]]> By: RobD http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/fast-food/how-the-media-disses-low-carb-diets-ii/#comment-106691 RobD Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:42:57 +0000 http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/fast-food/how-the-media-disses-low-carb-diets-ii/#comment-106691 This is way off topic so if you don’t post it I will completely understand. A couple of weeks ago I gave blood for the first time for the iron lowering benefits as prescribed in PPLP. I did the double red blood cell procedure as I assumed it would remove more iron then the usual donation. Is that a valid assumption? United Blood Services does a complementary cholesterol test and posts the results in your profile on there web site . It is a total C result and is therefore useless but it is just more evidence that the cholesterol is bad mantra lives on. If I was a believer in the lipid hypothesis I would be calling my doctor for script for a statin right now as my total C was 253. This is not a fasting number as they want you to eat a meal before you donate. <em>The majority of the iron is in the red blood cells, so, yes, you get rid of double when you have the procedure you had. Are you feeling less iron overloaded? Cheers-- MRE</em> This is way off topic so if you don’t post it I will completely understand. A couple of weeks ago I gave blood for the first time for the iron lowering benefits as prescribed in PPLP. I did the double red blood cell procedure as I assumed it would remove more iron then the usual donation. Is that a valid assumption?

United Blood Services does a complementary cholesterol test and posts the results in your profile on there web site . It is a total C result and is therefore useless but it is just more evidence that the cholesterol is bad mantra lives on. If I was a believer in the lipid hypothesis I would be calling my doctor for script for a statin right now as my total C was 253. This is not a fasting number as they want you to eat a meal before you donate.

The majority of the iron is in the red blood cells, so, yes, you get rid of double when you have the procedure you had.

Are you feeling less iron overloaded?

Cheers–

MRE

]]> By: Rich http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/fast-food/how-the-media-disses-low-carb-diets-ii/#comment-106684 Rich Tue, 26 Feb 2008 20:56:27 +0000 http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/fast-food/how-the-media-disses-low-carb-diets-ii/#comment-106684 I first read a different horribly false article about this study on the WebMD website at http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20080213/fatty-fast-food-idleness-may-vex-liver Unfortunately no comments are allowed on WebMD, so many people reading it will unfortunately take their entire twisting of the information to heart without question. They stress throughout that the high saturated fat content of the food is what caused the liver enzyme elevation, without any mention that it was really the carbohydrates. Did find CBS News running WebMD's crap article and was able to comment (bottom comment). May see it at > http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/14/health/webmd/main3831349.shtml I'm going to see if I can write the editors of that WebMD article. <em>It's hard to believe these people read the same study as the one I posted.</em> I first read a different horribly false article about this study on the WebMD website at http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20080213/fatty-fast-food-idleness-may-vex-liver

Unfortunately no comments are allowed on WebMD, so many people reading it will unfortunately take their entire twisting of the information to heart without question. They stress throughout that the high saturated fat content of the food is what caused the liver enzyme elevation, without any mention that it was really the carbohydrates.

Did find CBS News running WebMD’s crap article and was able to comment (bottom comment). May see it at > http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/14/health/webmd/main3831349.shtml I’m going to see if I can write the editors of that WebMD article.

It’s hard to believe these people read the same study as the one I posted.

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