I was compelled to write this article after tuning in to a disturbing episode of Dr. Oz. I pick up helpful bits from the show from time to time, but at times, I have a problem with some of the content pertaining to nutrition. Carbohydrates play an important role in our diets. They are the body's primary source of energy, with carbohydrates being the preferred energy source for the brain. However, Dr. Oz guest, Dr. David Perlmutter, argues that carbohydrates are "poison" for the brain and that "fat is your friend." The danger with promoting this message is that it falsely suggests that all macronutrients are not important, and they most certainly are all important and necessary for a healthy mind and body. The macronutrients include carbohydrates, fats, and proteins and we need them all to survive. The idea that you can help your brain by not giving it the fuel source it prefers is absurd. By nature, carbs cause a rise in blood sugar. Dr. Perlmutter argues that this rise in blood sugar increases inflammation and decreases the size of the brain, ultimately resulting in Alzheimer's and other diseases of the brain. According to him, even whole grains, which satiate and regulate digestion, and fruits and vegetables, which provide a host of anti-aging nutrients, are bad for our brain health. This perspective is garbage and unfortunately, people who have little to no training in nutrition are able to spread these messages to the public without repercussion. Dr. Perlmutter's recommendation is to eat a bunch of fat - from butter to coconut oil to lean meats. Don't get me wrong - fat has its place in the diet, but displacing carbohydrates for fat calories is not a sound practice. Too much fat in the diet, even if it is "good" fat, can still contribute to weight gain if excess calories are consumed. A high fat diet is also linked to heart disease and cancer. When you hear a message that sounds questionable or anytime someone makes blanket statements about certain food groups, suggesting to eliminate them entirely, please take the information with a grain of salt. On average, people may indeed be over consuming carbs and other nutrients, but there is a large difference between eating none and eating some. Balance is key to so much in life. Do yourself a favor and arm yourself with the correct information. Contact a dietitian, who is a nutrition expert and is up to date with the latest research regarding nutrition and health conditions. It may save you a lot of wasted effort in trying to maintain some super strict diet that really doesn't help. Who could imagine a world without carbs?? Not I! Okay, I'm off my soapbox now. Have a nice day :-) Check out these recent posts:
2 Comments
Karen Marint
11/2/2013 05:57:22 am
You go Alena! I too have concerns about some of the information given on the Oz show - thank you for being bold enough to counter this misinformation
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Alena
11/3/2013 09:07:50 am
Sure thing, I have to keep my readers informed!
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AuthorHello there, my name is Alena and I am a Registered Dietitian! This blog is a platform through which I can share my knowledge and perspectives on a variety of nutrition-related topics. Feel free to contribute by commenting. Archives
November 2021
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