24 Seven May 2018

Lorraine Maita, MD
DIET FADS AND FACTS AND FALLACIES
Any diet can be associated with weight loss;
the question is, will it leave you metabolically
better or worse?
There is still controversy about low fat
versus low carbohydrate diets. After
reviewing the literature and comments and
conclusions of researchers, there is evidence
to suggest that weight loss for the first six
months is better in men and women on
low carbohydrate diets than low fat diets.
All conclude that there are no long-term
studies on safety or efficacy of either low fat
or low carbohydrate diets.
Having been an avid reader on diet and
nutrition since medical school, I continually
find the literature conflicting and confusing,
however, after years of clinical practice
and reading the details and debates, a
nutrient rich, hypoallergenic, diet of whole,
unprocessed foods is healthiest.
The studies demonstrate that in the shortterm,
low calorie, low carbohydrate diets
outperform low fat diets in terms of weight
and fat loss as well as lowering triglycerides,
improving blood sugar control and insulin
sensitivity and lowering C reactive protein,
a biomarker of inflammation. These benefits
are statistically significant, even when
consuming the same amount of calories.
The source of the calories has a metabolic
effect.
There was better appetite suppression
on low carbohydrate diets thought to
be due to higher levels of the ketone
β-hydroxybutyrate and the low glycemic
nature that may prevent transient dips in
blood sugar. The increase in insulin sensitivity
is thought to be due to monounsaturated
fats found in olive oil and nuts. These are
metabolic advantages.
Compared with a low-fat diet, a lowcarbohydrate
diet program had better
participant retention and greater weight
loss. This type of diet is considered an
appropriate approach to reducing the
risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2
diabetes and can reduce inflammation,
which is responsible for 75 percent of the
degenerative diseases of aging.
LDL levels were higher in the low
carbohydrate group. However, by
reducing inflammatory fats and increasing
anti-oxidant rich fruits, and vegetables,
LDL oxidation, which causes plaque, is
reduced making it less atherogenic.
The maintenance phase is key. Eating
a Mediterranean style diet high in fiber
and monounsaturated fats, lots of
vegetables in a rainbow of colors, lean
protein in the form of fish and poultry,
and some low-glycemic fruit has been
shown to be a very healthy long-term
strategy.
Combine this with balancing your
protein, carbohydrates and fats,
controlling portion sizes and getting an
exercise prescription for health, weight
loss and more, is a winning formula for
long term weight management.
Here’s to your health! Stay tuned for
some new weight loss solutions and
improving your metabolism to age
gracefully and healthfully.
Lorraine Maita, MD, is a recognized and award-winning holistic, functional and anti aging physician and author. She transforms people’s
lives by getting to the root cause of illness using the best of science and nature. Her approach is personalized, precision medicine where
you are treated as the unique individual you are.
www.Howtoliveyounger.com