Transcript Low Carb and Complementary Medicine

Low Carb and
Complementary Medicinean Introduction
to the Atkins Philosophy
Jacqueline Eberstein, R.N.
Controlled Carbohydrate Nutrition, LLC
What is Complementary
Medicine?
An expanded array of diagnostic
tools and therapies, both
conventional and non-conventional,
to treat illness or maintain health.
These therapies should:
First, Do No Harm
Be the least invasive
Focus on the safest first
Treat the underlying cause rather than
symptoms only.
Included a three-pronged approach
Three Pronged Approach
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Low Carb Lifestyle is the foundation of
the Atkins protocols. Amount of carbs
individualized to the patient.
Supplement Protocol- minimum
includes an iron-free multivitamin and
omega 3 fatty acids.
Exercise
Goals of a Low Carb
Lifestyle
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Maintain a healthy weight.
Return to a healthy weight.
Improve insulin and blood sugar levels regardless of
weight.
Prevention of numerous chronic conditions that
burden our healthcare system and diminish quality
of life.
Treatment of those conditions to minimize the need
for medications esp. for chronic conditions often
leading to the use of multi-medications.
Effects of Excess Weight
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Heart disease
Metabolic syndrome
and type 2 diabetes
Elevated uric acid
and risk for gout
Arthritis
GERD
PCOS, infertility
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Gestational
diabetes
Hypertension
Stroke
Social and
psychological issues
leading to a poorer
quality of life
Effects cont’d
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Fatty liver disease
Blood clots
Increased risk of
cancers
Increased risk of
dementia and
Alzheimer’s
Gallbladder disease
Sleep apnea
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Kidney stone
formation
Asthma-especially
in kids
Effects of High Insulin
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Increases fat deposition
Increases triglycerides in the blood
Promotes the manufacture of LDL
cholesterol by stimulating HMG-CoA
reductase
Causes unstable blood sugar by depressing
effects of glucagon
Increase sodium retention and water
retention= edema and HBP
Prevents accessing fat stores for energy.
Insulin cont’d
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Negative impact on other hormones i.e
adrenals, eicosanoids etc.
Stimulates growth smooth muscle cells in
lining of blood vessels
Increases pro-inflammatory chemicals
Increases pro-thrombotic factors
Insulin-like growth factor can stimulate
abnormal cell growth
Increase breast cancer death rates
Benefits of Blood Sugar
Stabilization with Low Carb
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Higher and more stable
energy levels
Decrease “brain fog”,
increased alertness and
concentration
Decrease sleep apnea and
snoring
Stabilizes mood- improves
depression, decreases
anxiety and panic attacks
Decrease seizures
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Improves heart rhythm
Cope with stressors better
Decrease exposure to foods
that cause sensitivity
Helps to quiet yeast activity
in the gut and mucus
membranes linked to
common symptoms
Supports better immune
function
Improves skin conditions
Why take supplements?
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Cannot meet all of our nutritional needs
from food alone.
Depleted food supply
Soil is depleted by the use of inorganic fertilizer
 Decreases the nutritional value of plant life
The use of cheaper ingredients in processed food
products can cause nutrient deficiencies
 Chromium
 Essential Fatty Acids
 Extended
transportation of food
The longer it travels, the more nutrients are lost
Supplements cont’d
Food
Preparation
Every type of food prep deletes nutrients,
we bake it, boil it, microwave it, and reheat
the leftovers.
It has been estimated that 80-95 percent
of
the micro nutrients originally found in
food are lost before consumption.
Why take supplements?
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Greater need for nutritional supplements in
today’s world
– Accelerated free radical damage/requires
increased anti-oxidant support
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Pollution
Sun exposure
Pesticides and other chemical additives
Smoking
Stress
Weight-loss, Weight-gain
Address Genetic Risk Factors
Prescription medications
Top Five Supplements to
Consider
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Iron-free multivitamin-high potency w.
plenty B complex and anti-oxidants
Omega 3- EPA/DHA
Magnesium
Vitamin D
Chromium
Anti-oxidants
Personalize your program
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Consider your genetic factors-high
homocysteine, diabetes etc.
Health promotion and disease
prevention
Target abnormal labs
Decrease the need for drug use
Therapeutic doses vs. maintenance
doses