Low-carb diet proven just as effective as leading weight loss pill.
Need to lose 10 pounds? A new study in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows that a low-carb diet is just as effective as a leading weight loss pill—even for people who are obese or have Type 2 diabetes.
What surprised researchers, though, was that cutting out sugary carbs lowered blood pressure—something the weight loss drug orlistat (better known as “Alli”) did not accomplish! The carb-cutters in this randomized trial dropped about 6% in their systolic blood pressure (the top number in a reading) and saw another 4.5% drop in diastolic pressure (the lower number).
Unlike most weight loss research, this study followed people who had a range of health problems associated with obesity—arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol—besides hypertension. Blood sugar and insulin levels also improved when study volunteers cut carbs—but not within the group taking orlistat.
“While weight loss typically induces improvements in blood pressure, it may be that the low-carbohydrate diet has additional effects,” says William S. Yancy, Jr., MD, lead author of this study. “It’s important to know that you can try a diet instead of medication and get the same weight loss results with fewer costs and potentially fewer side effects,” he adds.
Dr. Ann Louise’s Take:
Well, it’s about time mainstream medicine got onboard the low-carb diet model. For years I have been touting the benefits of cutting carbs, especially for weight control, weight loss, and even lowering blood pressure.
Both Classic Fat Flush and Fat Flush for Life—in fact, all my weight loss and detox plans—offer the most delicious low-carb menus and recipes. And as millions of Fat Flushers can attest, these programs eliminate cortisol-induced belly fat that’s linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, while promoting the fastest weight loss results.
Eating the right fiber-rich vegetables (like jicama or spaghetti squash) and fruits (like a Fuji apple or papaya) is key to long-term success in losing weight and lowering blood pressure. Fat Flush for Life highlights “clean carbs” (including gluten-free grains) that are hypoallergenic, as well as low-glycemic, so they don’t create an inflammatory response leading to water retention, cravings, and metabolic slow down.
Of course, Fat Flush includes plenty of high-quality, lean protein, which stimulates the pancreas to produce glycogen, the hormone that counteracts fat-producing insulin by accessing and burning fat from storage sites during detox. Without enough protein, you’ll lose muscle, which only slows metabolism and makes weight loss harder.
Everyone Needs Slimming Oils
Orlistat, the weight loss drug that researchers compared with a low-carb diet in this study, works by blocking the body’s absorption of fat, which is critical to health. Common side effects of “Alli” include diarrhea, greasy stools, and gas. Ugh!
Immediate medical attention is needed for severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, hives, persistent stomach pain, and swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or tongue) that have occurred among some orlistat users.
Anti-inflammatory fats—omega-3s in chia, flaxseed, and fish oil as well as “good” omega-6 in gamma linolenic acid (GLA) from black currant seed oil—combat cardiovascular disease and diabetes, while supporting healthy weight loss. I recommend GLA-90 throughout Fat Flush for Life to mobilize metabolically active brown fat and keep skin moist and taut during weight loss.
Another part of the tried-and-true Fat Flush arsenal, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is also a critical omega-6 fat. Taken as a dietary supplement, CLA helps balance blood sugar, while prompting the body to burn stored fat, resulting in a decrease of body fat and a proportional increase in lean muscle tissue, which in turn burns even more calories.
From my personal observations, nothing is quite as effective as 3 grams of CLA, taken with meals. I recommend this supplement, regardless of which Fat Flush program you’re following.
Group Support Is Important, Too
Study after study (including this latest one) suggests that ongoing support—being able to turn to a group for advice—is a key element in successful weight loss. Fat Flushers have been cheering each other on, sharing tips, personal stories, and recipes for years.
Please join our community at www.annlouiseforum.com. I even stop by myself every now and then to check in on my Fat Flushing family!
Sources:
Fat Flush for Life
https://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/170/2/136
www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60P6HG20100126
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100125172938.htm
www.drugs.com/sfx/orlistat-side-effects.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20107199
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1119833
10 Responses
what can you tell me about the effect of ionised electrolite (Kangen) water?
I have been drinking Kangen water for almost a year now, everything from 8.5 to 9.5 and do not feel the promised results. My diet is pretty clean otherwise, but my joint pain is increasing as I near my 70’s. Please address the topic of water here. Thanks.
Oops… I just checked your site for Alkaline/Acidic subject and found it already addressed.
*sigh*
I think that Kangen water has its place as long as you monitor your progress. Each of us responds to a different pH depending upon existing stress levels and our biogoloically terrain. That said, 8.5 is sufficient for someone fairly clean while 9.5 might be best – short term – for some one more toxic. Just keep in mind if your stomach is sensitive, alkaline water will promt the stomach to make more HCL.
My thoughts: If your joint point is increasing – try Ultra H3 and drink more 7.0 for a while.
What is kangen water?
Chris, I believe it’s basically alkaline water.
You mentioned ULTRA H3 for joint pain. Where do I get that. You also mentioned drinking 7.0. Does that pertain to Kangan water? Could you clarify this for me.
Thank you.
You can find the Ultra H-3 here: http://www.unikeyhealth.com.
What carbs can I eat to loose weight during my hot flashes that I am going through. I drink alot of water and try eat properly. but it is still hard to get this weight off.
I walk alot too. My hot flashes are at night and the morning times.
Angel- You may want to look into Dr. Ann Louise’s book, “Fat Flush Plan”, it lays out an excellent eating program for weight loss and helping balance hormones.