OCTOBER 19, 2011 WHY DIET ALONE..DIET WITH DR FRATELLONE

"REMEMBER, it's who we are INSIDE that truly counts in the lives of others."

It is never about the outside. It is always what is inside that truly counts. Yes it is true that most of us want to look good on the outside , but the let's not forget the inside. I am not only talking about the inside of the body in regard to your bodily organs, but also your psychological issues... your anger, your resentments and 'the art of practicing forgiveness'. Material possessions are not the point. Refresh your life.

Remember: A heart is not judged by how much you love; BUT by how much you are loved by others. The Wizard (H Morgan) to the Tin Man (Jack Haley) 1939 Wizard of Oz

Research has already made it clear that dietary lifestyle changes are the most important therapies for prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. There are guidelines instituted by the American Diabetic Association and the American Heart Association. These are the supposedly 'authoritative' guidelines.

In 17 years of clinical practice I have seen hundreds of patients. Some of those years were with diet guru, the late Robert Atkins MD. I am not in full agreement with strict Atkins lifestyle of High Protein, High Fat, Low Carbohydrate nor am I in favor of the new French guru's diet of High Protein, Low Fat, Low Carbohydrate. I believe there is no diet that fits all individuals. Diet should be individualized. It should be aimed at low carbohydrates as Dr. Atkins always stated. However, it should be individualized looking at food sensitivities and allergies, glucose and insulin levels, and appropriate foods in moderation.

Books have been written on every possible diet. The DASH Diet is the The Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension. The DASH investigators state that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in fat will lower Blood Pressure. The diet doesn't distinguish high glycemic and low glycemic fruits and vegetables. I absolutely feel cow's dairy is not good for everyone.

An ideal dietary lifestyle to help decrease the incidence of diabetes and obesity which leads to heart disease (cardiometabolic risk) will do the following:

1. It will help lower insulin secretion (a fat storing hormone)

2. It will reduce inflammation

3. It will promote weight loss and loss of inches in the waist

4. It will reduce fat deposits

5. It will improve the omega 3 to omega 6 ratio

6. It will taste great

7. It will be easy to start and flexible

8. It will not be necessarily expensive since you will be shopping on the periphery of the store where fruits, vegetables, and protein are located.

Along with these basic changes you might need to consider eliminating gluten and all dairy (including goat, sheep and cow). This might be more difficult. I start everything in Baby Steps. A simple program for complicated individuals is the best way.

Most diets are low carbohydrate as Atkins started in the 1970's. These other diets are the South Beach Diet, the DuKan diet and Sugar Busters. The other popular diet is the Mediterranean Diet popularized by Walter Willet's book, Eat, Drink and be Healthy.

More about diets tomorrow

Until tomorrow....