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  question, about a comment i read on low-carb diets

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Author Topic:   question, about a comment i read on low-carb diets | Page views:
bull69
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posted 01-11-2003 04:58 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for bull69     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I read in the vitality section of my newspaper the other day that about a month after you start eating a low carb/high protein diet, your skin and hair start to look terrible because you get constipated. I know alot of people on this board have tried low carb diets so can you please comment on this? Is this a fact or just an opinion?
thanks

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Chum
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posted 01-11-2003 06:14 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Chum     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Low carb diets can cause hair to fall out. Several co-workers had this happen, and they also affect the skin. Psoriasis gets worse I know for a fact.


Constipation is a side effect of eating very little fiber found in grains, fruits, and vegetables. Leg cramps also develop due to lack of potassium/magnesium/calcium. Low-carb diets are not healthy in my opinion, and wont work long term.

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ARIZONA73
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posted 01-11-2003 06:31 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ARIZONA73     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
On the other hand, the one diet you would NOT want to be on is a low-fat, high-carb diet. This is the kind of diet which has been erroneously spoon-fed to the public for the past 30 years. And what do we have to show for it? Well, just look around you. We have since become a nation full of obese people, and the incidence of children developing type 2 diabetes (in the past, this was unheard of) has now approached epidemic proportions. Atkins was absolutely right. We have been heading in the wrong direction all along.

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Chum
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posted 01-11-2003 08:07 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Chum     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Atkins was right, but his diet is wrong. Eating lean proteins, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables is the way to lose weight. Atkins is looked down on due to his very restrictive diet. Try one of his tasty advantage bars(if you dare)and you will see how grand his diet is.

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ARIZONA73
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posted 01-11-2003 08:49 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ARIZONA73     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I eat those food bars quite often, and think they are delicious. Actually, Atkins' diet is in four stages. It is only during the first two weeks that it is most restrictive. After that, some carbohydrates are gradually added back into the diet. The whole purpose of that is to determine an individual's ideal carbohydrate intake. Once that is determined, then the person will know what his or her daily carbohydrate intake should be in order to maintain their desired weight. That certainly makes sense, doesn't it? So just because a person is following the Atkins diet guidlines, that does not mean that you are doomed to a life without any carbohydrates. In fact, a generous amount of fruits and vegetables are permitted, but the emphasis is on low glycemic index foods, which again makes perfect sense.

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sean
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posted 01-11-2003 11:40 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for sean     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Well, I've been on the Atkins diet, strictly or--more recently, somewhat modified--for more than four years, and my hair is thin as it was when I began--no worse, no better, sad to say-- but my skin is better than ever since childhood.

as to constipation, i have the opposite problem, if any, and in fact usually have to avoid those Atkins bars just because of their laxative effect.

I eat lots and lots of fiber--mostly greens and salad and some nuts and peanut butter and the like--plus the lower carb fruits. I eat more veggies and fiber than ever in my life before.

Does anyone still think of those carb-rich foods we eat such as french fries, baked potatoes, white wheat breads and pastas, and so on , as rich in fiber ?!?!??????!!!!!?? doesn't seem possible. read the labels.

Atkins does not, despite what you've been told, tell you to eat only meat and eggs and other low-fiber foods, and it certainly does not cause hair loss, or many of the things attributed to it. Read his book, or related wsorks such as the Protein Power books, and decide for yourself.

sean

[This message has been edited by sean (edited 01-12-2003).]

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Chum
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posted 01-12-2003 02:48 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Chum     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
"and it certainly does not cause hair loss, or many of the things attributed to it."


Oh really? I just went to one of the atkins message boards did a search for "hair loss", and found 232 topics. I know for a fact it does cause hair loss. No reason for my friends to lie about it.

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ARIZONA73
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posted 01-12-2003 03:46 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ARIZONA73     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
So where do we read about factual, scientific documentation to this effect? People from all over the world, no matter what their diets consist of, experience hair loss. So what's their excuse?

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Chum
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posted 01-12-2003 06:58 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Chum     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I would like to see a study that proves the atkins diet does not cause hair loss.

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ARIZONA73
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posted 01-12-2003 08:40 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ARIZONA73     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
That makes about as much sense as saying that all people should be considered guilty until proven innocent. Aside from specific medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, the overwhelming majority of hair loss is due to the hormone dihydrotestosterone. It does not result from being on any particular diet. It is genetic. You can try a hundred different diets, and it will not make any difference. People lose hair no matter what kind of diet they are on.

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hunter44
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posted 01-13-2003 08:56 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for hunter44     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
people, people, people.... hair loss can be a result of all diets. People who change their dietary habits have a change in metabolism and one side effect can be hair loss, and it is only temporary in all diet changes(unless the diet restricts vital nutrients). As for Atkins, the additional amount of good balanced fat consumption aides in strong cell structure and better skin and hair conditions. Atkins also has positive effects on autoimmune diseases. And, if you haven't read the books and done the biochemical research do not criticize. One thing about Atkins and other low carb followers is that the majority have done the reading and research because the diets are based on biochemistry and not weight loss. Carbs are sugars plain and simple, now take it from there.

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Chelle1977
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posted 01-13-2003 09:00 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Chelle1977     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The actual Atkins diet, as recommended in the book, may not cause hair loss. Unfortunately, most people who say they are "on the Atkins diet" have not paid careful attention to his recommendations and probably do experience constipation and hairloss.

bull69, if you're going to use the Atkins plan, make sure you've read and understood the book completely. If you have read it, but aren't sure you understand, ask your doctor. You should see your doctor for a full physical before undertaking a new eating plan anyway.

I actually recommend you do more research than just reading his one book. There is LOTS of information about diet and nutrition. Dr. Atkins plan is just as old as the low-fat, high-carb plan.

Another suggestion, do some research on the "national registry of weight loss". It is a database of over 3,000 adults who have lost, on average, 65 lbs and kept that weight off for over a year. Less than 1% used a low-carb diet.

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Sinnrah
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posted 01-13-2003 01:54 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Sinnrah     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Hi,

All diets require research before going on them. I did my research on low carbing before I actually started. I personally, have had no problems with it other than not getting enough fiber. I never followed Atkins...too restrictive.

I agree w/ Chelle, if you dont understand the book, ask your doctor and do research online. There are a lot of great websites that are strictly for people who are thinking of doing that type of diet. Too bad we cant post web addys here. I found a great one last night.

Good luck
Sinnrah

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auntjudyg
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posted 01-14-2003 10:33 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for auntjudyg     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by bull69:
I read in the vitality section of my newspaper the other day that about a month after you start eating a low carb/high protein diet, your skin and hair start to look terrible because you get constipated. I know alot of people on this board have tried low carb diets so can you please comment on this? Is this a fact or just an opinion?
thanks

It might have happened to someone if they were not following a plan correctly. "Low carb diets" covers quite a wide range of eating plans. If they were referring to Atkins, initially there is not much fiber in the plan, and some people do experience constipation. Dr. Atkins covers this in his book, and explains the possible need for fiber supplements while the body adjusts. Other low carb plan include much more fiber than a standard American diet. On one plan (Carbohydrate Addicts) many people complain of diarrhea initially.

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Chum
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posted 01-14-2003 10:24 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Chum     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
"Atkins also has positive effects on autoimmune diseases"

I have psoriasis and the diet made is much worse. Too much acid from the protein.


"Another suggestion, do some research on the "national registry of weight loss". It is a database of over 3,000 adults who have lost, on average, 65 lbs and kept that weight off for over a year. Less than 1% used a low-carb diet."

Thanks for the data. I knew the number had to be low.

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saxyjill02
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posted 01-17-2003 08:08 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for saxyjill02     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Alright, as for the Atkins diet being too restrictive.....If you would take the time to read the entire book on the diet, you would know that the diet is broken down into 3 parts. The first stage is the INDUCTION...during the first 14 days you are restricted to only eating 20grams of Carbs. That is really the only hard part of the diet. All it takes is a little will power and self discipline. The second stage is called The OWL...Overall Weight Loss. On this portion, you more or less increase and decrease the number of Carbs you eat to try to figure out what works for you. And the last or LIFE LONG stage of the diet is called the Maintenance Stage.

As for the constipation, QUIT eating all cheese. I've found that that is what did it for me. If you eat the regular amount of everything else you won't have any problems...with the right vitamins that is!

As for the Hair Loss.....I've been on the diet for a month now and I did the diet a couple of years ago and fell off of the wagon but I have NEVER lost any hair and my skin complexion is the best it's been in years.

Check out his book "DR. ATKINS' NEW DIET REVOLUTION"
It will help, I promise.

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coppertop
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posted 01-18-2003 07:21 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for coppertop     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I have a friend who just had gastric bypass surgery and is losing lots of hair. Someone (not sure who) told her that anytime you lost 10% or more of your body weight your hair will start to fall out temporarily.

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linux123
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posted 01-18-2003 09:35 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for linux123     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
HIGH BAD CARBOHYDRATE DIET = NO GOOD
HIGH GOOD CARBOHYDRATE DIET = VERY GOOD!

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Cutebeagle2
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posted 01-22-2003 11:51 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Cutebeagle2     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Bull 69 do yourself a favour and make good use
of that article by putting it in your fireplace
along with that nice piece of oak log. The aricle
is useless.

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Mercedes_Girl
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posted 01-22-2003 04:11 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Mercedes_Girl     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I've done low-carbing for about a year now and I've never had any such problems. In fact, I feel so much better when I do it than before I started. It's not for everyone, but it's definitely the eating lifestyle that I've responded to the best in order to lose weight and feel healthier!

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penguin chick
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posted 01-25-2003 11:14 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for penguin chick     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Just for your information, I did a high carbohydrate, low CALORIE change in my lifestyle and successfully lost more than 30 pounds going from a size 14 to a 4-6. No matter what you eat, excess amounts in calories will cause you to gain weight, the reverse is true as well, the less calories you consume and the more you burn will cause weight loss. It's all about the calories if you want to loose weight. If you prefer most of your calories to come from protein or carbs that is your decision and best of luck to you! But, to say that you cant loose on either high protein or high carb is FALSE, find the calories you feel best with getting rid of and stick with it! Good Luck all, and I just had to say this because of the high carb low calorie dieting comment, I'm proven success of that and I wish people would stop defending their diets and claiming that their diets are the best because changing the way you eat is a personal decision in which YOU decide what you eat and how much you eat of it to loose the weight YOU want to loose.

less calories consumed= weight loss
more calories burned= weight loss

[This message has been edited by penguin chick (edited 01-26-2003).]

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AlwaysQuestioningLife
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posted 01-25-2003 09:34 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for AlwaysQuestioningLife     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
with all the controversey on which diets work and which one's don't- you'd think someone might realize that different diets work for different people. atkin's diet probably works wonders for some and destroy's other people's metabolism. some people might have great success with low-carb, high protein diets. and others with low fat, high fiber diets, some people need more exercise and others just need to stop eating as much as they do. it's just a matter of what works best for you personally as an individual. ---all of this is, of course, just my humble opinion.

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auntjudyg
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posted 01-27-2003 09:43 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for auntjudyg     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by AlwaysQuestioningLife:
with all the controversey on which diets work and which one's don't- you'd think someone might realize that different diets work for different people.

You'd think so, wouldn't you, Always. If one just opens one's eyes a looks around, it only takes half a brain to see that people are different. Some have a lot of trouble with the concept, though.

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angjoek
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posted 02-11-2003 01:20 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for angjoek     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I have never felt better doing Atkins! I love it! I just cant say enough good things about it and my cholestorol has gone way down since starting.

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NewMe
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posted 02-11-2003 09:54 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for NewMe     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Dr Atkins has giving new meaning to Life!! I couldnt be more happier or healthier. GO ATKINS!

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177bySummer2003
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posted 02-11-2003 12:24 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for 177bySummer2003     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by penguin chick:
It's all about the calories if you want to loose weight...

(and)

...less calories consumed= weight loss


First off, I LOSE weight so my slacks are LOOSE.

But, aside from grading your spelling, the other IS NOT TRUE. The point of dumping the carbs is to make fat your energy fuel. Once that's happened, your "furnace" won't be waiting for carbs and will use your stored fat much more readily. Also, excess (net) carbs are stored as fat, just like the fat you're afraid to eat. Which is better? Eat carbs and store the extra as fat that the body won't touch...OR...eat fat and store the extra as fat THAT THE BODY WILL BURN BECAUSE THAT'S THE PRIMARY ENERGY FUEL YOU'VE CONDITIONED IT TO USE.

The doctor whom I will not name has done documented clinical studies. Higher calorie but lower carb participants lost more weight than lower calorie but higher carb participants.

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