An interesting article

"[censored] Stephens" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news😄xPZc.114858$mD.53361@attbi_s02...

Quoted message said:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/09/02/health/main640566.shtml

[censored] Stephens

Interesting, perhaps, but utter rubbish.

"The most frequent complaints with low-carb diets are constipation
and headache, which are readily explained by the lack of fruit,
vegetables and whole grains, Astrup said. Also, bad breath, muscle
cramps, diarrhea, general weakness and rashes are more often
reported on low-carb diets than on low-fat diets, Astrup found. "

I've been doing this over a year, have been at my ideal weight for
over 8 months, and do not get any of these symptoms. In fact, my
long term problem with fungal rashes has been eliminated by the
diet. On the other hand, I do eat vegetables and some whole grains,
though not much fruit.

Other people I know on the diet also do not have these problems.
Some cases of intestinal distress have been reported by those who
cheat and those who overconsume sugar alcohols.

"The majority had some of these side effects in the Atkins group.
In the control group, almost nothing," he said.

This, of course, proves the study is bogus. Everyone gets some
of these symptoms from time to time. I had much more of them
on my previous low fat diet, and also had weight gain and bad
blood sugar problems.

"These side effects are consistent with carbohydrate deficiency,
because the brain and muscle do not get enough sugar from
carbohydrates to maintain their normal function, Astrup said."

This is complete [censored]. I've never had the claimed requirement
of 150 grams in a day this year. In fact I've never had so much
as 100. Typically between 40 and 70. My brain is working just
fine, and in fact better than before because blood sugar swings
are quite disruptive to normal brain function. I haven't noticed
any others on the diet have brain failure either.

The science still has not caught up to the reality that low-carb
works and is safe and healthy.

Alan

Quoted message said:

This, of course, proves the study is bogus. Everyone gets some
of these symptoms from time to time. I had much more of them
on my previous low fat diet, and also had weight gain and bad
blood sugar problems.

"These side effects are consistent with carbohydrate deficiency,
because the brain and muscle do not get enough sugar from
carbohydrates to maintain their normal function, Astrup said."

This is complete [censored]. I've never had the claimed requirement
of 150 grams in a day this year. In fact I've never had so much
as 100. Typically between 40 and 70. My brain is working just
fine, and in fact better than before because blood sugar swings
are quite disruptive to normal brain function. I haven't noticed
any others on the diet have brain failure either.

The science still has not caught up to the reality that low-carb
works and is safe and healthy.

Alan

Well said Alan.

Quoted message said:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/09/02/health/main640566.shtml

The side effects cited include constipation, headache, bad breath, muscle
cramps, diarrhea, general weakness and rashes.

The article doesn't indicate at what point after beginning the "Atkins and
other low-carb" diets subjects began experiencing these side effects. It
does indicate that not all subjects were following Atkins, as "other
low-carb diets" is mentioned.

My sense is that all these side effects fall into two categories:

(1) side effects typical of induction, the period when the subject's body is
making the rather abrubt change to ketosis, burning fat instead of sugar for
fuel. Headaches, muscle cramps, diarrhea, general weakness and rashes are
common during this period, which usually lasts for two or three weeks. Some,
such as headache, muscle cramps, and weakness may be related to dehydration
and/or electrolyte depletion, especially if a substantial amount of fluid is
released at the initiation of ketosis and not replaced by food and
supplements. Diarrhea can result from the radical change of foods eaten. The
cause of rashes is not clear, but I know I experienced these about two weeks
into induction, after which they quickly went away. These side effects tend
to be short-lived in most Atkins dieters, based on my own experience and
that of friends and the hundreds of posters I've read on this newsgroup.
However, sometimes they persist because of factor (2), below.

(2) side effects caused by not following the Atkins plan. The Atkins plan
calls for adding back in carbs, mostly in the form of vegetables and
low-sugar fruits, with limited amounts of whole grain foods also allowed
eventually for most dieters. The very low carbohydrate phase is only
intended to last for a few weeks. Eventually the subject transitions to a
vegetable-rich diet that should be approximately concordant with RDAs for
most or all nutrients, including fiber. The problem is that too many dieters
don't follow the instructions. Some decide to stay at induction levels
because they think they'll lose weight faster (often it's the other way
round, however). Some add in too much lactose-rich dairy, processed/refined
carbohydrates, & sugar-rich foods instead of the veggies and fruit suggested
by Atkins. These individuals may end up with poor intestinal function due to
lack of fiber and all sorts of other symptoms due to prolonged lack of
nutrients. Even supplements can't be relied on to provide all the things an
abundant intake of dark green leafy and highly colored vegetables provides.
The deep ketosis resulting from staying at a low carb intake also seems to
lead to more electrolyte imbalances (perhaps in part as a result of poor
intake related to low vegetable consumption), a lower level of hydration,
bad breath, and low energy. Atkins is a great plan when done the way the
books describe, but it can be harmful in some instances when people don't
follow it.

HG