<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Jam:
Aren't low carb diets dangerous? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Most diets, of all types, are dangerous if you do them incorrectly. That's why they put warnings like "Check with your doctor before starting on any diet" on the back of Special K and Oatmeal boxes.



<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Don't low-carb diets force your body into a state of ketosis. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Yup.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>And can't this dangerously lower the ph of the body. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You would have to allow yourself to become VERY dehydrated before that would be an issue. And most low-carb diets are very careful to recommend drinking lots of water.

Most of us that monitor our ketone levels and that have done this for some time notice that our ketone levels diminish over the course of time, to the point where it becomes more difficult to stay in ketosis.

If anybody is at risk of blood pH imbalance, I would assume it would be a newbie during induction, not drinking enough water. For those of us that are lifers, I don't think that's a big concern.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Metabolically speaking carbs spare protein from being metabolized. So in essence when one is on a low carb-diet you are in a catabolic state. Your body is literally feeding off your own skeletal muscle to fight to maintain crucial glucose levels. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Half true. Carbs can spare protein. A diet that's VERY high in carbs has a protein-sparing effect. That's why kidney disease patients on low-protein diets are warned to eat lots of carbs, 2000 calories a day or more of brown rice, for instance. If you're on a low-protein diet, getting enough carbs to prevent protein catabolism is very important.

Other people have already quoted good information about high-protein diets. Large amounts of protein have a protein-sparing effect as well. Dietary protein is converted into glucose (carbs) through a process called gluconeogenesis. That, and the abundance of free amino acids in the blood from the dietary protein, has its own protein-sparing effect. That's why so many weight-lifters binge on protein-rich shakes.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Sure you lose tons of fat while carb fasting but your also catabolizing skeletal muscle and creating a toxic by-product (ketones) in the body. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ketosis is a NATURAL state of human beings. Before there were 7-11's on every corner, occasional periods of hunger were an all-too-frequent occurence.

Think about our ancestors. Homo habilis had to chase down its prey, often chasing it for days until it died from exhaustion. What keeps hunters alive during a long hunt? Body fat. Ketosis is the normal way that mammals during times of food scarcity use their body fat for fuel. That's natural.

Ketones in too high levels are toxic. At less than a high-level, they're a natural energy source.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>You can drink all the water you want to try to rid yourself of those ketones but your kidneys are still working overtime to get rid of those nitrogenous by-products. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, if you have kidney problems, you're advised not to do this diet. People with normal kidney function who drink lots of water have no problem with it.

On the other hand, if you're consuming large quantities of carbohydrates, your PANCREAS is working overtime. This can lead to insulin resistance and type II diabetes, as well as all the diseases associated with insulin resistance, including heart disease. There are more factors involved in diabetes than just carb intake, but it's an important factor, nonetheless. That's why so many diabetics are low-carbers.

There are many people in this world that seem to have little problem processing carbs. Unfortunately, people in my family haven't been that lucky. I don't want to be the next one with diabetes.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>It just doesn't seem worth it to me...Especially coming from an athletic background. I think eating a nutrient dense diet with moderate carbs. is the best choice. If you guys can allay my concerns over low carb diets please do so..I'd like some opinions.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I've been there, tried that. I got very fat that way. If that works for you, then you don't need a diet and I envy you. I've tried many diets and the easiest ones for me were always the low-carb ones. But everybody's different.

**************
"Sometimes I think you have to march right in and demand your rights, even if you don't know what your rights are, or who the person is you're talking to. Then on the way out, slam the door."

Oh and I meant to add:

My diet consists of vegetables, meat, fiber, vegetabels, nuts, berries, some fats, vegetables, water, sugar-free drinks, an occasional whole grain cracker or piece of bread, vegetables, etc.

What's missing?

Cookies, cake, white rice, white pasta, white sugar, white flour, doritoes, pringles, candy, white potatoes, etc., etc., etc.

Since giving up processed foods, I no longer suffer from intense indigestion and heartburn. I exercise more than I have ever done in my adult life. I have more energy than I ever have had. My blood pressure is now normal.

What do you eat?

Barb - 30 lbs gone FOREVER!
www.iwsgroupinc.com - website design and development


Atkins-3/14/03
174/144/135 5'2"
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."
Knowledge is POWER

Thanks, everyone! I assumed that Jam was mainly here to taunt us. But I've really enjoyed reading this informative thread.

Barb L.
Started Atkins January 2003
162/137/130

I agree Barb. I think Jam just hit and run.

His loss. (or not)

Jen

Atkins since 11/11/03

5'3" 140/129/115


I used to be indecisive...But now I'm not so sure!

Bingo, I think Jam just stumbled on us and decided to let us know how much we don't know about what we are doing,we must be crazy, give up jelly donuts, cakes, candy, soda refined preservative laden junk, for what meat vegetables, WATER!!oh man were gonna DIE!!LOL

Jackie

I love it!! It just lifts my spirits to see such class and intelligence from LCers!

So glad you all are here!

Everyone - keep up the good work!

sk8ersma (Atkins - since 1/9/04)
195/185/135 - 5'3"

I'm interested now to see if Jam comes back and posts anything else, or was just out there taunting us. But the bonus-thanks guys-was a great summary of how LC WOE works to make us healthier.

Rachel in Texas

5'4"
Valentine's: 220/215/210
Overall: 225/215/140

yes, I'm actually thinking of making this a sticky... LOL

I'll tell ya, our members are the best...
well-read, intelligent, well-informed and confident.

You should all be proud of yourselves.

I'll say it again, if the anti-LC bunch have to resort to half-truths, innuendo and outright lies to argue their case, then we must be doing something right.

Cooking is at once child's play and adult joy.
And cooking done with care is an act of love.
- Craig Claiborne

LOL Andrea

Trina, aren't the members here just the best?!!

Barb - 30 lbs gone FOREVER!
www.iwsgroupinc.com - website design and development


Atkins-3/14/03
174/144/135 5'2"
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."
Knowledge is POWER

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by LCandrea:
yes, I'm actually thinking of making this a sticky... LOL<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think that would be a great addition.

Started Atkins on 9/20/03
235--&gt;190; 150 goal