Sunday, November 22, 2009

And the Conspiracy Continues...




This entry is a continuation of the "Conspiracy Theory" (Link) entry I did in October.  It seems that the "powerful conspirators" are at it again.  Medicare may start funding the Ornish and Pritkin Diets for those at risk for cardiovascular disease.  See the article here.  Both the Ornish and Pritkin diets are very low in fat, very high in carbohydrate and primarily vegetarian (70% carbohydrate, 20% protein, 10% fat).  These diets 'seem' to work in the short-term, primarily due to the fact that they result in weight loss.  Over the long term however, studies have shown that a diet lower in carbohydrate and higher in fat and protein is more effective in reducing weight and cardiovasucular disease risk.  See abstract to a review study here.  And for even more back up check out this, thisthis, and this.

All of this research makes the fact that Medicare is considering paying for these diet programs highly suspicious in my mind.  Is decreasing the incidence of cardiovascular disease really the goal of the "conspirators" or are they looking for more ways to generate dollars for the government, healthcare system, pharmacological and diet industries?  It's definitely something to think about. 

I encourage you to be "Paranoid with a Purpose" - it might save your life.

Comments?

4 comments:

  1. So, what you're saying is that the LFHC diets will still be contributing to insulin resistance and high blood triglycerides - which means my taxes are paying to promote a system which guarantees the need for continued drug therapy!

    Awesome.

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  4. Joe,
    Thank you for your comments. I agree with you in that real foods should make up most, if not all of your diet. Carbohydrate from fruits and vegetables is ideal - but that is not where most people are getting them!
    An Atkins type, low-carb diet does not contain fruits and vegetables like a Paleo does. I believe this is what Dr. Eades is referring to when he sites "misinterpretation" and a "complicated" message. A healthy diet is not all bacon, butter and cheese, but contains lean meats, fruits, vegetables and heart healthy fats.
    Numerous studies have shown that a very low fat, high carbohydrate (grain based) results in unfavorable blood lipid values. In fact, here is another recent article:

    www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=107668

    that further backs the arguement against a low fat diet.
    As I stated earlier - an ideal diet is rich in high quality protein from lean meat, vegetables, fruits and heart healthy fats.

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