While reading a nutrition book I came across a statement that sounded like benign ketosis, as achieved while doing Atkins, could be harmful to the brain. So I e-mailed the experts at Atkins Nutritionals to see what they might say about this. I have copied the e-mail below - especially for newbies who might have some concerns about following a ketogenic diet (Atkins, Protein Power). (Since this is a personal e-mail to me, I have included it in its entirety - not copywrited material.)

Dear Karen:

Thank you for your inquiry.

The brain does not require 100 grams of carbs to function. The Eskimos have traditionally consumed a diet that is predominantly fat, with minimal incidence of heart disease and diabetes. The brain has an adaptation ability to function perfectly burning ketones instead of glucose, which comes from carbs. The liver will provide the obligatory glucose needed, and then uses its fat supply for the rest of the brain's fuel source--along with the rest of the body. The human body has an exquisite ability to adapt to its environment.

It has been known since 1966, when research was done on the brain's ability to use ketones, that no damage is done when carbohydrates are not available. In starvation, the body can function on all ketones and still remain functional. On Atkins, you are taking in at least 20 grams of carbs that provide the obligatory glucose and glycogen for body requirements. Your liver will also make glycogen for maintaining required levels like your blood glucose level that must be kept within a certain range. Just like your body tightly regulates your temperature, your acid/base balance and other metabolic functions, it regulates the amount of ketones that accumulate. When excess levels accumulate, it expels them in the urine maintaining a safe equilibrium. Your brain receives the obligatory needed carbs, then very effectively uses ketones. No adverse effects will occur on a low carb intake.


We trust you will find this information helpful. If youhave additional questions regarding the Atkins Nutritional Approach, please feel free to e-mail us again, or contact our Atkins Information Agents by phone at 1-800-6-ATKINS Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 12 midnight EST. If you would like to place an order, our Ordering Department is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and on line for your convenience. If you are calling from outside the U.S. and Canada, please reach us at 1-800-757-5324.



Sincerely,
Leila Winchenbach
Atkins Information Agent
Atkins Nutritionals, Inc
1-800-6 ATKINS

The instructions and advice presented in this email are in no way intended as medical advice or as a substitute for medical counseling. The information should be used in conjunction with the guidance and care of your physician. Consult your physician before beginning this program as you would any weight-loss or weight-maintenance program. Your physician should be aware of all medical conditions that you may have, as well as any medication and supplements you are taking. Those of you on diuretics or diabetes medication should proceed only under a doctor's supervision. As with any plan, the weight-loss phases of this nutritional plan should not be used by patients on dialysis or by pregnant or nursing women. We also recommend that anyone under the age of 18 following the program does so with the guidance of their physician.





Hope this will be of help to any who have concerns.

Karen

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Wow, cool to get a response! I read about this study done with the Inuit and/or Eskimos. It's either in DANDR or Protein Power. Amazing.

I know when I'm not in a carb-letdown-induced fog, I think better...I think too many carbs are BAD for the brain, not the reverse!

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The interesting thing about the Inuit Indians is that up until about 40 years ago they has almost no heart disease, diabetes, etc. But about 40 years ago they began migrating somewhat south and set up markets (more interaction with outside world) - saddly, now they have high heart disease and diabetes rates.
Karen

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Thank you karen for sharing this with us. Even if you knew this already it's good to be reminded with such a well written explanation.

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I also want to address what Maxibee said about brain fog. When I eat a lot of carbs that happens to me also - I feel sluggish and don't think as clearly. The brain and body can be overcome by too much sugar in the blood. We just weren't designed to eat high carb, low fat diets. We need fats for proper hormone production - and our brain is definately affected when hormones are not produced.
Karen

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When I was eating the fudge, dips, chips, eggnog and other junk around Christmas, I was sooooo tired! I felt like I could lay down, go to sleep, and never get up.

You're absolutely right, Karen....clearly our bodies are not designed for JUNK! It's like putting diesel in a gasoline car....it won't run for long!

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That's a good analogy, Maxi - I remember reading in DANDR where (somewhat early in the book) he lists 3 types of people and their symptoms. I was definately type B and a big sypmtom was getting tired in the afternoon, fatigue, sluggishness. I am soooo grateful to not have those symptoms anymore.
Karen

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Want to add: so much for those who think kestosis will hurt the brain or cause brain fog - it seems they don't know what they are talking about.

Also, I believe that so many of the chemicals people injest in their low fat and other manufactured foods probably kill more brain cells than anything else.
Karen

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Doves, what a interesting article.

perfectly .. I m new member from Thailand and interested atkins diet and now I doing in 3rd round today is 3rd day.. I need to lose my weight only 7kgs. I hope I will done

Welcome, lovely por.

Hope you'll make yourself at home!

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