Comments on: Low-carb gaining a foothold…with the mainstream http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/ketones-and-ketosis/low-carb-gaining-a-foothold-with-the-mainstream/ A critical look at nutritional science and anything else that strikes my fancy. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:41:45 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Peggy Stewart http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/ketones-and-ketosis/low-carb-gaining-a-foothold-with-the-mainstream/#comment-243688 Peggy Stewart Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:27:28 +0000 http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/?p=3686#comment-243688 @Roger in Texarkana Thank you so much for your information. This is very helpful and encouraging. Congratulations on your success! Dr. Eades, You opened my eyes back in circa 1997. The science made perfect sense, and the weight loss was like magic. Even though I have a hard time maintaining a low-carb lifestyle, I do believe it makes the most sense of everything I've read or tried. I'm making a new start with "any change is better" and working slowly towards a whole-food low-carb habit. Thanks for educating tirelessly. @Roger in Texarkana

Thank you so much for your information. This is very helpful and encouraging. Congratulations on your success!

Dr. Eades,

You opened my eyes back in circa 1997. The science made perfect sense, and the weight loss was like magic. Even though I have a hard time maintaining a low-carb lifestyle, I do believe it makes the most sense of everything I’ve read or tried. I’m making a new start with “any change is better” and working slowly towards a whole-food low-carb habit. Thanks for educating tirelessly.

]]> By: mreades http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/ketones-and-ketosis/low-carb-gaining-a-foothold-with-the-mainstream/#comment-243668 mreades Fri, 19 Mar 2010 02:45:41 +0000 http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/?p=3686#comment-243668 I'm not sure how he could get those results, I suppose, because I'm not familiar with his work. The biggest problem in the diet biz is that the standard American diet is so terrible that almost any change is for the better. The name of the game shouldn't just be an improvement over the standard American diet but instead a quest for the optimal diet for the majority of humans. At this point in my voyage of discovery, I would have to say it is a whole-food low-carb diet. I’m not sure how he could get those results, I suppose, because I’m not familiar with his work. The biggest problem in the diet biz is that the standard American diet is so terrible that almost any change is for the better. The name of the game shouldn’t just be an improvement over the standard American diet but instead a quest for the optimal diet for the majority of humans. At this point in my voyage of discovery, I would have to say it is a whole-food low-carb diet.

]]> By: mreades http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/ketones-and-ketosis/low-carb-gaining-a-foothold-with-the-mainstream/#comment-243277 mreades Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:58:42 +0000 http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/?p=3686#comment-243277 No, I haven't. I need to do so, however. I just don't know when it will be. Keep reminding me. No, I haven’t. I need to do so, however. I just don’t know when it will be. Keep reminding me.

]]> By: Michael http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/ketones-and-ketosis/low-carb-gaining-a-foothold-with-the-mainstream/#comment-243273 Michael Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:13:39 +0000 http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/?p=3686#comment-243273 Hi Dr. Eades, Did you ever follow up on the papers on the differential effectiveness of low- vs high-carb diets depending on insulin sensitivity? Did you post your analysis anywhere? It's a subject on which I was already interested, and didn't realize there were so many relevant reports. Thanks! Hi Dr. Eades,

Did you ever follow up on the papers on the differential effectiveness of low- vs high-carb diets depending on insulin sensitivity? Did you post your analysis anywhere? It’s a subject on which I was already interested, and didn’t realize there were so many relevant reports.

Thanks!

]]> By: Roger in Texarkana http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/ketones-and-ketosis/low-carb-gaining-a-foothold-with-the-mainstream/#comment-243108 Roger in Texarkana Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:17:59 +0000 http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/?p=3686#comment-243108 @peggy stewart I've been on a very-low-carb, high-fat, high-protein diet for almost a year now, and my results are excellent. I had no weight problem, but was pre-diabetic when I was informed of Dr. Eades' theories by my sister, who had a weight problem and other aliments. I had bypass surgery eight years ago, and was concerned about the possiblity that I'd need another one if I didn't change my diet. So I embarked on the "Protein Power" plan. I had a cardiology checkup in January, and the ultrasound and echocardiogram were excellent. My last test results were: total cholesterol (which I now ignore): 220; HDL: 66; LDL: 132; triglycerides: 66; A1C: 6.0; CRP: .06. In addition to the PP diet I take 3 grams of niacin daily. My weight is stable at 165 or so and at 74 I've never felt better. I won't disparage the Esselstyn diet, but that's the way I ate before my heart surgery became necessary. I would be leery of any diet that required cholesterol-reducing medication, since it has serious side effects for many people and since I'm convinced beyond doubt that cholesterol per se is not the cause of heart disease. Half of all heart attacks occur in people with "normal" cholesterol. And lowering it too much is dangerous, since it's present in every cell, and is essential to brain health. And drugs that affect the liver's functions cause problems throughout the body. Plaque, inflammation and high blood viscosity combine to cause the clots that lead to infarcts, so advanced blood testing, not routinely done, is essential if you wish to know the composition and density of your blood. And CRP testing reveals the level of inflammation. Good luck. @peggy stewart

I’ve been on a very-low-carb, high-fat, high-protein diet for almost a year now, and my results are excellent. I had no weight problem, but was pre-diabetic when I was informed of Dr. Eades’ theories by my sister, who had a weight problem and other aliments. I had bypass surgery eight years ago, and was concerned about the possiblity that I’d need another one if I didn’t change my diet. So I embarked on the “Protein Power” plan.

I had a cardiology checkup in January, and the ultrasound and echocardiogram were excellent. My last test results were: total cholesterol (which I now ignore): 220; HDL: 66; LDL: 132; triglycerides: 66; A1C: 6.0; CRP: .06. In addition to the PP diet I take 3 grams of niacin daily. My weight is stable at 165 or so and at 74 I’ve never felt better. I won’t disparage the Esselstyn diet, but that’s the way I ate before my heart surgery became necessary. I would be leery of any diet that required cholesterol-reducing medication, since it has serious side effects for many people and since I’m convinced beyond doubt that cholesterol per se is not the cause of heart disease. Half of all heart attacks occur in people with “normal” cholesterol. And lowering it too much is dangerous, since it’s present in every cell, and is essential to brain health. And drugs that affect the liver’s functions cause problems throughout the body. Plaque, inflammation and high blood viscosity combine to cause the clots that lead to infarcts, so advanced blood testing, not routinely done, is essential if you wish to know the composition and density of your blood. And CRP testing reveals the level of inflammation.

Good luck.

]]> By: Peggy Stewart http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/ketones-and-ketosis/low-carb-gaining-a-foothold-with-the-mainstream/#comment-243105 Peggy Stewart Tue, 23 Feb 2010 04:35:57 +0000 http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/?p=3686#comment-243105 Dr. Eades, Thanks for your response. I find Dr. Esselstyn's science a little fuzzy. My impression is that he overgeneralizes and assumes things that aren't necessarily there. It reminds me of Dr. Lustig's comment that the common factor between a low-carb diet and a Japanese diet is the lack of fructose. Dr. Esselstyn is convinced that 3/4 of the world's population doesn't have heart disease because they don't eat meat or fat. He doesn't really substantiate it. He just states it as fact. Where Dr. Lustig states unequivocally that "fructose, and frustose alone," is responsible for metabolic syndrome, Dr. Esselstyn is convinced that animal products and added fat are solely responsible. Still, I don't know how to explain the fact that his patients' CVD is arrested and other symptoms improved. Can you point me in the direction of some information that might explain how he could get those results on a high-carb diet? Not that I'm planning to embark on that plan. I couldn't stick with such a severe eating plan even if I was convinced it truly was the only way to be heart attack proof. I have family members following this plan thinking it will stop or reverse CVD. If Esselstyn is wrongly reporting his results, it would be nice to be able to explain how. I feel like there is a puzzle piece missing, and I'm not sure how to find it. Thanks. Dr. Eades, Thanks for your response. I find Dr. Esselstyn’s science a little fuzzy. My impression is that he overgeneralizes and assumes things that aren’t necessarily there. It reminds me of Dr. Lustig’s comment that the common factor between a low-carb diet and a Japanese diet is the lack of fructose. Dr. Esselstyn is convinced that 3/4 of the world’s population doesn’t have heart disease because they don’t eat meat or fat. He doesn’t really substantiate it. He just states it as fact. Where Dr. Lustig states unequivocally that “fructose, and frustose alone,” is responsible for metabolic syndrome, Dr. Esselstyn is convinced that animal products and added fat are solely responsible. Still, I don’t know how to explain the fact that his patients’ CVD is arrested and other symptoms improved. Can you point me in the direction of some information that might explain how he could get those results on a high-carb diet? Not that I’m planning to embark on that plan. I couldn’t stick with such a severe eating plan even if I was convinced it truly was the only way to be heart attack proof. I have family members following this plan thinking it will stop or reverse CVD. If Esselstyn is wrongly reporting his results, it would be nice to be able to explain how. I feel like there is a puzzle piece missing, and I’m not sure how to find it. Thanks.

]]> By: Walter Bushell http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/ketones-and-ketosis/low-carb-gaining-a-foothold-with-the-mainstream/#comment-243095 Walter Bushell Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:43:01 +0000 http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/?p=3686#comment-243095 10 Kiloyears for agricultures beginning. Much less for most of our ancestors for most people. 10 Kiloyears for agricultures beginning. Much less for most of our ancestors for most people.

]]> By: mreades http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/ketones-and-ketosis/low-carb-gaining-a-foothold-with-the-mainstream/#comment-243087 mreades Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:04:36 +0000 http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/?p=3686#comment-243087 The notion that getting total cholesterol down to below 150 making on heart-attack proof is patently false. The notion that getting total cholesterol down to below 150 making on heart-attack proof is patently false.

]]> By: Peggy Stewart http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/ketones-and-ketosis/low-carb-gaining-a-foothold-with-the-mainstream/#comment-243044 Peggy Stewart Sat, 20 Feb 2010 20:04:09 +0000 http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/?p=3686#comment-243044 My brother-in-law is on the Esselstyn plan and has my husband very curious about it. My husband asked me to read the book. Since it seems to contradict what I thought I knew about high carb vs. low carb, I was trying to find some more information from Dr. Eades. Esselstyn's premise is that if you get total cholesterol below 150, you will be heart attack proof. This is accomplished with a plant-based diet that excludes all animal, dairy, avocados, nuts, and fat (except the negligible fat that naturally occurs in fruits, veggies, and whole grains). He also uses cholesterol-lowering medications "when necessary", which was apparently necessary in all of the 20 or so people in his 12-year study. He claims a cholesterol level below 150 prevents, arrests, and selectively reverses heart disease. As total cholesterol goes down, so does LDL. He doesn't mention much about HDL or ratios. He also doesn't mention fluffy vs small LDL. However, results are results. His patients get relief from angina, show arrest and sometimes reversal of plaque build-up on MRIs,etc., lose weight, and report feeling great. Dr. Eades' patients enjoy similar success, although I don't remember from reading his books several years ago if heart disease was arrested/reversed or simply slowed down. I'm not a doctor or a scientist. I'm a reasonably intelligent person with a limited amount of time to do research on these subjects, and it has become overwhelming. How can Esselstyn get results like this if a high carb diet is so bad? How can Dr. Eades' patients achieve such great results if a low carb diet is so bad? Is it possible that one has to follow one extreme or the other to achieve good results? Are the obesity and heart disease problems due to most people falling somewhere in the middle? Are there any readers out there who are following a LC plan and have received medical confirmation of an arrest or reversal of arterial plaque build-up? Thanks in advance for any input you can offer. My brother-in-law is on the Esselstyn plan and has my husband very curious about it. My husband asked me to read the book. Since it seems to contradict what I thought I knew about high carb vs. low carb, I was trying to find some more information from Dr. Eades. Esselstyn’s premise is that if you get total cholesterol below 150, you will be heart attack proof. This is accomplished with a plant-based diet that excludes all animal, dairy, avocados, nuts, and fat (except the negligible fat that naturally occurs in fruits, veggies, and whole grains). He also uses cholesterol-lowering medications “when necessary”, which was apparently necessary in all of the 20 or so people in his 12-year study. He claims a cholesterol level below 150 prevents, arrests, and selectively reverses heart disease. As total cholesterol goes down, so does LDL. He doesn’t mention much about HDL or ratios. He also doesn’t mention fluffy vs small LDL. However, results are results. His patients get relief from angina, show arrest and sometimes reversal of plaque build-up on MRIs,etc., lose weight, and report feeling great. Dr. Eades’ patients enjoy similar success, although I don’t remember from reading his books several years ago if heart disease was arrested/reversed or simply slowed down. I’m not a doctor or a scientist. I’m a reasonably intelligent person with a limited amount of time to do research on these subjects, and it has become overwhelming. How can Esselstyn get results like this if a high carb diet is so bad? How can Dr. Eades’ patients achieve such great results if a low carb diet is so bad? Is it possible that one has to follow one extreme or the other to achieve good results? Are the obesity and heart disease problems due to most people falling somewhere in the middle? Are there any readers out there who are following a LC plan and have received medical confirmation of an arrest or reversal of arterial plaque build-up? Thanks in advance for any input you can offer.

]]> By: Study of 4 Popular Diets – Low-carb Comes Out On Top « PurePrimal – Fitness & Nutrition http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/ketones-and-ketosis/low-carb-gaining-a-foothold-with-the-mainstream/#comment-242200 Study of 4 Popular Diets – Low-carb Comes Out On Top « PurePrimal – Fitness & Nutrition Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:13:13 +0000 http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/?p=3686#comment-242200 [...] out the review, Low-carb gaining a foothold, by Dr. Eades for an in depth analysis of the [...] [...] out the review, Low-carb gaining a foothold, by Dr. Eades for an in depth analysis of the [...]

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