Category: Weight and Body Composition

Cellulite

Natural Strategies For Fighting Cellulite

The only people who “don’t believe in cellulite” are people — mostly men — who don’t have any!

Cellulite isn’t “just fat” – it is fat that has undergone a “mattress effect” due to the underlying landscape of connective tissue. It occurs far more frequently in women than in men and is influences by female hormones. When seen in men, cellulite suggests a possible androgen (male hormone) deficiency or estrogen excess.

Cellulite is not due only to overweight, since normal weight people can have cellulite and many fat people do not. However, excess weight amplifies the appearance of cellulite in most cellulite-prone people.

Cellulite is thought to be a “multi-factorial” condition. Factors that contribute to the development of cellulite include:

  • Female hormones, especially estrogen
  • Collagen fiber break-down (as occurs with age and nutrient deficiencies)
  • Poor venous and lymphatic circulation
  • Overweight

Although believed by many to be largely a cosmetic problem, cellulite tissue often feels heavy or tight and is often tender when massaged. (NOTE: DO NOT confuse this with “cellulitis,” a serious inflammation or infection of connective tissue. There is no underlying infection in cellulite).

Books and tabloid articles have been written about “cellulite cures” and diet changes, although there is little substantiation for this in the medical literature
apart from overall weight loss.

Diet And Lifestyle Recommendations

  • Maintain a normal weight. Excess body fat alone does not cause cellulite, but it does increase estrogen levels. Excess body fat typically makes
    cellulite more noticeable. For weight loss help, try The Super Fast Diet.
  • Exercise: regular aerobic exercise with weight training for specific problem areas may be helpful. Exercise is known to improve estrogen balance and assist with weight (fat) loss. Spot exercises for lifting the glutes (butt) and hips may help reduce the appearance of cellulite on thighs.
  • Massage: daily self-massage of cellulite tissue, using the hands with a “kneading” motion. Massage helps break up the problematic connective tissue and improve venous and lymphatic circulation. Special percussion massage therapy may be particularly helpful.

Primary Support

  • Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Optimal (not minimal) doses of antioxidants & bioflavonoids are particularly important for strengthening blood vessels, reducing inflammation and decreasing free radicals. Vitamin C is crucial to collagen formation.

Additional Support (Internal)

  • Maxi Flavones:1 cap, 1-2 times per day with meals. High potency antioxidant / flavonoid herbs to strengthen blood vessels, decrease inflammation and improve liver function (which in turn helps hormone balance).
  • Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): 4-5 caps per day with meals. CLA has been shown to decrease body fat, increase lean muscle tissue   and assist  with cellulite improvement.
  • Gotu kola (Centella asiatica): 1 cap, 3 times per day with meals. (Target dose: 90 mg triterpenes per day)
  • Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum): 1 cap, 3 times per day with meals. (Target dose:30- 60mg escin per day).

Additional Support (Topical)

Topical preparations containing caffeine, xanthines and related thermogenic substances, and glycyrrhetinic acid (from licorice) may have benefit.

Tests

Males with cellulite should have a male hormone profile test performed. When seen in men, cellulite is highly suggestive of a male hormone deficiency and/or an excess of estrogens.

References

1.) Querleux B, Cornillon C, Jolivet O, Bittoun J. Anatomy and physiology of subcutaneous adipose tissue by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy: relationships with sex and
presence of cellulite. Skin Res Technol. 2002 May;8(2):118-24.
2.) Rosenbaum M, Prieto V, Hellmer J, Boschmann M, Krueger J, Leibel RL, Ship AG. An exploratory investigation of the morphology and biochemistry of cellulite. Plast Reconstr Surg.
1998 Jun;101(7):1934-9.
3.) Piérard GE, Nizet JL, Piérard-Franchimont C. Cellulite: from standing fat herniation to hypodermal stretch marks. Am J Dermatopathol. 2000 Feb;22(1):34-7.
4.) Mirrashed F, Sharp JC, Krause V, Morgan J, Tomanek B. Pilot study of dermal and subcutaneous fat structures by MRI in individuals who differ in gender, BMI, and cellulite grading. Skin Res Technol. 2004 Aug;10(3):161-8.
5.) Pavicic T, Borelli C, Korting HC. Cellulite–the greatest skin problem in healthy people? An approach. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2006 Oct;4(10):861-70.
6.) Quatresooz P, Xhauflaire-Uhoda E, Piérard-Franchimont C, Piérard GE. Cellulite histopathology and related mechanobiology. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2006 Jun;28(3):207-10.
7.) Piérard GE. Commentary on cellulite: skin mechanobiology and the waist-to-hip ratio.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2005 Sep;4(3):151-2.
8.) Rotunda AM, Avram MM, Avram AS.Cellulite: Is there a role for injectables? J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2005 Dec;7(3-4):147-54.
9.) A. V. Rawlings. Cellulite and its treatment. Int J. of Cosmetic Science. 2006 Feb; 28(3):175-190.
10.) Velasco M.V.,Tano C.T.,Machado-Santelli G., Consiglieri V.O., et al. Effects of caffeine and siloxanetriol alginate caffeine, as anticellulite agents, on fatty tissue: histological evaluation.
J. Cosmetic Derm. 2008 Jan; 7(1):23-29.
11.) Lupi O., Semenovitch I., Treu C., Bottino D., Bouskela E. Evaluation of the effects of caffeine in the microcirculation and edema on thighs and buttocks using the orthogonal polarization
spectral imaging and clinical parameters. J. Cosmetic Derm. 2007 May; 6(2): 102-107.
12.) Smalls LK, Hicks M, Passeretti D, Gersin K, Kitzmiller WJ, Bakhsh A, Wickett RR, Whitestone J, Visscher MO. Effect of weight loss on cellulite: gynoid lypodystrophy.Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006
Aug;118(2):510-6.
13.) Distante F, Bacci PA, Carrera M. Efficacy of a multifunctional plant complex in the treatment of the so-called ‘cellulite’: clinical and instrumental evaluation. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2006 Jun;28(3):191-206.
14.) Rona C, Carrera M, Berardesca E.Testing anticellulite products.Int J Cosmet Sci. 2006 Jun;28(3):169-73.
15.) Armanini D, Nacamulli D, Francini-Pesenti F, Battagin G, Ragazzi E, Fiore C. Glycyrrhetinic acid, the active principle of licorice, can reduce the thickness of subcutaneous thigh fat through topical application. Steroids. 2005 Jul;70(8):538-42.

CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid)

The Fat that Makes You Thin

CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) is a naturally-occurring component in beef and milk. CLA has been shown to decrease body fat while increasing lean muscle tissue. Hence, it is useful for both weight loss and weight gain (muscle gaining) programs. Studies also show that CLA improves immunity and helps prevent atherosclerosis and breast cancer.

From Medscape

“May 28, 2004 — Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation reduced body fat mass (BFM) in healthy, overweight adults, according to the results of a randomized, double-blind trial published in the June issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.”

Dr. Myatt’s comment: Use CLA for both weight loss and weight gain diets to preserve and increase lean muscle mass.

Suggested dose:
4-5 caps (1,000mg) per day. (Target dose: 4,000 to 5,000 mg per day)

Cachexia / Catabolism

Natural Support For Unintended Weight Loss

Catabolism means “breaking down” and anabolism means “building up” body tissue. Under normal circumstances, “breaking down” and “building up” are in balance with each other, and a person maintains a consistent weight.

In weight training and weight gain, anabolism or “building up” occurs faster than catabolism, and tissue (fat or muscle) is added to the body. In catabolism, the rate of “breaking down” exceeds the “building up” phase and unintended weight loss results. Cachexia refers to malnutrition and lack of absorption that can cause catabolism.

Causes of cachexia/catabolism include chronic diseases such as tuberculosis and cancer, but catabolism can also occur without the presence of disease. In disease states it is believed that inflammatory substances produced by the body, including interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) play a role in the progression of cachexia.

Cachexia is a common problem in the elderly. Decreased production of digestive enzymes, plus changes in taste and appetite, often lead to decreased food intake. Total lower calorie consumption results in weight loss.

When the intake of protein falls below critical levels, loss of muscle tissue, including heart muscle, can occur.

When digestion and absorption are decreased, even an adequate amount of calories may not prevent weight loss. Remember, anabolism (“building up”) requires sufficient calories, sufficient protein, and normal digestion and assimilation. The above-listed inflammatory substances may prevent weight gain in spite of adequate caloric nutrition.

Diet And Lifestyle Recommendations

  • Diet MUST include adequate, high quality protein. This is even more important than total calories. High quality protein, especially whey protein, can be added to a “blender drink” to boost protein intake in a highly absorbable form. (See “Dr. Myatt’s Super Shake” recipe).
  • Exercise, especially light weight training, encourages muscle tissue to take up amino acids (protein) from the bloodstream. OVER-exercise is not recommended, but mild to moderate weight training exercise will help build muscle tissue.

Primary Support

  • Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals.
  • Protein powder: (alternate between whey and soy or use whey exclusively): 30 grams or more (2 scoops) of protein per day. This can easily (and tastily!) be taken as a “milkshake,” “hot chocolate,” or “pudding.”
  • Similase: 2 caps, 3 times per day with meals. (Digestive enzymes to aid assimilation)
  • L-glutamine: 500-1,000mg, 3 times per day with meals. L-glutamine in powdered form mixes easily with recipes. [Target dose: 3,000-5,000 mg per day].
  • CoQ10 (100mg): 1 cap, 2 times per day with meals.

Additional Support

Dr. Myatt’s Comments (Other Considerations)

A complete physical exam is always in order for unexplained weight loss, since many curable illnesses can cause this problem.

Be sure to have a hormone profile, including thyroid and sex hormones. If you have bowel problems, a Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) is in order. Low levels of sex hormones and/or high levels of thyroid or adrenal hormones can cause weight loss. Depending on the results of these tests, your holistic physician may recommend DHEA or other hormones.

How to Calculate Protein & Calorie Requirements

Protein: Multiply your weight by 0.7. This will give you the number of grams of protein you should consume each day. Remember, total protein intake is even more important than total calorie intake, because the body cannot make protein from any other food source (fats or carbohydrates). Protein is necessary for maintenance of muscle mass (including the heart) and for an intact immune system. Excesses of protein can be stored as fat, but excesses of fat, calories, or carbohydrates (starches and sugars) cannot be converted into protein. PROTEIN INTAKE IS OF PRIMARY IMPORTANCE IN CATABOLISM.

Example: 106 pounds (put your body weight here) X 0.7= 74 grams of protein (the amount of protein a 106 pound cachexic person needs each day). Normal or overweight individuals have different protein requirements. Please refer to the “Longevity Protocol” audio tape and paper, page 134 of the Holistic Health Handbook, for precise information on calculating protein and calorie requirements in normal and overweight individuals.

Calories: Multiply your weight in pounds by 18. This will give you the number of calories that you need each day to gain weight. (This number also accounts for a mild to moderate activity level).

Example: 106 pounds (put your body weight here) x 18 = 1908 calories. (Normal or overweight individuals have different calorie requirements. Please refer to the “Longevity Protocol” audio tape and paper for information on calculating protein and calorie requirements in normal and overweight individuals.

REMEMBER: People can survive and be healthy being very lean IF they have sufficient protein to keep muscle mass, heart and the immune system functioning well.

Dr. Myatt’s Final Comment

Non-holistic physicians, upon seeing catabolism in a patient, will often recommend a liquid “milkshake-like” canned “nutritional replacement drink.” These products contain more sugar than protein (you need more protein than sugar) and many artificial additives. They are NOT your “best bet” for restoring body mass. Use your own “Super Shake” with high protein and targeted supplements instead and you can do MUCH better. Whey protein is especially valuable because it contains immune factors and cachexia can cause immune weakness.

Coconut Oil (Organic, Virgin)

This Oil Should Be in Your Kitchen AND Your Medicine Cabinet

Coconut Oil - A Healthy Oil Of Many UsesCoconut oil is a saturated fat, which means it doesn’t go rancid when heated or when stored for long periods of time.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) turn into unhealthy “trans fats” when heated, so although you need EFA’s for good health, you should NOT cook with them! Even olive oil, a polyunsaturated fat (PUFA)  should NOT be used for cooking. (Olive oil is NOT an essential fat).

Coconut oil and other saturated fats are heat-stable. For frying and deep-frying, coconut oil is one of the very best oils to use.

In addition to being heat-stable and great for cooking, coconut oil has the following health advantages:

  • Coconut oil contains lauric acid and other a medium-chain triglycerides (MCT’s) with powerful antimicrobial effects against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, fungi / yeasts and protozoa. (1-7)
  • The MCT’s in coconut oil activate the immune system. (8,9)
  • Coconut oil’s MCT’s have proven anti-tumor effects. (10,11)
  • MCT’s in coconut oil aid weight loss three ways: by decreasing hunger, increasing fat-burning and increasing metabolism. (12-19)
  • Lowers cholesterol and improves blood fat levels. (20-22)

If you’ve heard bad things about saturated fats, you should know that it’s all nonsense – bogus B.S. promoted by the soy oil industry and Big Business. (Can you say “Proctor and Gamble”?) Read about the unjustified “bad press” that this miraculous oil has suffered here: Saturated Fat: Another Big, Fat Lie

We offer organic, virgin coconut oil, the finest quality available. Use coconut to cook, make pie crusts or anything that calls for “Crisco” (Crystallized Cottonseed Oil, a product not fit for human consumption).

Use Coconut Oil, two to four tablespoons per day as a food, substituted for whatever oils you currently cook with (except butter which is a true health food). Heck, you can even use coconut oil on your skin as a moisturizer, protectant and anti-microbial!

Coconut Oil (Organic, Virgin) 15 fl. ounces   $15.95

Please Note: Coconut oil is slippery stuff – and it may seep from it’s container during shipment. We have received reports of coconut oil seeping out of still-tightly-sealed jars! We double-bag this product and pack it carefully for shipping but we cannot be responsible for leakage during shipment – there will be no returns or refunds on this product.

References

1.) Antimicrobial activity of potassium hydroxide and lauric acid against microorganisms associated with poultry processing. J Food Prot. 2006 Jul;69(7):1611-5.
2.) In vitro activity of lauric acid or myristylamine in combination with six antimicrobial agents against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2006 Jan;27(1):51-7. Epub 2005 Nov 28.
3.) Susceptibility of Clostridium perfringens to C-C fatty acids.Lett Appl Microbiol. 2005;41(1):77-81.
4.) Effect of lauric acid and nisin-impregnated soy-based films on the growth of Listeria monocytogenes on turkey bologna. Poult Sci. 2002 May;81(5):721-6.
5.) Inhibition of bacterial foodborne pathogens by the lactoperoxidase system in combination with monolaurin. Int J Food Microbiol. 2002 Feb 25;73(1):1-9.
6.) Fatty acids and derivatives as antimicrobial agents. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1972 Jul;2(1):23-8.
7.) Susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to bactericidal properties of medium-chain monoglycerides and free fatty acids. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1996 Feb;40(2):302-6.
8.) Saturated triglycerides and fatty acids activate neutrophils depending on carbon chain-length. Eur J Clin Invest. 2002 Apr;32(4):285-9.
9.) Immunonutrition–supplementary amino acids and fatty acids ameliorate immune deficiency in critically ill patients. Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2001 Aug;386(5):369-76.
10.) Antitumor effect of medium-chain triglyceride and its influence on the self-defense system of the body. Cancer Detect Prev. 1998;22(3):219-24.
11.) Effects of calcitriol, seocalcitol, and medium-chain triglyceride on a canine transitional cell carcinoma cell line. Anticancer Res. 2005 Jul-Aug;25(4):2689-96.
12.) Value of VLCD supplementation with medium chain triglycerides.Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2001 Sep;25(9):1393-400.
13.) The thermic effect is greater for structured medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols versus long-chain triacylglycerols in healthy young women. Metabolism. 2001 Jan;50(1):125-30.
14.) Greater rise in fat oxidation with medium-chain triglyceride consumption relative to long-chain triglyceride is associated with lower initial body weight and greater loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2003 Dec;27(12):1565-71.
15.) Thermogenesis in humans during overfeeding with medium-chain triglycerides.Metabolism. 1989 Jul;38(7):641-8.
16.) Dietary medium-chain triacylglycerols suppress accumulation of body fat in a double-blind, controlled trial in healthy men and women.J Nutr. 2001 Nov;131(11):2853-9.
17.) Enhanced thermogenesis and diminished deposition of fat in response to overfeeding with diet containing medium chain triglyceride. Am J Clin Nutr. 1982 Apr;35(4):678-82.
18.) Medium-chain triglycerides increase energy expenditure and decrease adiposity in overweight men.Obes Res. 2003 Mar;11(3):395-402.
19.) Comparison of diet-induced thermogenesis of foods containing medium- versus long-chain triacylglycerols.J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2002 Dec;48(6):536-40.
20.) Effect of dietary medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols (MLCT) on accumulation of body fat in healthy humans. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003;12(2):151-60.
21.) Beneficial effects of virgin coconut oil on lipid parameters and in vitro LDL oxidation. Clin Biochem. 2004 Sep;37(9):830-5.
22.) Effect of medium-chain triglycerides on the postprandial triglyceride concentration in healthy men. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2003 Jan;67(1):46-53.

BMI CALCULATOR

Use This Easy Calculator To Find Your Body Mass Index

Weight: lbs.Height: Ft.  In.

Body Mass Index According to the Panel on Energy, Obesity, and Body Weight Standards published by American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, your category is:

ANDROPAUSE:


Male MENopause

In recent years it has been acknowledged that men experience a hormone decline and shift starting in middle age much the same as women do. The difference is that the male alteration in hormones occurs much more gradually than in women, so symptoms of the male climacteric, popularly called “andropause,” are more subtle. Many of the symptoms, though less abrupt in onset, are similar to the female menopause: depression, memory decline, loss of libido, hot flashes, decreased metabolism and difficulty making decisions. Any or all of these symptoms can be related to decreased or altered levels of the male sex hormones.

Andropause is not simply a matter of decreased testosterone. In fact, some men have elevated testosterone levels. DHEA, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estrone, androstenedione and progesterone are all male hormones can that “shift” (increase or decrease) during andropause.

In males, higher levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone, is associated with benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) and possibly prostate cancer. Increased levels of estrogens in males also appear to play a role in the development of BPH. Decreased testosterone, or the ratio of testosterone to DHT, appears to be important in determining risk for both benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostate cancer.

Decreased testosterone, especially when coupled with increased estrone, may cause emotional liability, depression and memory changes in men. Decreased DHEA levels can affect other sex hormones and are a marker for aging. In longevity medicine, maintaining youthful DHEA levels is considered particularly important.

A male hormone profile is a highly advisable “first step” for hormone balancing. The following are safe and effective self-care measures that can be used to improve hormone balance, but hormone profile testing remains the standard for natural hormone replacement therapy in both men and women.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Diet: eat a nutritious diet high in nutrient-rich foods. Increase consumption of soy products (both sexes) if tolerated.
  • Achieve and maintain a normal weight.
  • Exercise regularly. 30 minutes, 3 times per week minimum.
  • Don’t smoke! The climacteric occurs sooner in people who smoke.

PRIMARY SUPPORT

  • Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Optimal (not minimal) doses of vitamin E, C, B6, B12, folic acid, selenium, zinc and bioflavonoids are particularly important for men over 40.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids:
     Flax seed meal, 2 teaspoons per day with food
    OR
    Flax seed capsules    : 2-4 caps, 3 times per day [target dose range: 6-12 caps per day]
    OR
    Flax seed oil    : 1 tablespoon per day
    OR
    Max EPA     (Omega-3 rich fish oil): 1-2 caps, 3 times per day with meals [target dose: 3-6 caps per day].

For General Hormone Balancing:

  • Saw Palmetto: 1cap, 2 times per day. [Target dose: 320mg per day]. Saw palmetto helps keep the ratio of testosterone to DHT high. The result is a more youthful testosterone profile and less unwanted prostate gland growth.
  • DHEA: 50 mg taken in the morning. Do not use higher doses without the results of a hormone profile. (A typical dose for an andropausal males is 50mg per day).
  • Mega Soy: 1 tab, once per day with breakfast. [Target dose: 100mg or more of isoflavones; 50-100mg or more of genisteins].
  • Melatonin: 3 mg at bedtime.

For Depression, Loss of Libido or Erectile Dysfunction:

TESTS

Hormone replacement creams, patches or natural prescriptions may be recommended by your holistic physician AFTER a sex hormone profile has been performed. I am available for consultations by telephone to help you achieve optimal hormone balance.

See Menopause:”The Climacteric” for a full discussion of what occurs during menopause.

 

 

Amino Acids

Building Blocks of Muscle, Heart, Immune System

Amino acids are the basic units of protein. Protein, in turn, is an essential macronutrient (calorie-containing food). Seventy-five percent of the body’s solid material is comprised of protein, including the heart and muscles. Of the 21 amino acids found in substantial amounts in the body, ten are essential (the body MUST have them, the body cannot make them, and so they must be obtained from diet). Deficiencies of protein and/or amino acids can result in muscle weakness (including heart muscle weakness), tissue wasting, immune system failure, skin and vision changes, hormone and neurotransmitter alterations to name just a few.

A generalized protein deficiency is best treated with high quality protein, including whey, soy, and fish. Individual amino acid supplements are useful in a variety of conditions.

Therapeutically important amino acids include:

Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) ALC is the acetylated ester of L-carnitine. It is more easily absorbed than l-carnitine and passes more readily into the cell where it is used for energy production. ALC plays a crucial role in maintaining youthful energy metabolism, blood flow, and brain function.

L-carnitine is an amino acid that is crucial to normal energy production and fat metabolism. It is used to treat atherosclerosis, high cholesterol and triglycerides and overweight. Carnitine helps the body convert fat into energy.

L-glutamine is an amino acid crucial to the cells of the GI tract and the immune system. Glutamine is used to build muscle (anabolic), rejuvenate and heal the GI tract, and improve immunity.

L-5-HTP (hydroxytryptophan) is an intermediate metabolite of the amino acid tryptophan. L-5-HTP stimulates increased production of serotonin, melatonin, endorphins, norepinephrine (adrenaline) and dopamine. It is used to treat depression, insomnia, anxiety, and overweight/obesity. Studies have shown it to be equally effective to Prozac and other SSRI drugs for treating depression, only much safer.

L-lysine may help prevent atherosclerosis. It is also used to effectively treat and prevent herpes outbreaks in infected individuals.

DL-phenylalanine (a mixture of “D” and “L” forms of phenylalanine) protects the body’s endorphins (“feel good hormones”) and reduces pain. Studies have shown it to be highly effective (70%) for treating chronic pain.

10 Dangers Of Carbohydrates

The US Food Pyramid advises us to eat 5-10 servings per day of carbohydrates, but high carbohydrate diets are the primary causes of our current overweight/obesity epidemic. 66% of adult Americans are overweight and 33% of these are obese.

Diets high in carbohydrates (grains, beans, sugary fruits— anything that quickly turns into sugar in the blood stream) are making Americans some of the fattest people on Earth.

Here are 10 reasons why carbohydrates — “carbs” — are so dangerous.

  1. Carbs are not “essential” and high consumption displaces necessary nutrients. “Essential” means that a certain food is absolutely required by the body (like gasoline or diesel in a car), is not manufactured by the body, and so must be consumed in the diet.
    Have you ever heard of an “essential fatty acid”? (EFA)? Some types of fats — Omega 6′s and Omega 3′s — are absolutely required by the body.Have you heard of “essential amino acids”? Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. There are 8 amino acids that are “essential.” Without them, muscles, hormones and the heart (a muscle) cease to function properly. Muscles have a high protein requirement.

    Have you ever heard of an “essential carbohydrate”? I hope not, because there’s no such thing!

    Of the three calorie containing molecules — proteins, fats and carbohydrates — only certain fats and proteins are “essential.” When the diet is high in carbohydrates, it is often deficient in the necessary essential fats and proteins. Deficiencies of essential fats and proteins causes all manner of diseases, from mood disorders (neurotransmitters are made from essential fats and proteins) to muscle weakness (muscles have a high protein requirement), hormone imbalances, heart disease and premature aging.

  2. Carbs cause overweight. What do we feed cows to fatten them up quickly? Carbohydrates, especially corn. “Corn fed beef” is wonderful — loaded with marbled fat. Cows don’t eat meat, so obviously the vilified eggs, butter and meat aren’t what is putting weight on these animals.And pigs? Although pigs are omnivores (like humans, they’ll eat anything), they are fed carbohydrates including corn, soybeans and barley for maximum weight gain. A piglet can go from 60 pounds to 250 pounds in 3 months on a diet high in carbohydrates.
  3. Carbs cause adult-onset diabetes and “syndrome X” (pre diabetes). Fats and proteins have very little effect on blood sugar. Carbs have a BIG effect on blood sugar, causing rapid spike in glucose followed by a rapid rise in insulin. In the near-absence of carbohydrates, nearly all type II diabetics will fully recover from the “disease” in under three months. (I put type II diabetes in parenthesis because I don’t consider it a disease so much as a dietary imbalance. When the diet is corrected, the diabetes goes away).
  4. Carbs cause high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. Look at the name of this molecule: carbo – “hydrate.” Hydrate means to combine with water. Each molecule of carbohydrate draws eight molecules of water to itself. This means that carbs cause water retention.Many cases of high blood pressure are caused by simple water retention. This is why one of the first drugs given for blood pressure is a diuretic — something that makes you urinate and hence, eliminate fluid.

    Congestive heart failure is caused by the body retaining too much water and literally “water logging” the heart, impeding it’s ability to beat. Eliminate the carbs, and blood pressure drops — often dramatically — in as little as a week.

  5. Carbohydrates harbor deadly fungus and yeasts. Yeasts and fungus (which are really different forms of the same organism) feed on sugar. Many carbohydrate foods have a high propensity to become infected with fungus. What’s the danger of fungus? Please read Fungus, Yeasts and Molds: Hidden Cause of Many “Unexplained” Diseases.
  6. Carbohydrates cause nutrient deficiencies. Carbs require B complex vitamins for their utilization in the body. Unfortunately, it is the B vitamins that are removed during the processing of grains. Because refined grains are low in B vitamins and yet require high B vitamins for their utilization, they lead to B complex vitamin deficiencies.Problems associated with B vitamin deficiencies include depression, memory loss, heart disease, insomnia, cataracts, atherosclerosis, fatigue, muscle cramps, allergies and GI symptoms to name just a few.
  7. Carbs suppress the immune system. The immune system requires protein and certain fats to function normally. Sugar suppresses the immune system. (Remember, carbohydrates turn into sugar in the body). Three ounces of sugar in any form (can you say “fruit juice” or “soda pop” or “sports drink”?) suppress the activity of white blood cells for up to 5 hours.
  8. Many carbohydrates are allergens. Although a person can be allergic to any type of protein or carbohydrate, grains and beans are some of the most allergenic of all foods.
    Subtle allergies to grains and carbs can cause GI problems (“tear up the gut”) and result in increased intestinal permeability, where toxins are allowed to leak into the bloodstream from the colon.
  9. Carbohydrates fuel cancer cells. Cancer cells use glucose — blood sugar — as their “food.” Unlike normal cells, they are not equipped to burn ketones (the product of fat breakdown) for fuel.Carbs suppress the immune system, making a person more susceptible to cancer. Then, the high blood sugar provides fuel for the cancer, like throwing gasoline on a fire. If you want to avoid cancer, limit your intake of carbohydrates.
  10. Carbs are addictive. When you eat carbs, your blood sugar rapidly rises. You get a temporary “high” when your blood sugar is high. Next, a blast of insulin from the pancreas causes a precipitous drop in blood sugar. At this point, feelings of weakness, fatigue, shakiness and even anxiety set in. In order to feel good again, a person will “self medicate” by eating another blast of carbs. This vicious cycle is exactly what happens to drug addicts, who must continue to have repeated “fixes” of their drug in order to feel good. No such addiction occurs with fats and proteins.
    When a person is addicted to carbs, they repeatedly eat them. This results in overweight or obesity, decreased immunity, increased risk of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and depression to name just a few.

Isn’t it time you “got hip” and switched to a luxurious, low carbohydrate, high-health diet? Lose weight and reclaim health fast with the Super Fast Diet!