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Actually, I Do Mean the Atkins Diet

12/27/2013

7 Comments

 
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When I tell people (including doctors, dietitians, and other health professionals) that I specialize in low carbohydrate diets,  a typical response is, "But you don't mean the Atkins Diet, right?" Because I'm a dietitian, they usually assume I'm referring to a low-carb, low-fat, high-protein plan such as the South Beach or Dukan diets.

My friend Mike told me he wanted to refer his boss to me but that the man was leery of carbohydrate restriction because he'd had a bad experience with Atkins. When I asked him what the bad experience was, he replied, "Well, he almost died."

"Really? How?" I asked. Mike wasn't able to give me any other information -- apparently this is something his boss had told him -- but I'm pretty skeptical about this. If the man had diabetes or hypertension and went on the diet without notifying his doctor and having his medications adjusted -- which Dr. Atkins and all responsible medical professionals always advise -- then, yes, he could have experienced severe hypoglycemia or hypotension, both of which are very dangerous. But the diet itself wouldn't have been to blame. 

I've been thinking about Dr. Atkins a lot lately because I'm reading Atkins Diabetes Revolution: Control Your Carbs to Prevent and Manage Type 2 Diabetes, by Dr. Mary Vernon and Jackie Eberstein, RN, and I recently watched a video of Jackie's presentation given on this year's Low Carb Cruise.  Last week I watched a series of videos  about Dr. Atkins on You Tube (It's actually one hour-long program broken up into four parts). If you have time, I highly recommend watching it:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

Part 5

Unfairly Demonized 


I think most people are aware that Dr. Atkins received more than his fair share of criticism regarding the merits of his diet (safety, effectiveness, sustainability), but I didn't realize that for many years he spent almost all of his revenue on legal representation and other costs associated with lawsuits brought against him. Many in the medical establishment criticized his high-fat, low-carb plan as a dangerous, unbalanced fad diet. However, in his original 1972 book, Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution, he proposed a whole foods, balanced, sustainable plan designed to lower insulin levels and promote weight loss while providing satisfying, luxurious foods. Dr. Atkins didn't encourage people to eat until bursting but to simply stop eating when no longer hungry -- a strategy much easier to implement in the context of carb restriction with moderate amounts of protein and fat than on a low-fat, higher-carb diet. 



He also recommended lots of nonstarchy vegetables and, depending on personal tolerance, even occasional indulgences like ice cream or other treats. His concept of an individual's "critical carbohydrate level" (the point at which the person must cut back on carbs in order to continue losing weight or improve blood sugar levels) is identical to today's "n=1" and "eat to your meter" methods. Even though he was routinely criticized and dismissed by many as a "quack," he never wavered from his advocacy of carb restriction because he believed so strongly that he was right.
The millions of people around the world who have lost weight, improved blood glucose and lipid levels, lowered blood pressure, and improved or resolved other health issues  are a testament to the validity of his approach.

In many ways, Dr. Atkins was ahead of his time as far as understanding the complex relationship between carbohydrate intake, hormones, and weight balance. He also believed strongly in optimizing health and preventing disease aside from maintaining a healthy weight. As a doctor of complementary medicine, he encouraged people to follow a balanced low-carb diet and take appropriate supplements when needed rather than rely on medications with unpleasant and potentially dangerous side effects.

Research supported by the Atkins Foundation


For many years, one of the biggest roadblocks standing in the way of carbohydrate restriction acceptance was the lack of research supporting its safety and effectiveness, in large part because getting funding for studies was so difficult. However, once Dr. Atkins had the money to pay for the research himself, he began doing so in earnest. Today, even after his death, the Atkins Foundation continues to fund independent studies devoted to carbohydrate restriction -- which have demonstrated its suitability for people struggling with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes -- and nutrition's impact on metabolism and health.  Some people criticize studies by Dr. Eric Westman, Dr. Jeff Volek, and Dr. Steve Phinney as being "paid for by Atkins." But although the Atkins Foundation provides funding, I think it's disingenuous to call into question the integrity of these researchers on that basis. Within the past decade, there have been many studies comparing low-carbohydrate to low-fat diets which were not funded by the Atkins Foundation, and in every case carb restriction performed at least as well as -- and typically better than -- fat restriction for weight loss and diabetes management.


A registered dietitian who supports Atkins?

I may be a rarity, but I'm not the only registered dietitian or even the first one to believe in the Atkins approach. My friend Valerie Berkowitz and her husband, Dr. Keith Berkowitz, worked with Dr. Atkins at his Center for Complementary Medicine prior to his death in 2003. Valerie told me that when many of her RD friends learned that she worked for Atkins, they weren't at all supportive and questioned how she could believe in a diet diametrically opposed to the type promoted by most government health organizations. (I've received mixed reactions from the RDs I know but am very grateful for the support of a good number of them). Valerie and her husband now work at the Center for Balanced Health  in New York, where carbohydrate restriction is one of a number of options they discuss with their patients.

The Atkins diet isn't for everybody. People with familial hyperlipidemia need to reduce intake of fat (particularly saturated fat) due to severe issues with lipid metabolism, but this condition is relatively rare.  I firmly believe those with diabetes, insulin resistance, and/or metabolic syndrome would benefit greatly by following Atkins or another diet based on carb restriction, but if they truly don't like high-fat foods (some people actually don't, apparently) and prefer eating a low-fat diet instead, of course that's their prerogative. It's important to eat in a way you enjoy and see as a lifestyle rather than a quick fix to abandon after a few months. Personally, I love eating LCHF and am extremely grateful to Dr. Atkins for continuing to speak out on what he always knew was right even in the face of so much backlash and hostility.

* Always speak with your doctor prior to starting a low-carb diet or making other dietary changes.


References

1. Westman EC, et al.A low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet to treat type 2 diabetes. Nutr Metab 2005; 2:34
2. Volek JS, Feinman RD. Carbohydrate restriction improves features of the Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic Syndrome may be defined by the response to carbohydrate restriction. Nutr Metab(Lond) 2005 ;2:31 
3. Dashti HM, et al. Beneficial effects of ketogenic diet in obese diabetic subjects. Mol Cell Biochem 2007;302:249-256
4. Foster  GD, et al. Weight and metabolic outcomes after 2 years on a low-carbohydrate versus low-fat diet: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med 2010 Aug 3;153(3):147-57
5. Boden G, et al. Effect of a low-carbohydrate diet on appetite, blood glucose levels, and insulin resistance in obese patients with Type 2 diabetes. Ann Intern Med. 2005 142:403-411

7 Comments
Gerri
12/28/2013 05:36:10 pm

I frequently encounter raised eyebrows, followed by the same "It's not Atkins is it?" head-shaking when people see what I eat & don't eat. Before I can respond that it's not high protein, I'm told the common Atkins myth of high protein destroying my kidneys. This is usually followed by a warning about their cousin's neighbor's sister-in-law who was hospitalized. The urban legend continues, unfortunately.

I'm grateful for the committed trailblazers who, against seemingly intractable opposition, forge ahead. They are the true heroes.

Reply
Franziska Spritzler link
12/29/2013 12:08:47 am

Thanks so much for your comments and insight, Gerri!

Reply
Eddie Mitchell link
12/30/2013 02:51:38 am

Hi Franziska

I have nothing against the Atkins diet, it has worked for many people. I don’t like the term diet as it implies a short term fix. Unfortunately for many, a short term fix is not the answer. Changes have to be made for life. Many people confuse the Atkins diet with a low carb diet. I do not believe we follow the Atkins diet.

It is my understanding that the Atkins diet induction period is based on a high fat and high food protein intake. My diet and I believe yours is similar to mine, is based on a very wide range of non starchy vegetables such as swede, cabbage, cauliflower, celeriac, broccoli, sprouts, spinach, kale, peppers, the list is long. I then add proteins such as meat, chicken, fish and eggs. My calorie shortfall is made up of healthy fats such as coconut oil, cream, butter, olive oil, avocado and fat from nuts and seeds. Also a small amount of low carb fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and rhubarb.

Does that sound like a highly restricted diet to you? of course not. Remember we have only left out foods that are low in nutrients and raise BG to dangerous levels. Foods such as white bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, cakes, biscuits, crisps etc. I reckon I am eating the healthiest food of my life, and my weight, BG control, blood tests and lipid profiles confirms this is the case.

I am a diabetic but I believe a diet based on sugar and starch and highly processed factory made foods does no one any good. We could call our dietary lifestyle the clean food way. Eating foods that are natural and have minimal if any intervention by man. Fresh produce from the farm or sea, foods that have been eaten since the beginning of mankind. Back in the days before obesity, it’s often linked type two diabetes and heart disease became world wide out of control epidemics. This is all just basic common sense, but healthy eating has been usurped by multi-national junk food outfits and aided and abetted by big pharma.

Slowly the tide is turning. The WHO are calling for a 50% reduction in sugar guidelines. More and more people are turning their backs on trans fats and HFCS. The so called US food pyramid, adopted by much of the developed world has failed. People are right to fear GM food. Not so long ago Doctors and healthcare professionals on the payroll, were telling us smoking was harmless. The message took time to get through, the day will come, when people, most people, will realise they have been lied to, and the junk they have been fed regarding a healthy diet, was no more than a con trick, dreamed up to not only relieve people of their money, but also robbed them of their health.

Keep up your great work, and may I take this opportunity to wish you and yours, and your readers, a prosperous and healthy New Year.

Kind regards Eddie

Reply
Franziska Spritzler link
12/30/2013 03:38:04 am

Hi Eddie,

Great to hear from you, as always! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insight here.

Atkins induction is indeed high fat, high protein and less than 20 grams of carb daily; however, Dr. Atkins never intended it to be used for more than a few weeks. I've never tried it myself and don't see the need to. Dr. Atkins knew the benefit of non starchy vegetables and preferred that his patients get their carbs that way, along with small amounts of berries and nuts.

Our way of eating is extremely satisfying and luxurious, absolutely. Foods eaten as close as possible to their natural states and farmed in a sustainable manner provide benefits beyond blood glucose and weight control.

I'm encouraged by the WHO's recommendation to significantly reduce sugar intake. Junk food is just that, junk. It's great to see that this message is starting to hit home with so many people around the world. Exciting times ahead :)

My best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year to you and Jan. Keep up the great work!

Kind regards,

Franziska

Reply
Dan Brown link
12/31/2013 01:23:30 am

Great message, Franziska. Dr. Atkins certainly deserves the staunch and solid defense you give him. I defend him too. My doctor actually suggested that I try Atkins Induction to lose weight. It worked, of course, but the first thing that happened, as you know, is that I immediately started getting hypos. I called him (and eating a Chunky!) and he told me to stop taking one and then another and then another of the oral diabetes meds he had prescribed for me over the years. He monitored my health monthly for a year, and then quarterly thereafter, as I lost 170 pounds (60 on Atkins and the remainder on Bernstein). My doctor, and Dr. Atkins, saved my life. Dr. Atkins deserves your accolades, and he deserves to be remember as the pioneer he was.

I thought I would be dead by 2014. Now, happily, I can wish you and all your followers a Happy New Year and continued good health.

Reply
Franziska Spritzler link
12/31/2013 01:50:59 am

Thanks so much for sharing your inspirational story, Dan! Losing 170 lbs and controlling your diabetes with diet is an amazing accomplishment that speaks to the power of carb restriction. I'm so happy your doctor advised the Atkins diet for you. Thanks to Dr. Atkins and Dr. Atkins, your life and the lives of countless others have been saved.

I wish you the very best for 2014 as well. Keep up your great work :)

Reply
Charlene link
1/4/2014 06:59:16 am

Wow, Dan, what a great story. Hooray for you and encouragement for others who are investigating a low-carb lifestyle.

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