POPULAR DIETS
Part Three: 'Other Diets'
(Neither High Carbohydrate nor High Protein Diets)
DETAILED ANSWERS
For the summary
of this FAQ click here
A lot of publicity has been given to a wide variety of
diets lately. Some of these advocate high protein intake, some stress
carbohydrate, while others make no reference to carbohydrate or protein. What
are these diets supposed to achieve, and what, if any, is the scientific
evidence supporting them?
This answer is brought to you by many of the Australian
nutrition professionals who regularly contribute to a nutrition email discussion
group.
POTATOES NOT PROZAC
Kathleen Desmaisons is the author of the book 'Potatoes Not Prozac'. The
basis of her plan is also available on-line at: http://www.radiantrecovery.com
Dr Desmaisons believes that many people suffer from an
undiagnosed 'sugar sensitivity'. If you are a 'sufferer', she promises that
following her plan will 'change your blood chemistry and improve your
neurotransmitter function'. (Neurotransmitters are biochemicals in the brain
that influence all aspects of mental function, including the ability to think
clearly, feelings of alertness or fatigue, and mood).
Her program involves seven key steps. These are presented
(with comments on their value) below:
1. Keeping a food journal: The journal aims to set a
baseline, so that you can determine what you eat and how you feel as a result of
eating that food or meal. This seems to be a sensible practice and should at
least alert you to any inappropriate practices (such as too many fatty snacks
between meals, for example).
2. Eating three meals a day at regular intervals: Dr
Desmaisons doesn't actually prohibit any food that you previously ate--she
advises that you simply have that food during a meal rather than between
meals.
In fact, there is little reason for believing that simply
transferring food intake to another time will have any beneficial effect on
weight control. To reduce weight--and maintain that weight loss--a conscious
effort must be made to modify the types and quantities of foods eaten, not
simply the timing of food intake. [For more information on the effects of eating
patterns on weight, see the FAQ on the relative merits of eating three meals
compared to five meals, in this series].
3. Taking vitamins as recommended (by Dr Desmaisons): This
advice (which contains a misconception on her part--one of the 'vitamins' she
advocates is in fact the mineral zinc) is not consistent with current orthodox
nutrition advice. If you are eating a nutritious, varied diet there is no need
for extra vitamins unless these are prescribed by your doctor or dietitian.
4. Eating a recommended amount of protein at each meal:
This belief is based largely on a finding that the quantity of a 'calming'
neurotransmitter in the brains of rats may have been increased by feeding the
rats protein. She draws a very long bow by translating that unconfirmed
conclusion into the idea that people need to eat a specified quantity of protein
at every meal to 'remain calm'. Sugars and fruits are the only common foods that
do not provide at least some protein. By eating a normal mixed diet you will be
obtaining some protein at each meal, anyway.
5. Adjusting carbohydrate intake to include more complex
carbohydrate foods: Dr Desmaison appropriately advocates eating more 'complex
carbohydrate' foods (such as bread, rice, pasta and potatoes) and fruits and
vegetables. However, she implies that complex carbohydrates are nearly always
digested and absorbed more slowly than 'simple' carbohydrates (essentially
sugars). She is evidently unaware that this belief has been shown to be
incorrect. [For more information on this, see the FAQ on 'glycemic index' in
this series].
6. Reducing or eliminating sugars (including alcohol): The
need for eliminating sugar is not supported by the scientific evidence. Eating
only a moderate amount of sugars and foods containing sugars is entirely
appropriate, but there is no need to 'eliminate' sugar from the diet. [For more
information on the health effects sugar in the diet see the FAQ entitled 'What's
the latest on sugar and health' in this series].
It is also true that, far from being harmful to health,
drinking small quantities of alcohol is associated with health benefits. This
does not mean that a non-drinker should be encouraged to drink alcohol. Rather,
if you already drink, you are advised to limit your intake. [For more
information on the health benefits of one form of alcoholic beverage, and on
recommended safe levels of alcohol intake, see the FAQ in this series on the
health effects of drinking red wine].
7. Creating a plan for maintenance: This seems a
sensible approach. It is based on the need to plan for the situation that may
arise whereby you 'stray' from your new, healthy diet/lifestyle. Deciding
beforehand whether or not you have really ''failed" because you ate one
piece of cake is appropriate (provided that you plan to answer that question
with a resounding "NO!"). Having a 'contingency plan' ready--for
example, 'if I fail to lose one kilogram per month, I will set a more achievable
target for my rate of weight loss'--is entirely appropriate.
Overall, this diet plan is largely based on the idea that
sugar is bad, protein is good, with fat not really rating a mention. This is not
a sound basis for determining an appropriate diet for life (or even over the
short term, such as during a period of weight loss). Also lacking is any
reference to the importance of being physically active. [For more information on
the health value of activity see the FAQ in this series on types of activities
and activity levels for general health and wellbeing].
In conclusion, despite containing some sensible
suggestions, Potatoes Not Prozac cannot be recommended as being appropriate for
either weight control in the short term, or for lifelong health and wellness.
THE NEW BEVERLEY HILLS DIET
This diet is the brainchild of Judy Mazel. Ms. Mazel has no health or
nutrition credentials. Her New Beverley Hills Diet is based on the belief that
enzymes (chemicals that promote the biochemical reactions essential to life)
'activate' the human body. According to Ms Mazel, each major form of food
contains the enzymes that allow that food to be digested in the intestine. For
example, fruits are supposed to contain the enzymes needed by the body to allow
those fruits to be broken down. These enzymes, she maintains, are not able to
digest other forms of carbohydrate foods (or those that provide protein or
fat).
This concept has no basis in scientific reality. The
body--not the food we eat--produces the digestive enzymes we need to break food
down. Enzymes present in foods will actually be broken down themselves by the
body's digestive processes, so enzymes that were present in the food will not be
absorbed into the body as complete enzymes, but as their digested
constituents.
Ms Mazel has also come to the conclusion that being
overweight (ie, having excess body fat) results from 'indigestion'. That is,
when food is not properly digested, the undigested food is converted to fat and
stored in the body. This belief runs counter to current nutrition knowledge (and
also to 'common sense'). If food isn't digested, it CANNOT be absorbed from the
intestine into the blood. Undigested food passes through the colon and is
'egested', ie, passed out of the body in the form of faeces.
If her lack of understanding of nutrition did not lead to
inappropriate suggestions for losing weight, Ms Mazel's advice would be only
eccentric, rather than potentially harmful. But she uses her non-scientific
approach to encourage inappropriate eating patterns. For example, she advocates
eating a single food, and nothing but that food, for an entire day. Such an
eating pattern will lead to monotony and poor nutrient intake. Humans need a
wide variety of foods to obtain the huge range of essential nutrients and other
health-promoting constituents of food (such as antioxidants) that promote
optimal health.
Of equal concern is her lack of reference to the need for
activity. Nutritionists today stress the importance of being physically active
in achieving (and maintaining) appropriate body weight, and for health
generally. [For more information on the value of activity in weight control see
the FAQ entitled 'Weight Loss and Exercise' in this series.]
In conclusion, the New Beverley Hills Diet cannot be
recommended for either short periods (eg, during weight loss) or as the lifelong
diet.
EAT RIGHT FOR YOUR TYPE
Dr Peter D'Adamo, a 'naturopathic physician', is the author of the
best-seller 'Eat Right for Your Type'. Information on his dietary
recommendations is also available through: http://www.webworker.com/profiles/er4yt.html
Basis of the Eat Right For Your Type Diet
Dr D'Adamo believes that nutritional requirements are determined by 'blood
type'. One means of classifying blood type is the 'ABO' system, based on
proteins that occur on the surface of red blood cells. It is these proteins that
determine whether or not one person's blood is compatible with another's. This
compatibility is of critical importance in determining who can safely donate
blood to a patient who needs a transfusion. According to this system, people are
either 'O', 'A', 'B' or 'AB'. Note that this is just one means (although an
important one) of classifying blood groups.
Dr D'Adamo believes that the different blood types came
into existence at different stages during human cultural development. Type O is
claimed to be the 'original' blood type--the one that everyone had during the 'Paleolithic'
era (ie, during what is commonly called the Stone Age). The Paleolithic diet is
suspected by many nutritionists of being high in meat. It was also a time when
few, if any, grain foods were available. Therefore, Dr D'Adamo advocates that
Type O people eat a lot of meat, no wheat and little, if any, other grains.
Because early people usually had to be very active (eg, through the need to hunt
animals) he also believes that people with Type O should engage in vigorous
aerobic exercise. [For more information on the possible diets of early people,
see the FAQ on Paleolithic Diets in this series].
Dr D'Adamo believes that Type A blood group first appeared
15 000 - 25 000 years ago, in response to the practice (for the first time) of
agriculture. As a result, he believes that Type A people should eat plenty of
grains and other high-carbohydrate foods. Because agriculture does not involve a
high level of aerobic exercise, he suggests that Type A people should engage
only in 'light activity such as golf and yoga'.
Type B is thought (by Dr D'Adamo) to be even more recent,
appearing 10 000 - 15 000 years ago as a result of migration and possible
mutation of Type A. Type B people 'should have the most varied diet of all the
blood types, including meat'. He also believes that Type B is 'the only blood
type that does well with dairy products.' The forms of exercise that Dr D'Adamo
suggests for Type B are 'moderate swimming or walking.'
The most recent blood group, according to Dr D'Adamo, is
Type AB, which he states did not come into existence until ~1 000 years
ago. People with the AB blood type can supposedly eat a reasonably varied
diet (but evidently should not consume much in the way of dairy products) and
should take part in 'calming exercises and relaxation techniques'.
How Strong is the Scientific Evidence in Support of
These Claims?
The author does not cite any research on Paleolithic diets in support of his
beliefs. In his book he makes up his scenario from his own beliefs. His
book may be interesting to read, but it has no scientific basis whatsoever. For
example, the ABO blood grouping system is just one that is used to classify
people according to different blood types. Dr D'Adamo does not appear to be
aware of this, or of the fact that other primates have the ABO blood grouping
system, but these species have not been through the various eras that Dr D'Adamo
believes led to a dependence of people on particular foods. He even uses an
incorrect estimate of the timing of the origin of agriculture: this occurred
about 10 000 years ago, not the 15 000 - 25 000 years that he states.
Of more fundamental importance is his lack of knowledge of
the most basic aspects of human physiology in relation to nutrition and
activity. His belief that people can live healthy lives on only a limited range
of foods (whether dictated by their blood type or by anything else that is
unrelated to nutrition) is simply wrong. Most people in Australia have all the
enzymes needed to break down a huge variety of foods. Some people (particularly
those of non-European origin) may not be able to digest large quantities of milk
after infancy, but this (and all other problems with food intolerance) is
unrelated to blood type. Of equal concern is his advice that only people with a
certain blood type should engage in vigorous physical activity. Being physically
active is of the utmost importance to EVERYONE, regardless of blood type, (or,
for that matter, regardless of hair colour, taste in music or anything else that
is equally unrelated to our health and wellbeing!) [For more information on the
value of physical activity, see the FAQ in this series on the types of
activities and activity levels that are appropriate for general health and
wellbeing].
In summary, the Eat Right For Your Type diet has no basis
in science, and no aspect of this diet can be recommended.
FIT FOR LIFE
In their book 'Fit for Life', Harvey and Marilyn Diamond state that this is
not a diet, but 'a way of eating that can be incorporated into your life-style
as a way of life, not as a dogmatic regimen'. They also promise 'permanent
results' for control of weight. In support of this, Harvey Diamond claims that
he lost 50 pounds (23 kg) in one month, while Marilyn claims to have lost 20
pounds (9 kg) in six weeks, by adopting the approach described in their book.
Basis of the Fit For Life Diet
According to the Diamonds, eating more than one type of food ('food
combining') at a meal is undesirable. For example, the book's food plan calls
for eating only fruit in the morning and mostly vegetables during the rest of
the day. Eating inappropriate combinations of foods will, they claim, lead to
'putrefaction' (that is, rotting) of the food in the intestine. The
greatest mistake, they believe, comes from combining protein and carbohydrate
foods such as meat with potatoes, eggs with toast, or bread with cheese. The
statement is also made that if you eat while ill, the food will putrefy in your
intestine. Fasting, they say, is a safe and valuable method of eliminating these
putrefied foods from the intestine.
They also claim that eating refined sugars leads to
putrefaction even when the sugars are not combined with other foods, because
refining 'strips every vestige of life' from the sugar. On the other hand,
fruit--being high in water content--can 'cleanse the body of toxins' (unless it
is eaten at the end of a meal, in which case...you guessed it...putrefaction
sets in yet again!)
How Strong is the Scientific Evidence in Support of
These Claims?
There is no scientific evidence to support any of these claims. Their belief
that refining sugar 'strips every vestige of life' from it begs the question 'is
sugar alive?'. The answer is, of course, 'no'. Sugar is a non-living chemical,
so refining sugar cannot strip it of life.
With regard to their advice not to combine foods, it is
actually quite difficult to avoid combining protein with carbohydrate. The
Diamonds seem to be unaware that the 'carbohydrate foods' bread, potatoes, rice
spaghetti and legumes (foods such as beans, peas, soy products and lentils) also
contain significant quantities of protein. Eating these foods on their own
(which they regard as appropriate) constitutes the very act of 'food combining'
that they seem to think will cause indigestion.
As pointed out previously in this FAQ, the human digestive
system has the enzymes and other conditions necessary for digesting and
absorbing an extremely wide range of foods, whether eaten in isolation or in
combinations. Human beings are naturally 'omnivorous': we can eat grain foods,
vegetables, fruits, meat, fish and dairy products (among many other foods) and
thrive on a huge range of combinations of foods. The Diamonds belief that we
cannot digest a combination of foods has no scientific validity whatsoever.
Furthermore, their own 'testimonials' (if correct) to the
effectiveness of their teachings on weight loss indicate just how inappropriate
their advice is. Weight loss of 23 kg in one month (claimed by Harvey Diamond)
is 23 times the maximum safe rate recommended by Nutrition Australia. Although
not quite as extreme, the 9 kg lost in six weeks by Marilyn Diamond is still
many times the maximum recommended rate of weight loss. [For more information on
this see the FAQ entitled 'Questions about overweight/ obesity and the role of
activity in weight maintenance and weight loss' in this series].
In summary, Fit For Life has no basis in science and
therefore cannot be recommended for either the short or long term.
THE LIVER CLEANSING DIET
Sandra Cabot--an Australian doctor--became 'frustrated with the orthodox
medical approaches' to treating disease that were available in the 1980s, and
developed her own ideas. These ideas are presented in detail in her first book
'The Liver Cleansing Diet', and in a more recent publication 'The Healthy Liver
and Bowel Book'. Some of her teachings are also available through: http://www.whas.com.au/liverb.shtml
Dr Cabot believes that 'the liver is the gateway to the
body and takes the load of our precious immune system.' It is certainly
true that the liver is involved in many processes that impact on health,
including detoxifying poisons such as alcohol, but to describe the liver as 'the
gateway to the body' is perhaps an exaggeration. Proper functioning of all
organs-- including the brain, heart, pancreas, stomach and kidneys, among
others--and not just the liver, is essential for health and wellbeing.
Dr Cabot also teaches that 'excess weight, poor health and
digestive disorders are often due to liver dysfunction.' She states that
the most common liver dysfunction is 'fatty liver'. There is little if any
evidence to support her belief that excess weight is due to liver dysfunction.
Orthodox nutritionists believe that excess weight results from an excess
of food intake relative to energy expenditure, not from liver dysfunction.
Based on Dr Cabot's belief about the supreme importance of
the liver, the Liver Cleansing Diet was developed as an eight-week eating plan
to detoxify and reduce fat levels in the liver. The diet consists of a series of
recipes that she provides (available only in her books). By following her diet,
while also taking nutritional supplements and 'liver tonics' you will (she
claims) experience: increased energy levels; detoxification and cleansing of the
blood stream; reduction of inflammation and degenerative diseases; better immune
function; more efficient fat metabolism; and weight control.
Dr Cabot recommends this diet for 'the thousands of
patients who suffer with overburdened immune systems, chronic fatigue, obesity,
fatty livers and recurring blocked arteries...'
The scientific evidence that particular foods will
specifically target the liver and 'cleanse' it is virtually non-existent.
Despite this, Dr Cabot manages to give mostly appropriate dietary advice,
even though it may be inappropriately directed specifically at improving liver
function. Consistent with current nutritional concepts, her diet is largely
based on: high intakes of fruits and vegetables (although she inappropriately
recommends eating only the raw forms of these); a wide range of protein sources
including lean meat, fish, legumes, grains, nuts and seeds; minimising saturated
fat consumption; and moderating sugar intake.
However, she neglects to stress the importance of physical
activity (which is believed by orthodox nutritionists to be as important as diet
in determining health outcome). [For more information on the health value of
activity see the FAQ in this series on the types of activities and activity
levels that are appropriate for general health and wellbeing].
Her advice to take a wide range of nutritional supplements
is not in touch with current nutritional thinking. Some supplements are
considered to be potentially dangerous, and in any case, supplements are
unlikely to be beneficial if your diet is based on a wide range of nutritious
foods. Finally, there is little or no scientific evidence that 'liver tonics'
will have beneficial effects specifically on the liver (or on any other
organ).
As an alternative to using her recipes, Dr Cabot
recommends following the 'Twelve Vital Principles' of her method. These are
(with comments on their value):
1.'Listen to your body': Dr Cabot provides good advice on
eating to satisfy hunger, rather than simply because it is 'time to eat' (ie,
the next meal period has arrived). If you feel that you should join others at
the dining table for social reasons, even though you are not hungry, she
suggests having a 'raw juice, piece of fruit, a small raw vegetable salad, or a
glass of water'.
Although sound in theory, this may be difficult and
socially inappropriate if everyone else is tucking into roast lamb with all the
trimmings (or some other substantial meal). Dr Cabot doesn't address this
all-too-common situation. In this case, it may be preferable to eat the same
food as those around you, but restrict yourself to only small
serves.
2.'Drink at least eight to twelve glasses of filtered
water daily': The advice that Australians should drink plenty of water is
entirely appropriate. The quantity that needs to be consumed will vary
considerably, depending on such matters as climate and physical activity
(especially activity in the heat that leads to copious sweating). Her
recommended rate of water consumption (8-12 glasses per day) would cover the
hydration needs of most Australians. As alternatives to plain water, Dr Cabot
recommends drinking some tea (especially green and herbal teas) and 'raw
juices'. These are all suitable rehydrating fluids in general, but none is
suitable as a 'sports drink'. [For information on suitable sports drinks see the
FAQ on Sports Drink in this series].
Filtering drinking water may be necessary in certain areas
(where proper water treatment is not available, or has not been effective in
removing agents of water-borne disease), but is unlikely to be needed in the
vast majority of urban areas of Australia (and in most rural
areas).
3.'Avoid eating large amounts of sugar': This advice
is consistent with the Australian Dietary Guideline to 'Eat only a moderate
amount of sugars and foods containing added sugars'. The main problem with
excessive sugar consumption is tooth decay. As a secondary problem, eating too
much sugar can displace more nutritious foods from the diet. Dr Cabot is
aware of these potential problems and addresses them appropriately. [For
more information on the health effects sugar in the diet see the FAQ entitled
'What's the latest on sugar and health' in this
series].
4.'Don't become obsessed with measuring calories'
(kilojoules): This is excellent advice. Although excess energy (kilojoule)
intake will lead to overweight, obsession with kilojoule intake can be
counterproductive. It is also inappropriate to 'live on the bathroom scales'.
Rather, following Dr Cabot's advice to eat high quality, nutritious meals and
enjoy your food--without obsessing over kilojoule intake or changes in body
weight-- may significantly reduce the risk of many diet-related conditions,
including overweight.
5. 'Avoid foods that you may be allergic to': It would be
hard to argue against avoiding anything that you may be allergic to! It is
finding out what (if anything) you are allergic to that is sometimes difficult.
If you suspect that you are allergic to a food (or more than one) but can't
identify the offending food(s), it may be appropriate to ask your doctor for a
referral to a dietitian who is experienced in the area of food allergy/ food
intolerance.
6. 'Be aware of good intestinal hygiene': Dr Cabot teaches
that toxins from the bowel can 'recirculate back to the liver...causing immune
dysfunction and general poor health'. Although her explanation is unorthodox as
to why fibre is beneficial, her advice--increase dietary fibre intake--is
appropriate. [For more information on the value of dietary fibre see the FAQ
entitled 'How does high fibre food assist in digestion and what are the benefits
of a high fibre diet?' in this series].
Her recommended sources of fibre (fruits and vegetables,
grains, nuts) are suitable, but she appears to believe that it is
inappropriate to eat cooked vegetables. This is incorrect, as explained under
point 11 below.
7. 'Do not eat if you feel stressed or anxious': This
advice is appropriate and possibly of great value, especially to those who have
a tendency to overeat in response to stress. Eating to relieve stress is quite
likely one of the contributors to the epidemic of overweight that is sweeping
the Western world.
8. 'Check if organically grown fresh produce free of
pesticides is available in your area': Although there may be valid arguments for
organic foods from the viewpoint of sustainability, there is no convincing
evidence that organic produce is nutritionally superior to conventional produce.
Also, supermarket foods in Australia are regularly checked for such contaminants
as pesticide residues, and the general Australian food supply has been
consistently shown to be free of harmful levels of contaminants.
9. 'Obtain your protein from diverse sources (including
legumes), not just from animal products such as meat, eggs, and fish': This is
sound advice. Many Australians would do well to heed Dr Cabot on this
issue and to eat more legumes (foods such as beans, peas, soy products and
lentils). These are sources not only of protein, but also of other
substances (called 'phytochemicals') that are strongly suspected of playing a
part in promoting good health, particularly during later life.
10. 'Choose your breads and spreads wisely': Without
providing any supporting evidence, Dr Cabot claims that additives in most
commercial breads can cause 'bloating and irritable bowel syndrome'. She advises
going to health food stores to buy bread that is free of artificial chemicals.
There is no need for the vast majority of Australians to
avoid additives in bread (or in any other processed foods). All additives used
in food in this country have been cleared by Australian health authorities as
being not only safe to use, but also providing a technological benefit that
cannot otherwise be obtained. Examples of benefits conferred by additives
include extending shelf life, reducing the risk of food poisoning, improving
texture or appearance). A small minority of people may have a sensitivity to a
particular additive (or additives). See point 5 above for more information on
this.
Dr Cabot also advises against using margarine or butter as
spread. She states (correctly) that these spreads are not necessary and add to
kilojoule intake. However, her suggestion for those who cannot go without a
spread is to use alternatives such as avocado or humus. Her reasoning is that
these provide 'natural essential fatty acids friendly to the liver'. She seems
to be unaware that polyunsaturated and monounsaturated margarines also
provide essential fatty acids; her alternatives are neither superior nor
inferior to many commercially-available margarines.
11.'Avoid constipation by eating plenty of raw fruits and
vegetables': Dr Cabot recommends that 30-40% of our food intake should be in the
form of raw fruits and vegetables because these provide 'living enzymes',
vitamin C and phytochemicals. Although eating fresh fruits and vegetables is
recommended by virtually all nutritionists, these fruits and vegetables don't
all have to be raw. The concept of 'living enzymes' is spurious, as noted
previously in the answer to this FAQ, and cooked vegetables are not only very
nutritious, but also are often far more easily digested than the raw form.
Eating raw potatoes, pumpkin, beans and broccoli (as just a few examples) would
not appeal to many people, but the cooked forms are popular and easily digested.
In Australia the orthodox recommendation is to eat five servings of vegetables
(where a 'serving' is half a cup of vegetable--raw or cooked) and two servings
of fruit each day.
12.'Avoid excessive saturated or damaged fats'. Avoiding
(or at least minimising) intake of saturated fat is wholly consistent with
orthodox nutrition advice. Dr Cabot correctly identifies the major sources of
saturated fat in the Australian diet as full-fat dairy products, fatty
'ruminant' meats (ie, the white fat found on cuts of beef and lamb, and
sausages), deep fried takeaway foods, pastries, biscuits and cakes. Dr Cabot
also recommends avoiding margarine. As noted in point 10 above, most table
margarines contain little saturated fat; rather, many are sources of
monounsaturated and/or polyunsaturated oils that may actually confer health
benefits.
Dr Cabot recommends (appropriately) obtaining fats from
nutritious sources such as vegetable and seed oils, fish and nuts. [For more
information on fats in the diet, see the FAQ in this series on fats and oils].
In addition to her 'Twelve Vital Principles', Dr Cabot
gives advice on how to reduce the risk of food poisoning: her recommendations on
personal hygiene, kitchen hygiene, food preparation and storage methods are all
appropriate.
She also recommends that people remain with their doctors,
rather than simply adopt her diet as a replacement for orthodox medical
treatment. This is very sound advice.
Overall, although the reasons Dr Cabot advances for eating
particular foods are often not consistent with orthodox nutrition, most of her
recommendations on diet are compatible with those of mainstream nutritionists.
She is at odds with orthodox nutrition in advising eating only raw fruits and
vegetables, taking 'liver tonics', avoiding commercial bread, consuming a wide
range of nutritional supplements, and avoiding monounsaturated and
polyunsaturated margarines. Dr Cabot also does not place nearly enough emphasis
on the need to be physically active. [For more information on the health value
of activity see the FAQ in this series on the types of activities and activity
levels that are appropriate for general health and wellbeing].
Despite containing some good points, there is too much
inappropriate advice in the Liver Cleansing Diet--and too little regard for the
value of physical activity--to recommend its adoption for either the short or
long term.
See the other Popular Diet Frequently Asked Questions in
this series:
Part One:
High Protein Diets
Part
Two: High Carbohydrate Diets
For more information Nutrition Australia recommends:
Back to Frequently
Asked Questions Index
Disclaimer: This material is provided on the basis that it
constitutes advice of a general nature only. It is not intended to replace the
advice of a physician or a dietitian.
[Date issued: November 2000]
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