Low-carb endorsement? :)

[GeishaGirl]

From the Mayo Clinic website: "A low-carb diet may provide some health benefits, such as possibly lowering blood cholesterol levels."

It's so strange to see someone as medically respected as the Mayo Clinic actually point out that eating a high-fat diet can LOWER cholesterol. They also have a list of potential benefits, and the only negative thing they say is that the long-term risks have not yet been studied.

[sumi]

Yes Geisha, in another 10 or 20 years, who knows, this may be mainstream!.

[foxl]

While I have yet to find a low-carb endorsement in Joslin's, I DID find an author on obesity in it, that observes the increasing carbohydrate intake in the 80's and 90's as a possible cause of the T2D epidemic! His name is JS Flier, he is a Hahvahd Researcher. Gonna look him up in Medline in a bit ...

[armandito]

From the Mayo Clinic website: "A low-carb diet may provide some health benefits, such as possibly lowering blood cholesterol levels."

It's so strange to see someone as medically respected as the Mayo Clinic actually point out that eating a high-fat diet can LOWER cholesterol. They also have a list of potential benefits, and the only negative thing they say is that the long-term risks have not yet been studied.

Hello, do you have the link to the article? I searched and searched their website and could not find the part about a high-fat diet lowering cholesterol.

I actually found an article where they state:
"A low-carb diet may provide some health benefits, such as possibly lowering blood cholesterol levels. However, the benefits depend on what foods you eat as part of the diet. Foods high in saturated fat, which technically fit the criteria of a low-carb diet, reduce the health-benefit potential."

Low-carb diets: Can they help you lose weight? - MayoClinic.com (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/low-carb-diet/NU00279/NSECTIONGROUP=2)

Thank you

[GayleM]

From the Mayo Clinic website: "A low-carb diet may provide some health benefits, such as possibly lowering blood cholesterol levels."

It's so strange to see someone as medically respected as the Mayo Clinic actually point out that eating a high-fat diet can LOWER cholesterol. They also have a list of potential benefits, and the only negative thing they say is that the long-term risks have not yet been studied.

Please re-read the article - it is totally non-commital in all ways. :) It doesn't say it CAN lower cholesteral, it says "possibly." It is really difficult when we feel strongly about a subject to be unbiased - but I would be cautious in saying the Mayo endorses this. Clearly they do not. Words like "potential," "might" and "possibly" aren't even close to an endorsement. The Mayo has alot of this kind of article on its site. Really doesn't say much of anything, but as a medical site they need to have something on about it.

I know of some folks who have, indeed, brought their lipids in line with a truly low carb diet, lost weight and kept it off. I know an equal number of people that had no success going that route and, in fact, just ended up raising lipids and not losing weight.

As I'm sure you know also, for diabetics we must be aware of what low carb generated ketosis is. There is not enough known about how - if at all - long term ketosis correlates to ketoacidosis or how it affects the body in general.

With the popularity of low carbing I'm hopeful some studies (NOT funded by Atkins or low carb related for-profit companies) will be done so some of these questions can be answered for certain. It will take years for a conclusive study but it sure would be nice to know!

[fgummett]

I take the fact that the Mayo article is not outright dismissing the low-carb approach or stating it is harmful, to be at least a step in the right direction :)

I also note with a wry smile this constant referral to "lack of long term studies" to prove health or harm either one way or the other -- strangely this same caveat never seems to be applied to the low-fat/high-carb staple which everyone just seems to take for granted as being the only safe option... where are the long term studies proving the health or harm of low-fat?

[fgummett]

I might suggest that the outcome of the last few decades of the low-fat "experiment" is evident all around us, while -- as a species -- we have enjoyed the benefits of a natural whole food diet, including unadulterated levels of fat and lacking in refined/concentrated carbohydrates for hundreds of thousands of years -- arguably much much longer.

That said I would of course welcome any unbiased research to settle this debate once and for all.

[GayleM]

I take the fact that the Mayo article is not outright dismissing the low-carb approach or stating it is harmful, to be at least a step in the right direction :)

I also note with a wry smile this constant referral to "lack of long term studies" to prove health or harm either one way or the other -- strangely this same caveat never seems to be applied to the low-fat/high-carb staple which everyone just seems to take for granted as being the only safe option... where are the long term studies proving the health or harm of low-fat?

I think you will find the Mayo does not state outright anything is harmful unless it is the well-documented ailments such as hypertension, cancer, etc. They can't because it just isn't known. But not saying it is harmful is far different from an endorsement, expecially with the ambiguous language that they use throughout their site on these types of things.

I think the reason the "standard" nutrition levels have not received the same scrutiny are that it is fairly bengin IF you follow it strictly - which is not high carb, but a bit of everything. We Americans tend to eat ultra high carb, far more than the suggested standard.

In fact, look at this Mayo article on supplements and weight loss:

Over-the-counter weight-loss pills: Do they work? - MayoClinic.com (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/weight-loss/HQ01160/NSECTIONGROUP=2)

It outright says at the end: "There's no magic bullet for losing weight. The most effective way to lose weight and keep it off is through lifestyle changes: Eat healthy, low-calorie foods, watch portion sizes, and engage in regular physical activity. It's certainly no magic pill, but it works." Low calorie is certainly not high fat. No mention of low carbing there at all and that is a pretty definitive statement.

As I said, I know it works well for some, not for others. None of us react the same way to any regimen and I'm all for whatever works for us as individual! I think we can all share what is working for us, but how we all may diet is not the necessarily the best or only way and caution should be used in saying it is.

My only point here was that the Mayo doesn't even come close to endorsing low carbing.

Take care!

[fgummett]

I think the reason the "standard" nutrition levels have not received the same scrutiny are that it is fairly bengin IF you follow it strictly - which is not high carb, but a bit of everything.I disagree. The current "standard" advice from nutritionists, doctors, media etc... is very much based in the low-fat/high-carb paradigm. Look at the nutritional advice given to newly diagnosed diabetics.

I do agree that many folks around the World are eating way too much refined/concentrated carbohydrate... too much processed and manufactured pseudo-food. Some of the reasons for this include: that HFCS is cheap and plentiful due to government subsidies to corn farmers, powerful sugar lobbyists, mass-marketing of "healthy" foods such a low-fat yogurts, and flavour-of-the-month nutritional fads such as oatmeal and lately omega-3.

[GayleM]

I disagree. The current "standard" advice from nutritionists, doctors, media etc... is very much based in the low-fat/high-carb paradigm. Look at the nutritional advice given to newly diagnosed diabetics.

AMEN to your comment on what the CDE's promote! Mine was an out of control T2 himself and no wonder :)

I do agree that many folks around the World are eating way too much refined/concentrated carbohydrate... too much processed and manufactured pseudo-food. Some of the reasons for this include: that HFCS is cheap and plentiful due to government subsidies to corn farmers, powerful sugar lobbyists, mass-marketing of "healthy" foods such a low-fat yogurts, and flavour-of-the-month nutritional fads such as oatmeal and lately omega-3.

As I've said, what works for some may not for others. The no-fat yogurt is a staple in my diet and watching fats brought my lipids brilliantly in to line. Statins didn't (and left me with muscle damage) and low carbing didn't.

So many genetic factors play in for all of us that the ONLY thing I advocate strongly is try what makes sense to you, test for results and if it didn't work try another tact until you find what does.

As to fads, marketing, etc. that is a whole other topic and any diet can fall in that category. Good discussion! Thanks for replying!

[Chef Barrae]

The Mayo Clinic website also has great information about food exchanges such as carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables and fats.

A diet rich in healthy fats such as exta virgin olive oil, canola oil, almonds or walnuts is good for you. But these foods must be eaten in moderation due to the caloric content. The Mayo Clinic website sorts out the good fats from the not so good fats and the bad fats.

[foxl]

The Mayo Clinic website also has great information about food exchanges such as carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables and fats.

A diet rich in healthy fats such as exta virgin olive oil, canola oil, almonds or walnuts is good for you. But these foods must be eaten in moderation due to the caloric content. The Mayo Clinic website sorts out the good fats from the not so good fats and the bad fats.


Chef, our byword here, is YMMV, or, "Your Mileage May Vary."

I am continuing to lose weight (35 -40 lb now, Inever quite meaasured my peak weight properly -- too depressing), without counting calories, by eating my LoBAG 20 diet ... and otherwise eating freely. If this weight loss improves my lipid profile, as calorie counting AND eating a low-fat, almost-vegan diet never did (for over a decade) I intend to continue this.

I hope you will read and process to how others here are eating, and what has worked for them -- including higher-carb eaters who count calories, of course.


So far you have not told us what medications you are on with your diet, how much, what your A1c is, or your lipid profile ... please share, to substantiate your success!

[Chef Barrae]

Chef, our byword here, is YMMV, or, "Your Mileage May Vary."

I am continuing to lose weight (35 -40 lb now, Inever quite meaasured my peak weight properly -- too depressing), without counting calories, by eating my LoBAG 20 diet ... and otherwise eating freely. If this weight loss improves my lipid profile, as calorie counting AND eating a low-fat, almost-vegan diet never did (for over a decade) I intend to continue this.

I hope you will read and process to how others here are eating, and what has worked for them -- including higher-carb eaters who count calories, of course.


So far you have not told us what medications you are on with your diet, how much, what your A1c is, or your lipid profile ... please share, to substantiate your success!

Well, before I lost my health insurance and drug plan I was taking Metphormin 1000 mg 2 x day, Actos 45 mg. and Januvia. I was on a blood pressure medicine as well called Lotrel. My cholesterol was very lean and low and I did not take any cholesterol meds. I'm sorry I don't recall the numbers and my A1c was about 6.4 if I remember. I have not been able to see my doctor since the loss of my insurance or renew any meds so I am kind of hanging in the breeze right now, as they say. I hate to tell you where I am now with no meds. I am a disaster waiting to happen. All I can do for myself is eat the best I can but that is not enough, as you may well know.

My recipes are good. They are low carb and different from any that you have read most likely. I am not promoting anything or saying that my recipes are some kind of cure all. Far from that. I firmly believe that you need to consult with your physician about what you eat, although a nutritionist really knows more about that particular subject, and you need to eat what works for you. Believe me, I know very well how food can effect you one day and not the next or be bad for your BG and not for someone elses.

I hope I wasn't coming off like some kind of know it all. That's not what I was trying to do. I was simply adding my experiences with everyone elses. I will certainly keep in mind YMMV and try and remember to add that to my posts. Thanks for the advise. I will use it well.

Please tell me about your LoBag 20 Diet. I've never heard of that before and am not even sure what it means. Thanks. I am always open to hearing about different ways of eating but what I do is not a diet, it is a lifestyle.

[foxl]

My story: I am an ovolacto vegetarian of long standing (like 36 yrs) and was also trying to Low- carb. I work in a medical library, and was in biomed research -- basic and applied, before that.

I actually came across Frank Nuttall's LoBag diets AFTER I reached my low-carb comfort zone, but it perfectly fit what I am doing. He is in the Nutrition Dept. at U MN.

I will be interested in your recipes! Trying to get my harvesting done on Farm Town and will go look at your blog! I am on Actoplusmet, too -- but managed to switch to my group ins from DH's when he was laid off recently -- fortunately!

[Chef Barrae]

My story: I am an ovolacto vegetarian of long standing (like 36 yrs) and was also trying to Low- carb. I work in a medical library, and was in biomed research -- basic and applied, before that.

I actually came across Frank Nuttall's LoBag diets AFTER I reached my low-carb comfort zone, but it perfectly fit what I am doing. He is in the Nutrition Dept. at U MN.

I will be interested in your recipes! Trying to get my harvesting done on Farm Town and will go look at your blog! I am on Actoplusmet, too -- but managed to switch to my group ins from DH's when he was laid off recently -- fortunately!

I do post recipes frequently that would be okay for you as an ovolacto vegetarian. In fact, right now I think I have at least five or so posted. I hope you visit and try a recipe or two. Please let me know what you think of them. I have a comments link and an area to rate the recipes. Thanks! BTW, you were very lucky to keep your insurance. That's how I lost mine...being laid off. It's just me and my daughter so I didn't have anyway to switch. Oh well. Hopefully things will improve and I will get insurance again soon.

[foxl]

I do post recipes frequently that would be okay for you as an ovolacto vegetarian. In fact, right now I think I have at least five or so posted. I hope you visit and try a recipe or two. Please let me know what you think of them. I have a comments link and an area to rate the recipes. Thanks! BTW, you were very lucky to keep your insurance. That's how I lost mine...being laid off. It's just me and my daughter so I didn't have anyway to switch. Oh well. Hopefully things will improve and I will get insurance again soon.

I hope you do too. I have a brother in S. FL (Punta Gorda) and I feel for you with our economy! This stinks. We have 3 little kids and my husband out of work ... and over 50! Not a good outlook by any means.

Are you at least on met while being uninsured? It's cheap!

[Chef Barrae]

I hope you do too. I have a brother in S. FL (Punta Gorda) and I feel for you with our economy! This stinks. We have 3 little kids and my husband out of work ... and over 50! Not a good outlook by any means.

Are you at least on met while being uninsured? It's cheap!

No, I ran out. All I have left is a few Januvia. It doesn't seem to do too much on its own. I am in the over 50 group as well and it is very bad. I haven't even had a response to all of my resumes I emailed. Not one. It is freightening. I have gotten information from a few pharma co's that have a very cheap plan for meds if you are uninsured. The problem is my doc has to sign off on the rx's. I just haven't got the $ right at the moment to see him. It's a catch 22. I don't cook professionally anymore. Bad back and hip. That's why I started the blog. I still do my thing at home though. I wish you all the luck. Having three kids must really be difficult. My daughter is older but she was laid off 5 months before I was and she hasn't had any luck either. All we can do is just the best we can I guess. Take a deep breath and try to smile. I know if I get all caught up and worried it will only make my BG shoot up, so it's not worth it.

[foxl]

No, I ran out. All I have left is a few Januvia. It doesn't seem to do too much on its own. I am in the over 50 group as well and it is very bad. I haven't even had a response to all of my resumes I emailed. Not one. It is freightening. I have gotten information from a few pharma co's that have a very cheap plan for meds if you are uninsured. The problem is my doc has to sign off on the rx's. I just haven't got the $ right at the moment to see him. It's a catch 22. I don't cook professionally anymore. Bad back and hip. That's why I started the blog. I still do my thing at home though. I wish you all the luck. Having three kids must really be difficult. My daughter is older but she was laid off 5 months before I was and she hasn't had any luck either. All we can do is just the best we can I guess. Take a deep breath and try to smile. I know if I get all caught up and worried it will only make my BG shoot up, so it's not worth it.

Aw, that stinks! I hope you can get to your MD soon -- and at least get some insulin! I am told that can be the absolute cheapest ... not sure if it is true. No free clinics near you at all? They can be okay -- better than no care, surely!

[Granny Shanny]

Definitely check out a free clinic, Chef B. I use the free clinic when I need lab work, because I can't afford the fees for my doc's group's lab (he's actually the one who keeps pointing me to the free clinic. I can afford his office visits occasionally because he gives me a 25% discount). And if I REALLY luck out, he's often the one who's manning the free clinic when I get there!

It truly is better than no care. Please say you'll look into it, because you're in a very precarious situation. :( :(

[Chef Barrae]

Definitely check out a free clinic, Chef B. I use the free clinic when I need lab work, because I can't afford the fees for my doc's group's lab (he's actually the one who keeps pointing me to the free clinic. I can afford his office visits occasionally because he gives me a 25% discount). And if I REALLY luck out, he's often the one who's manning the free clinic when I get there!

It truly is better than no care. Please say you'll look into it, because you're in a very precarious situation. :( :(

Thanks for the info. I will look into it. I am pretty freightened about not having meds and the ability to see a doc. My BG has been outrageous in the morning when I do test. I am low on that as well and am trying to make those supplies last. I will. I promise. Thanks to everyone for their warmth and concer and sharing ideas and info with me. It is greatly appreciated.