![]() While doing research for one of my Answers.com articles, Defending Your Low-Carb Diet, I found an interesting article on WebMD. I know that much of the information found online is critical of carb restriction, but I was unprepared for the claims made on this website, which is extremely popular and considered a trusted source by many Americans. First of all, the article discusses "high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets" and defines "high protein" as 30-50% of caloric intake. Aside from the Stillman diet and perhaps the diets of a few bodybuilders, I don't know of any other popular low-carb plans that recommend more than 30% of calories from protein. On a 2000-calorie diet, 30% is 150 grams of protein, and 50% is 250 grams. Most low-carb diets are moderate in protein, although some people may consume higher amounts. This article purports to talk about the risks vs. benefits of high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets, but the "benefits" are glossed over, and several of the statements seem to denigrate carb restriction in particular. According to Web MD, high-protein, low-carb diets can cause many health problems:
In the summary, "Is Low Carb Right for Me?" the writer states that carb restriction is dangerous, particularly for those with heart disease, and that low-carb diets don't allow a high intake of fruits and vegetables. I strongly disagree. I believe this way of eating is beneficial for people with heart disease for the reasons listed above, as well as improvements in hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. And there are plenty of plant foods allowed on a low-carb diet. I eat vegetables at every meal, a few servings of nuts a day, berries once a day, and avocado just about every day on my VLC diet. I probably get more vegetables than most people do, along with more fiber and antioxidants. Although I guess I shouldn't be surprised, it concerns me that such a highly critical and inaccurate article was published on WebMD. Perhaps there are even worse articles written on medical sites considered reputable? In my opinion, using scare tactics to discourage people from adopting a carbohydrate-restricted diet is troubling, particularly since this way of eating has had such a positive impact on a significant number of people and has the potential to improve the lives of so many others. * Although low-carbohydrate diets are safe and healthy for most people, it's important to speak with your doctor prior to adopting a low-carb diet or making other dietary changes. References: 1. Friedman AN, et al. Comparative effects of low-carbohydrate, high-protein vs. low-fat diets on the kidney. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2012 Jul;7(7):1103-11 2. Kritchevsky SB, et al. Serum cholesterol and cancer risk: an epidemiologic perspective. Annu Rev Nutr. 1992; 12:391-416. 3. Strohmaier S, et al. Total serum cholesterol and caner incidence in the metabolic syndrome and cancer project (ME-CAN).J Epidemiol Community Health 2011; 65:A302 doi:10.1136/jech.2011 4. Barzel US, et al. Excessive dietary protein can adversely affect bone. J Nutr 128:1051-1053, 1988 5. Sampath A, et al. Kidney stones and the ketogenic diet: risk factors and prevention. J Child Neurol. 2007 April:22(4):375-378 6. Poplawski MM, et al. Reversal of nephropathy by a ketogenic diet. PLoS One 6:1–9, 2011
14 Comments
9/7/2013 10:58:06 pm
I appreciate your attack of the mainstream media, Web MD, I probably trust them myself too much.
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9/8/2013 03:38:16 am
Thanks so much for your comments, Randy. Congratulations on being a cancer survivor. Can you please provide me with a link to information regarding the Hart Dietary Procedure (the link to your website didn't work). You can use the "Contact Me" page if you like.
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Randy Hebert
9/8/2013 05:10:19 am
Www.ColJoe.com 9/8/2013 09:31:59 am
Sorry, Randy. I still get an error message when I try to access Www.ColJoe.com.
Gerri
9/8/2013 12:33:38 pm
Thanks for setting the record straight point by incorrect point. So much for WedMD being a credible source.
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Your frustration and anger are palpible, Franziska. It is lamentable, no shameful, and STUPID that a 'usually' (?) reputable site, WebMD, would risk their credibility by publishing such irresponsible garbage. Their insistance that this WOE is 'high protein,' which you pick up on right away, is the prime example: As you say, I know of NO low-carb advocate that recommends a diet of more than 30% protein, and most of us eat I think between 20 and 25% protein. That being said I read a peer-reviewed study years ago (unfortunately, lost to me) that most Americans eat 15% (women) and 16% (men) protein (average). Of course, the proverbial 2,000kcal. diet on the Nutrition Facts Panel on packaged and processed food is based on 10% protein (50g = 200kcal). It was probably constructed by a vegan.
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9/8/2013 11:27:25 pm
Thanks so much for your comments and continued support, Dan! I know there are many writers at WebMD, and most seem to research topics thoroughly before writing articles, but unfortunately that wasn't the case here. Protein needs vary from individual to individual, but >30% is unnecessarily high and 10% is definitely too low, in my opinion.
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Tim
9/9/2013 08:06:53 pm
When I see a low carb diet described as high protein I quit reading. If the author doesn't know enough to describe it as high fat/ low carb any "facts' presented are automatically called into question.
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9/29/2013 12:18:21 am
Franziska, I can't think of anything you wrote above that I would disagree with.
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9/29/2013 02:40:55 am
Appreciate and agree with your comments, Steve!
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Janknitz
10/4/2013 01:00:17 am
Exactly! Low carb "high protein" is a hold over from the 1990's when the low carb gurus were too afraid to emphasize that it was high fat. Other than a few outliers like the Weston A Price group, most people did not recognize that natural fats are healthful and full of vitamins we NEED. It was simply too politically incorrect to mention the fat.
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10/4/2013 04:50:24 am
Thanks so much for your comments, Janknitz. Fat phobia is rampant among many in the medical and nutrition fields. I continue to hope that this will change. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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