Is a Low-Fat Diet Really Good, and Dietary Cholesterol Bad?
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Is a Low-Fat Diet Really Good, and Dietary Cholesterol Bad?
Hi All,
You know, despite all the low-fat, and no-fat products on the market, and all the fat-limiting diets that are followed, our problems with unwanted body fat continue to climb. The program just isn't working, at least not for the masses. Sure, we can lose weight, but then we gain it right back, and then some. I'm beginning to wonder if someone hasn't made the wrong assumptions, and issued the wrong guidelines, (again).
If you are interested in this topic, please read this article, and tell me what you think:
http://www.medicalconsumers.org/pages/h ... lieve.html
Maybe our problems are somehow connected with this:
http://www.mercola.com/2000/jul/30/doctors_death.htm
Obviously, I'm joking about the second topic being part of the problem, but I'll have to admit that those statistics are always on my mind, anytime that I go to the hospital/clinic.
Love,
Wayne
You know, despite all the low-fat, and no-fat products on the market, and all the fat-limiting diets that are followed, our problems with unwanted body fat continue to climb. The program just isn't working, at least not for the masses. Sure, we can lose weight, but then we gain it right back, and then some. I'm beginning to wonder if someone hasn't made the wrong assumptions, and issued the wrong guidelines, (again).
If you are interested in this topic, please read this article, and tell me what you think:
http://www.medicalconsumers.org/pages/h ... lieve.html
Maybe our problems are somehow connected with this:
http://www.mercola.com/2000/jul/30/doctors_death.htm
Obviously, I'm joking about the second topic being part of the problem, but I'll have to admit that those statistics are always on my mind, anytime that I go to the hospital/clinic.
Love,
Wayne
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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- King Penguin
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Hi Tex......I think that people have to consider their own life style which includes all you know about the health problems in your family (Most importantly those that have preceeded you) and decide what you need to eat. All the studies in the world can't decide for everyone. I for one , just like many of the people on this board have taken responsibility for the food I eat. Then throw in all the many phases of colitis, I read alot more labels now than I did. I am consumming more fatty omega oils and less trans fats when possible. I try to be real careful in how I prepare the food I eat. I feel thjat alot of the studies they do now are hard to beleive in. One day it's ok to eat "that" and two years later it's all wrong to eat "that"
I may not be a real smart person on the subject, but I am modifying my food intake according to my genes, how I feel, and what works with colitis. Not to mention the arthritis, which Mike and I are are taking flax seed oil and glucosomine. I can't reverse the osteo I already have, but I just might be able to reduce some of the pain. Love Oma
I may not be a real smart person on the subject, but I am modifying my food intake according to my genes, how I feel, and what works with colitis. Not to mention the arthritis, which Mike and I are are taking flax seed oil and glucosomine. I can't reverse the osteo I already have, but I just might be able to reduce some of the pain. Love Oma
May I be more compassionate and loving than yeterday*and be able to spot the idiots in advance
Tex, I haven't even read the sites, but I'm quite sure I will be leaning in that direction because I have long felt that the "experts" just go with whatever sounds "right" to them and if they don't have a study to prove it, they skew one so they do.
Sorry, all you people who don't agree, but I just can't help it. That's what I think.
Love to all, Shirley
Sorry, all you people who don't agree, but I just can't help it. That's what I think.
Love to all, Shirley
When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber"
-- Winston Churchill
-- Winston Churchill
- Liz
- Rockhopper Penguin
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- Joined: Tue Sep 13, 2005 5:23 pm
- Location: Qld Australia
- Contact:
Just been reading a very interesting book called 'The Body Code' written by a chap by the name of Jay Cooper. He maintains that there are basically four body types & that our diet & exercise programs should be built around that for optimal health & wellbeing. It struck a chord with me because I could read details about myself in what he said about each one. It makes a lot of sense & it is worthwhile reading if you can get it.
Love
Liz
Love
Liz
- barbaranoela
- Emperor Penguin
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- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 6:11 pm
- Location: New York
Eating goods and bads!!
Tex------I found your article very interesting and I checked into the url's--
This is my 3cents worth----
Speaking for MYSELF~~~~I have read some reports that Cococnut Oil is the BEST to use----and also that SOY is NOT so TERRIFIC as it is made out to be---
I also receive Dr. Mercola's health letter----and was NOT so shocked to see how many deaths,in hospitals.occur due to all the MIS-HAPS and WIRES GETTING LOST in TRANSLATION~~~
My GI thought my nutritional diet was RIDICULOUS--but @ that point I was concerned about getting the colon tract back on TRACK
GI told me---GET SOME BEEF IN U----adding WHAT THE HELL IS THIS DIET!!
But ,again, I was EATING food---I was a JUNKIE with GOODIES~~~
And when I was in the hospital 2 years ago---due to spots popping up all over my lungs---and they assumed I had A Pneumonia but were baffled as to what kinda *P* does Barbara have!!!
Hearing I had just gotten home from AZ. they ASSUMED it was VALLEY FEVER and treated me with a FUNGI medication that Made me so very very sick--
In their Xplanation, it was the right thing to do-----ELIMINATE what it ISNT!! WELL by all thats holy I thought this fungal meds. was my end--
At 1a.m. I called Lou and told him something very wrong with me--get over here now--
My friends cousin is an ER doc.--and he said to me---after a chat of my issues---Barbara, U had Valley Fever and YES, that fungi meds is a killer but it does work!! DUH!!--
He worked in AZ. and is now is CA.
Thankfully,all worked out fine----DECIDING it was AFOP--and to this day I am not sure that they are SURE!!! well going from Vally Fever to BOOP and then to AFOP was a crack up!!!!
My GP said, *Barbara 70% of the time we DONT have the right answer!!
Isnt that honesty- I will say that I did receive very good care from all surronding me--
I also agree that we have to know our bodies and feed it the way it needs to be FED-----
And 1/2 the time I now wonder----if one institution says something is BAd---THEY ALL SEEM TO JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON AND IF ITS GOOD--YEAAA THEY ALL AGREE!!!
SHIRLEY---going along with your sentiments~~~
Again whats good for one might not be for the other----as we say TRIAL and ERROR---
This being my FEELINGS~~~~
Thanks for the input Wayne--
the X-junkie food eater--well here and there I throw in the *junk*--cus its sooooo good!!!!
Barbara
PS. had to add this----when I went to my GYN. and handed him the papers on what I went thru,he said to me--*oh U had AFOP?*
*yes,said I---why have U heard of AFOP---
GYN--says *SURE* well I cracked up and said I should have called U in on the case too---had plenty of docs. fiddleing around *thinking*
RATZ---he could have *mended me in a shorter time!!!
OH---and this---my *X* GP specialized in Cardiology---and he sent me for tests,saying I had MVP, and was on anti-biotics for years!!!
AND I DIDNT have this problem---talk about being
This is my 3cents worth----
Speaking for MYSELF~~~~I have read some reports that Cococnut Oil is the BEST to use----and also that SOY is NOT so TERRIFIC as it is made out to be---
I also receive Dr. Mercola's health letter----and was NOT so shocked to see how many deaths,in hospitals.occur due to all the MIS-HAPS and WIRES GETTING LOST in TRANSLATION~~~
My GI thought my nutritional diet was RIDICULOUS--but @ that point I was concerned about getting the colon tract back on TRACK
GI told me---GET SOME BEEF IN U----adding WHAT THE HELL IS THIS DIET!!
But ,again, I was EATING food---I was a JUNKIE with GOODIES~~~
And when I was in the hospital 2 years ago---due to spots popping up all over my lungs---and they assumed I had A Pneumonia but were baffled as to what kinda *P* does Barbara have!!!
Hearing I had just gotten home from AZ. they ASSUMED it was VALLEY FEVER and treated me with a FUNGI medication that Made me so very very sick--
In their Xplanation, it was the right thing to do-----ELIMINATE what it ISNT!! WELL by all thats holy I thought this fungal meds. was my end--
At 1a.m. I called Lou and told him something very wrong with me--get over here now--
My friends cousin is an ER doc.--and he said to me---after a chat of my issues---Barbara, U had Valley Fever and YES, that fungi meds is a killer but it does work!! DUH!!--
He worked in AZ. and is now is CA.
Thankfully,all worked out fine----DECIDING it was AFOP--and to this day I am not sure that they are SURE!!! well going from Vally Fever to BOOP and then to AFOP was a crack up!!!!
My GP said, *Barbara 70% of the time we DONT have the right answer!!
Isnt that honesty- I will say that I did receive very good care from all surronding me--
I also agree that we have to know our bodies and feed it the way it needs to be FED-----
And 1/2 the time I now wonder----if one institution says something is BAd---THEY ALL SEEM TO JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON AND IF ITS GOOD--YEAAA THEY ALL AGREE!!!
SHIRLEY---going along with your sentiments~~~
Again whats good for one might not be for the other----as we say TRIAL and ERROR---
This being my FEELINGS~~~~
Thanks for the input Wayne--
the X-junkie food eater--well here and there I throw in the *junk*--cus its sooooo good!!!!
Barbara
PS. had to add this----when I went to my GYN. and handed him the papers on what I went thru,he said to me--*oh U had AFOP?*
*yes,said I---why have U heard of AFOP---
GYN--says *SURE* well I cracked up and said I should have called U in on the case too---had plenty of docs. fiddleing around *thinking*
RATZ---he could have *mended me in a shorter time!!!
OH---and this---my *X* GP specialized in Cardiology---and he sent me for tests,saying I had MVP, and was on anti-biotics for years!!!
AND I DIDNT have this problem---talk about being
the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control
- Liz
- Rockhopper Penguin
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- Joined: Tue Sep 13, 2005 5:23 pm
- Location: Qld Australia
- Contact:
Opinions do change about what is good for you & what ain't with sometimes whatever is the fad of the moment. Look what they did to honey. Seems like that no matter what it is at some time it is no good for you, either gives you cancer, makes you fat or makes you pregnant
Then they change their minds & say it is the saviour of mankind.
As for people who die from medical care & drug problems, look what happened to me & also two friends of mine nearly died in the last year because they were given drugs in hospital that were known to cause an allergic reaction in them. Both cases it was penecillin & it was noted on their charts & ID etc.
Makes you wonder. My own mother had a fractured hip & it was not found until 3 weeks after I had taken her to the hospital. We had to carry her around for weeks because she could not walk. They said it was bruised.
Love
Liz
Then they change their minds & say it is the saviour of mankind.
As for people who die from medical care & drug problems, look what happened to me & also two friends of mine nearly died in the last year because they were given drugs in hospital that were known to cause an allergic reaction in them. Both cases it was penecillin & it was noted on their charts & ID etc.
Makes you wonder. My own mother had a fractured hip & it was not found until 3 weeks after I had taken her to the hospital. We had to carry her around for weeks because she could not walk. They said it was bruised.
Love
Liz
- barbaranoela
- Emperor Penguin
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- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 6:11 pm
- Location: New York
LIZ
Xactly------and I luve when U are asked----*are U allergic to XYandZ!!
Well I really dont know----so lets try it and see what it does/doesnt do for U!! OOPS---darn she *WAS* allergic to XY and maybe Z too!!!
luve twinee
Not to *anger* anyone---just my FREEDOM of SPEAKING what I feel--
Boy, now Im on a rampage----and that stupid *person* who said Kait's SHUNT was NOT working---and NEVER did what he said he WOULD to make sure he was right!!!!! and then all hell broke loose for her!!!!
Well I really dont know----so lets try it and see what it does/doesnt do for U!! OOPS---darn she *WAS* allergic to XY and maybe Z too!!!
luve twinee
Not to *anger* anyone---just my FREEDOM of SPEAKING what I feel--
Boy, now Im on a rampage----and that stupid *person* who said Kait's SHUNT was NOT working---and NEVER did what he said he WOULD to make sure he was right!!!!! and then all hell broke loose for her!!!!
the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control
- barbaranoela
- Emperor Penguin
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- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 6:11 pm
- Location: New York
LIZ---
Well Liz------I have no idea whats going on with this *swelling*
Monday they are going into the city where the NEURO. will run dye thru the shunt---watch how it runs---X-ray along the way and then a CAT!!
As I said in previous post-----why not get to the hospital yesterday???
Cus they did this before and Kait spent 12 hours lying on a cot in the ER before---she was looked @!!!!
He feels there might be a *kink* in the shut
I wish I could add more to this but I know less than U---
And with this snow storm I hope Lynn makes it into the city----2 hour drive for her--on the other hand I hope that DR. UKNOW WHO gets there!!!
Hooray--hooray the plate went in fine----so whats all this shi* all about???
Sorry-----about not using the word POOP but it wouldnt fit in with the Xpressions!!!!
Will let all know when Lynn and Kait find out!!!
Thanks Twinee---
take care----
luve Barb
Monday they are going into the city where the NEURO. will run dye thru the shunt---watch how it runs---X-ray along the way and then a CAT!!
As I said in previous post-----why not get to the hospital yesterday???
Cus they did this before and Kait spent 12 hours lying on a cot in the ER before---she was looked @!!!!
He feels there might be a *kink* in the shut
I wish I could add more to this but I know less than U---
And with this snow storm I hope Lynn makes it into the city----2 hour drive for her--on the other hand I hope that DR. UKNOW WHO gets there!!!
Hooray--hooray the plate went in fine----so whats all this shi* all about???
Sorry-----about not using the word POOP but it wouldnt fit in with the Xpressions!!!!
Will let all know when Lynn and Kait find out!!!
Thanks Twinee---
take care----
luve Barb
the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control
MC Buddies
As far as I am concerned the quality of meat protein and fat that I consume has been a far more important part of my recovery than quantity. Eating meats, poultry and fish that have no added products or processing , like grass fed meats and ocean caught fish, high in omega 3 fats has really made a difference. Both in weight gain and overall standards of health.
A concentrated program of exercise and attention to the quality of meat, fruit and vegetables I eat has produced very gratifying results. Rather than some statistic to tell me how to eat , I find for myself that I do best with what makes my digestion the best and what feels best in my gut. Both coming and going. :-) Along with a lot of common sense discoverd through my research. A lot of it has to do with what I can afford but I eat as close to natural meats as I can along with lots and lots of non grain low glycemic vegeatables.
To your continued recovery
Matthew
P.S. Got on the scale this morning, it has been a while, must be doing something right, I finally am over the 160 lb mark, hoping for 165 by spring. :-)
As far as I am concerned the quality of meat protein and fat that I consume has been a far more important part of my recovery than quantity. Eating meats, poultry and fish that have no added products or processing , like grass fed meats and ocean caught fish, high in omega 3 fats has really made a difference. Both in weight gain and overall standards of health.
A concentrated program of exercise and attention to the quality of meat, fruit and vegetables I eat has produced very gratifying results. Rather than some statistic to tell me how to eat , I find for myself that I do best with what makes my digestion the best and what feels best in my gut. Both coming and going. :-) Along with a lot of common sense discoverd through my research. A lot of it has to do with what I can afford but I eat as close to natural meats as I can along with lots and lots of non grain low glycemic vegeatables.
To your continued recovery
Matthew
P.S. Got on the scale this morning, it has been a while, must be doing something right, I finally am over the 160 lb mark, hoping for 165 by spring. :-)
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- Rockhopper Penguin
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- Location: Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Hi friends.
Thanks for those links Wayne. The second one is frightening isn't it?
Having ingested more meat, fish, poultry and seafood in my diet the last year has improved my health so much. I'm eating more good fat than ever. I have lost over 50 pounds since starting diet to control my MC symptoms and losing weight, for me was an added bonus. My weight loss stalled a couple months ago and I've gained back about 10 pounds. I joined Curves awhile ago to get some exercise with Lannie and since my weight gain I have actually lost inches. So, I'm thinner although I've gained some weight back.
Love,
Joanna
Thanks for those links Wayne. The second one is frightening isn't it?
Having ingested more meat, fish, poultry and seafood in my diet the last year has improved my health so much. I'm eating more good fat than ever. I have lost over 50 pounds since starting diet to control my MC symptoms and losing weight, for me was an added bonus. My weight loss stalled a couple months ago and I've gained back about 10 pounds. I joined Curves awhile ago to get some exercise with Lannie and since my weight gain I have actually lost inches. So, I'm thinner although I've gained some weight back.
Love,
Joanna
THE GLUTEN FILES
http://jccglutenfree.googlepages.com/
http://jccglutenfree.googlepages.com/
The title of the article about docs causing all the deaths doesn't match what's in the list as many of the deaths in that breakdown are beyond the doc's control, and thus, shouldn't be attributed to him/her. For example, med errors in a hospital could be caused by anyone in the chain, such as pharmacy and/or medication passer, for example.
Also, the side effects cannot be blamed on the doc, unless there was something else that would've been just as effective a treatment without the potential of side effects for a given individual patient.
I would imagine that docs account for very few hospital acquired infections as well.
In other words, they make mistakes, but the title implies it's all the doc's fault, and doesn't seem to pin down the errors directly attributed to docs.
Most of the docs I know HATE to admit anyone to a hospital, by the way. Nowadays one has to be REALLY sick to occupy a bed in a hospital anyway, and the patients are just too ill to be taken care of by the low staffing and lower level of personnel doing direct supervision of care, and direct care itself.
In other words, while the staff is cleaning up a mess in someone's room, or doing a lengthy treatment another patient can be dying in another one and no one know it, unless a family member or friend or private duty person is there.
Also, the best and the brightest women often no longer want to go to nursing school like they used to in droves when in less time they can go to law school, and have control over the amount of work they take on.
I know docs in their early 50's who are leaving medicine from the burnout of dealing with insurance companies. A few years ago, docs liked their work so well that some went on til they were much older.
Btw, Dr. DeBakey, a few days ago, was/is hospitalized with a brain aneurysm. Think he's about 91 or so now, and was still working! On the news the other day, they were reporting on all the things he'd accomplished her in Houston since he'd come here, starting with the development of mash units in WWII, the development of the VAHospital here, now named after him, the plans for the nations largest med center here in Houston (a few minutes from me).
I'm sure that if one were to get a breakdown of the stats in major med centers as compared to some of the more out-of-the way places, that the stats would look much more favorable for USA medical care.
I'm all for families taking a major role in caring for hospitalized patients, but in today's world, people are often away from family, if they have any. In many countries, people stay in their own communities for generations, and have much better support systems while we are often more spread out.
I also think that there's a danger in attributing illness to emotional and spiritual problems.
Yours, Luce
Also, the side effects cannot be blamed on the doc, unless there was something else that would've been just as effective a treatment without the potential of side effects for a given individual patient.
I would imagine that docs account for very few hospital acquired infections as well.
In other words, they make mistakes, but the title implies it's all the doc's fault, and doesn't seem to pin down the errors directly attributed to docs.
Most of the docs I know HATE to admit anyone to a hospital, by the way. Nowadays one has to be REALLY sick to occupy a bed in a hospital anyway, and the patients are just too ill to be taken care of by the low staffing and lower level of personnel doing direct supervision of care, and direct care itself.
In other words, while the staff is cleaning up a mess in someone's room, or doing a lengthy treatment another patient can be dying in another one and no one know it, unless a family member or friend or private duty person is there.
Also, the best and the brightest women often no longer want to go to nursing school like they used to in droves when in less time they can go to law school, and have control over the amount of work they take on.
I know docs in their early 50's who are leaving medicine from the burnout of dealing with insurance companies. A few years ago, docs liked their work so well that some went on til they were much older.
Btw, Dr. DeBakey, a few days ago, was/is hospitalized with a brain aneurysm. Think he's about 91 or so now, and was still working! On the news the other day, they were reporting on all the things he'd accomplished her in Houston since he'd come here, starting with the development of mash units in WWII, the development of the VAHospital here, now named after him, the plans for the nations largest med center here in Houston (a few minutes from me).
I'm sure that if one were to get a breakdown of the stats in major med centers as compared to some of the more out-of-the way places, that the stats would look much more favorable for USA medical care.
I'm all for families taking a major role in caring for hospitalized patients, but in today's world, people are often away from family, if they have any. In many countries, people stay in their own communities for generations, and have much better support systems while we are often more spread out.
I also think that there's a danger in attributing illness to emotional and spiritual problems.
Yours, Luce
- barbaranoela
- Emperor Penguin
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- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 6:11 pm
- Location: New York
LUCE
I respect your posting on this matter and your views--
It can cover so many which/what/who did/didnt~~~
And we all know that--
Thus being why each of us can relate to WHAT has happened to us--
Of course we know that we can be mentally affected--causing issues and our spirituality issues play another role---
I also know that most doc's RATHER not sign U into the hospital --if upon their testing they KNOW that they can help U in office appointments-
*
And I will add this ---when I went to the ER ,2 years back, the one ER doc. had a chest Xray done, gave me MYLANTA and told me I was suffering with ACID REFUX---he was @ the end of his shift and when Dr.Lawrence,ER second shift doc., came in he said to me,* I am an OVER-CAUTIOUS Doc.,so I am going to send U up for a DYE CONTRAST/CAT--
Thus showed the SPOTS---if it wasnt for him I might not be here TODAY!!!* And yes, I thank the good lord for a man like this---*
We all have had Xperiences good and bad---and isnt it a shame when some Insurances CO's play such a role in our faith--
This is an issue where we all can banter back and forth--which is fine--but we each can RELATE to our Xperiences---and also relate to what we have seen happen to our friends/family--
Open Minded,
Barbara
It can cover so many which/what/who did/didnt~~~
And we all know that--
Thus being why each of us can relate to WHAT has happened to us--
Of course we know that we can be mentally affected--causing issues and our spirituality issues play another role---
I also know that most doc's RATHER not sign U into the hospital --if upon their testing they KNOW that they can help U in office appointments-
*
And I will add this ---when I went to the ER ,2 years back, the one ER doc. had a chest Xray done, gave me MYLANTA and told me I was suffering with ACID REFUX---he was @ the end of his shift and when Dr.Lawrence,ER second shift doc., came in he said to me,* I am an OVER-CAUTIOUS Doc.,so I am going to send U up for a DYE CONTRAST/CAT--
Thus showed the SPOTS---if it wasnt for him I might not be here TODAY!!!* And yes, I thank the good lord for a man like this---*
We all have had Xperiences good and bad---and isnt it a shame when some Insurances CO's play such a role in our faith--
This is an issue where we all can banter back and forth--which is fine--but we each can RELATE to our Xperiences---and also relate to what we have seen happen to our friends/family--
Open Minded,
Barbara
the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control
Hi MCers!
I think Oma has hit the nail on the head. It seems that genetics may play the largest role in diet/nutrition. And they are never taken into account when large studies are done. (Of course, we are only just beginning to recognize the role of genes in nutrition). Thus, some people will do well on a certain diet and others won't, so you get a mixed bag of results that are difficult to interpret.
Matthew, What was your lowest weight? And congrats on your progress. Also, do you eat any nuts/seeds and eggs? Can't remember.
Luce, I am always amazed at the depth and breadth of your knowledge/understanding of the medical profession!
Love,
Polly
I think Oma has hit the nail on the head. It seems that genetics may play the largest role in diet/nutrition. And they are never taken into account when large studies are done. (Of course, we are only just beginning to recognize the role of genes in nutrition). Thus, some people will do well on a certain diet and others won't, so you get a mixed bag of results that are difficult to interpret.
Matthew, What was your lowest weight? And congrats on your progress. Also, do you eat any nuts/seeds and eggs? Can't remember.
Luce, I am always amazed at the depth and breadth of your knowledge/understanding of the medical profession!
Love,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
Luce,
Please realize that I'm not trying to condemn the doctors in this country, I'm merely relaying information. (IOW, don't shoot the messenger). Actually, Dr. Mercola didn't write that article, as you may have assumed. (Dr. Mercola's comments are below the article).
He copied that article from the Journal of the American Medical Association July 26, 2000;284(4):483-5, so there is little reason to second guess the statistics. Considering the source, they may be conservative. True, in the title, the word "doctors", should probably have been replaced with the words "medical professionals", but the fact of the matter is that someone in the medical profession is responsible for all those mistakes, unfortunate reactions, etc.
I have a problem accepting the statement that a doctor is not responsible for side effects. Sure, he/she did not put those undesirable features into the drugs that he/she prescribed, but every doctor is ultimately responsible for his/her patient's welfare, and knowledge of side effects is part of the responsibility that goes with the license that entitles him/her to write those presciptions, (and the right to subsequently bill a patient for that advice). The doctor is therefore obligated to monitor patients who are prescribed drugs with risky side effects, to insure the patients safety. Some doctors seem to be lax in this responsibility. Not only do they not adequately monitor the patient's condition, but they don't always inform the patient of the risks involved, in some cases. While it's true that many people die, even though the doctor does his/her best to control the situation, many more are victims of doctors who don't monitor the situation at all.
Practicing medicine is a profession fraught with peril, and mistakes are going to happen, there's no way around it. Certainly not all those deaths are directly attributable to gross negligence, but in many cases where minor details are overlooked, they turn out to have fatal results.
At least that's the way I see it.
Doctors may not be perfect, but they're all we have, so we're lucky to have them, (at least we're lucky to have the good ones).
Tex
Please realize that I'm not trying to condemn the doctors in this country, I'm merely relaying information. (IOW, don't shoot the messenger). Actually, Dr. Mercola didn't write that article, as you may have assumed. (Dr. Mercola's comments are below the article).
He copied that article from the Journal of the American Medical Association July 26, 2000;284(4):483-5, so there is little reason to second guess the statistics. Considering the source, they may be conservative. True, in the title, the word "doctors", should probably have been replaced with the words "medical professionals", but the fact of the matter is that someone in the medical profession is responsible for all those mistakes, unfortunate reactions, etc.
I have a problem accepting the statement that a doctor is not responsible for side effects. Sure, he/she did not put those undesirable features into the drugs that he/she prescribed, but every doctor is ultimately responsible for his/her patient's welfare, and knowledge of side effects is part of the responsibility that goes with the license that entitles him/her to write those presciptions, (and the right to subsequently bill a patient for that advice). The doctor is therefore obligated to monitor patients who are prescribed drugs with risky side effects, to insure the patients safety. Some doctors seem to be lax in this responsibility. Not only do they not adequately monitor the patient's condition, but they don't always inform the patient of the risks involved, in some cases. While it's true that many people die, even though the doctor does his/her best to control the situation, many more are victims of doctors who don't monitor the situation at all.
Practicing medicine is a profession fraught with peril, and mistakes are going to happen, there's no way around it. Certainly not all those deaths are directly attributable to gross negligence, but in many cases where minor details are overlooked, they turn out to have fatal results.
At least that's the way I see it.
Doctors may not be perfect, but they're all we have, so we're lucky to have them, (at least we're lucky to have the good ones).
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.