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Of course, it's natural
that I would not like Atkins, as it causes people to eat more meat. Perhaps I am
biased against the diet, but the risks seem to outweigh the benefits
when Atkins is used for cosmetic purposes.
How does Atkins work?
Because it severely restricts intake of the body's main source of fuel,
carbohydrates, the body goes into a state where it turns its own body fat into
fuel. This state is called ketosis.
What's ketosis? Basically,
it is what your body goes through when you are very ill -- ketosis is what a
diabetic's body goes into when they cannot process carbs. When this happens to a
diabetic, they are given a fix -- insulin.
People go into ketosis
when they are starving to death, and it naturally occurs when someone is very
ill so they do not have to focus on food-gathering, and instead can focus on
rest and getting better.
Essentially, then, Atkins
is a make-yourself-sick diet. Why don't you just try to catch a good stomach flu
bug too, while you're at it?
Too much meat can also
give you problems. The American Heart Association tells us that meat can
contribute to heart problems. A lot of protein causes damage to the liver and
kidneys.
"The Atkins diet
recommends 30 percent protein, and even more protein is found in other
high-protein diets. Low-protein diets (4 percent to 8 percent) are used
routinely to treat patients with liver and kidney failure."
--The McDougall Newsletter
The Atkins diet works. But
it works because it makes you sick. For some, the benefits
actually do outweigh the risks -- obesity can have serious health problems,
problems worse than the increased chance of heart disease.
Much love,
8Dyay8D
Editor's Note:
A fascinating point, and looks like excellent research, 8Dyay8D! Can you share
with us where you learned that Atkins works through ketosis, though? I hadn't
heard that, and must admit I'm slightly skeptical. It sure seems you're right
about the danger, if the facts you present are true. Thanks!
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