Steve-should these be in categories



Alcohol

Is alcohol allowed on Atkins?

The body burns alcohol first for fuel when it is available and will stop burning fat. This does not stop weight loss; it postpones it.

Since alcohol does not get stored as glycogen, a person will immediately get back into fat burning after the alcohol has been metabolized.

Keep in mind that alcohol consumption may increase yeast-related symptoms in some people and interfere with weight loss. If it does not slow weight loss, an occasional glass of wine is acceptable once a person is beyond the Induction phase as long as the carbohydrates are counted in the daily tally. (A 3 1/2-ounce glass of wine contains about 4.3 grams of carbohydrate.) Alcohol intake should be limited to one drink a day at most even on the higher phases of Atkins.

Spirits such as Scotch, rye, vodka and gin are acceptable, but do not mix with juice, tonic water or non-diet soda, all of which contain sugar. Seltzer, diet tonic and diet soda mixers are permitted.

If you have added alcohol to your regimen and suddenly stop losing weight, discontinue your alcohol intake.

It is also best to consume alcohol with food and not on an empty stomach.

Artificial Sweeteners

Are artificial sweeteners recommended?

The main goal of the Atkins Lifestyle is to stabilize blood sugar (glucose) and insulin levels through the control of both the quantity and quality of carbohydrates. Sugar is a carbohydrate, so it is strictly limited. Controlling carbs naturally curbs sugar cravings. However, if cravings are still present a sugar substitute can be judiciously used. Sugar and high fructose corn sweeteners pose a greater threat to good health than artificial sweeteners do. Be aware that not all sugar substitutes are created equal nor are they all well tolerated by everyone. Some people experience negative reactions to certain sweeteners, and the risk increases with the amount used. Limit all artificial sweeteners to 3 per day and remember to count each packet as 1 gram of carbohydrate.

Sucralose, marketed under the name Splenda®, is derived from sugar; it is non-caloric and doesn't raise blood sugar. It has been used in Canada since 1991 and has been thoroughly tested for safety and efficacy. Sucralose is approximately 600 times sweeter than sugar. It is inert in the body's digestive system, quickly passing through without accumulating in tissues. It does not lose its sweetness when heated, so it can be used in cooking and baking.

If Splenda® is not available; saccharin is the next best thing. The FDA recently removed saccharin from its list of carcinogens, basing its decision upon a thorough review of the medical literature and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences' statement that "there is no clear association between saccharin and human cancer." As with all sweeteners consume in moderate amounts—no more than three packets a day. Saccharin is marketed as Sweet 'n Low®.

Acesulfame potassium, also known as acesulfame-K, another non-caloric sweetener, is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar. Because it cannot be metabolized, it passes through the body without elevating blood sugar. The FDA has authorized the use of acesulfame-K after evaluating numerous studies and determining its safety. It is sold under the brand name SunettTM. It can also be used in cooking.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Does eating the fat allowed on Atkins put my heart at risk?

There are two sources of energy to fuel our bodies: glucose and fat. When people sufficiently restrict carbohydrates, the body will predominantly burn fat for energy. When one burns dietary fat for energy, it is metabolized rather than stored and therefore poses no serious health risks. Stored body fat is also burned.

Research studies have repeatedly demonstrated an improvement in cardiovascular risk factors when controlling carbs as directed. Improvements include lower triglycerides, increased HDL, decrease in inflammatory markers, shifting of LDL and HDL particle sizes to larger less dangerous sizes and improvement in glucose and insulin metabolism.

Baseline labs tests should be done fasting with a repeat in 6 weeks after commencing the program to be sure that abnormal values are improving.

To review the numerous research studies about Atkins and cardiovascular risks refer to this sites research section.

Steve-should these be in categories? I think so especially as we add more. See the category headings I suggest. Comments are accepted.Ketones

Are ketones dangerous? Category ketones

A common misunderstanding is that the presence of ketones in the urine are dangerous leading people to think that decreasing carb intake below 40 to 50 grams per day (the average ketone threshold) is unhealthy.

The ability to use ketones as a source of energy for the body is programmed into our system for survival. Ketones are an alternate fuel source. The heart can use ketones for fuel under normal circumstances as can the brain.

If you have ketones in your urine simply because of following an Atkins program it is actually a good sign. You are burning dietary fat and/or your excess fat stores.

Another myth regarding ketones while low carbing is that they cause acidosis if you are a type 2 diabetic: this is not the case as long as blood sugar is well controlled.

Ketones in the urine can be a danger sign if blood sugar is too high and insulin levels are too low. It can indicate acidosis, an abnormal condition usually occurring in people with out of control type 1 diabetes requiring immediate medical attention. Ketones can also occur because of other metabolic conditions. These conditions are not related to following a low carb diet.

Medications

Can pain medications slow weight loss?

Many over the counter and prescription medications have the potential to have negative effects on weight management. Aspirin generally does not. Ibuprofen and many medications for joint conditions can interfere with weight loss or even cause weight gain.

Pregnancy

Can I follow Atkins during pregnancy?

The goal during pregnancy is to provide you and your baby with the best possible nutrition at this special time. This is not the time to throw caution to the winds and eat whatever you want. Gestational diabetes is on the increase. Since many women are already overweight or obese when they become pregnant their risk of developing gestational diabetes is already higher. GD poses serious risks for both Mom and baby. It is also thought that the child from a diabetic Mom may suffer health consequences during their lifetime because of exposure to excess glucose and insulin in the womb.

Consult with your physician about how much weight you should gain when pregnant. Women who are already overweight can safely gain less during their pregnancy than a normal weight woman.

Because weight loss is not usually recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding the higher phases of Atkins can be ideal during this time. Food choices include a regular intake of protein foods, low glycemic vegetables and fruits in the amount that controls your weight gain as prescribed by your physician. If possible add higher carb items such as legumes and an occasional whole grain if your metabolism allows. Remember controlling both the quality and quantity of the carbs you eat can help to control the insulin resistance that is a normal part of pregnancy.

To limit exposure to mercury be sure to follow the fish guidelines for pregnant and nursing women.

Protein

Does a higher protein intake stress kidneys?

This is a common criticism of the Atkins plan. Guidelines for a “healthy” diet recommend that we consume about 15% of our calories from protein. Is there proof that increasing protein beyond 15% damages healthy kidneys? The answer is no.

The recommendation to limit protein came from research done on people with end-stage kidney disease not people with normal kidney function. This was then expanded to include everyone.

People with existing kidney disease are often placed on a low protein diet to attempt to protect remaining kidney function.

People with diabetes are especially cautioned about protein. Yet kidney complications from diabetes are caused by high blood sugars not protein intake. If one is following a low carb plan it is likely that blood sugars are better controlled than when consuming a 60% carb diet as recommended by many.

Practitioners who use low carb diets for patients with diabetic nephropathy have noted improved urine markers over time because of better glycemic control.

Note that changing your diet if you have diabetes requires oversight by your healthcare provider.

Are there benefits to increasing protein intake?

Increasing protein, especially by replacing high glycemic carbs (as is recommended in an Atkins type diet), can lead to easier weight management. Research has demonstrated that hunger is better controlled with a higher intake of protein.

Include protein at each meal and snack time. It is especially important to start off the day with a breakfast that contains protein to ensure a more stable blood sugar. One recent study demonstrated that an egg based breakfast controlled hunger better and lead to a more controlled calorie intake for the next 36 hours compared to a bagel based breakfast with the same calorie intake.

Additionally, when blood sugar is more stable, energy and moods are more even.

It is thought that our ancestral diet contained at least twice as much protein as the 15% now recommended for a “healthy” diet. This is closer to the 30% protein most people consume when following Atkins.

Supplements

Is it true that if I eat a balanced diet vitamin supplements are unnecessary?

It is unfortunate that this statement is still frequently heard from nutrition experts even though research is piling up on the benefits of certain nutrients beyond the amounts available in food.

Even if we eat the perfect diet there are numerous reasons why supplementation is helpful. Soil depletion, use of pesticides and chemical exposure, loss of nutrients in transporting food and in cooking can leave us with less than ideal amounts of available nutrients. The USDA reports that the nutrient contents of many fruits and vegetables are lower than they were just a few decades ago.

Since most people don’t eat a perfect diet some health experts recommend all adults take a multivitamin each day to make up for shortfalls in the diet. This is a smart recommendation. But keep in mind that we still need to make healthy food choices as supplementation will not make up for a poor diet.

Beyond that, many commonly used medications deplete nutrient levels.

Chronic stress increases our need for certain vitamins and refining of foods often removes important nutrients that were present in the whole food. A good example is chromium needed for blood sugar control. Much of it is lost in processing leaving 90% of Americans with intakes that are too low. This is true of other nutrients as well.

Vitamin D is a good example of recent research suggesting that larger than recommended intakes may be protective for a number of serious illness including autoimmune illnesses, cancers and even heart disease. Of course vitamin D is important for bone health in the young. As we age and make less D, causing less absorption of calcium, our bones can be at risk. There are not many food sources of vitamin D. Sun exposure is needed to manufacture vitamin D in the skin. Sunscreens, dark skin, time of day, latitude and season can affect vitamin D levels.

The best form of D is D3. Unfortunately, some foods fortified with D contain D2 not a well absorbed or very effective form.

There are numerous other examples of the importance of supplementation. It is always best to work with a practitioner familiar with nutritional therapy to determine which supplements will meet your needs in the correct doses.

Are there supplements that are important for people with type 2 diabetes?

For starters, a good iron free multivitamin/mineral is the foundation of a supplement program. (Iron free unless your doctor specifically recommends additional iron). One study showed that people with diabetes who took a multivitamin had fewer infections than those in the control group.

Chromium is a mineral that is useful for better insulin/blood sugar control. It is thought that 90% of Americans’ intake is too low in this very important mineral.

Antioxidant nutrients such as Vitamin C and E are also quite useful because high blood sugar levels increase oxidative stress leading to cellular damage. Both nutrients have a positive impact on blood vessel health.

Magnesium levels are often low in people with diabetes. It is one of the most important nutrients for heart health and insulin and blood sugar regulation.

Calcium stimulates the pancreas to make insulin and can be useful especially in those whose insulin levels are dropping as beta cell function is lost. Additionally, it is important to get enough calcium if you are taking metformin.

Zinc levels are often low in people with diabetes. Zinc is needed to make a number of antioxidant enzymes in the body as well as in the production of insulin and insulin transport of glucose.

For decades alpha lipoic acid or ALA has been used to treat diabetic neuropathy in Europe. It is a part of Dr. Atkins protocol for this condition and is quite effective along with B vitamins.

For people taking statins-- Co Enzyme Q 10 should be supplemented. This very important nutrient is important for heart health and other vital functions. The manufacture of CoQ10 is blocked by statin drugs.

There are a number of other nutrients that can be useful. For assistance in designing

your nutrient protocol it is helpful to find a practitioner who has experience with supplementation.

Sugar Alcohols

Are sugar alcohols in low carb products a concern?

Sugar alcohols or polyols are carbohydrate-based caloric sweeteners. They are naturally found in small amounts in some fruits and vegetables.There are a number of types of sugar alcohols used in low carb or some sugar-free products. They are usually less sweet than sugar, are absorbed less rapidly and contain about 1/2 to 1/3 less calories than sugar.

There are two concerns. The first is the impact on the gastrointestinal tract. Gas, bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhea are common side effects especially in amounts of more than 25 grams daily. Some people are sensitive to even smaller amounts of sugar alcohols. Each person needs to find their comfort level. The best tolerated are usually maltitol and erythritol.Even though sugar alcohols are slowly absorbed there can be some conversion to glucose having an impact on blood sugar levels. This is especially problematic in those with diabetes. If you are going to use products with sugar alcohols choose those with the smallest amount per serving and check your blood sugar level about 90 minutes after eating. If there is an inappropriate elevation of blood sugar stop using the product. Note that lactitol and xylitol have little or no conversion to glucose.

One word of caution: any product containing sugar alcohols should be used judiciously. Remember that the Atkins Lifestyle is about eating whole foods. Products are not necessary to successfully do Atkins.

Weight Loss

Is a calorie always a calorie when trying to lose weight? Category weight loss

We hear it’s only about calories in-calories-out for weight management. This concept was described in a laboratory under controlled conditions. We know that our bodies’ are not as well controlled as a lab experiment. Nor are we all alike. Thus one size does not fit all when it comes to losing and maintaining a healthy weight.

There are a number of factors that influence our ability to lose weight beyond calories. Several studies have documented there is a metabolic advantage when following a low carb program. In one study, one group ate more calories and lost more weight than the control group that ate a higher carb but lower fat and protein diet.

Importantly, not all foods have the same hormonal effects in our bodies. Foods that have a larger glycemic response can stimulate excessive insulin leading to increased fat storage. For this reason a person with a family history of diabetes or who has the metabolic syndrome is likely to be more carb sensitive. This can lead to a more difficult time managing weight on a low calorie, high carb plan compared to low carb.

A higher protein intake replacing poor quality carbs decreases hunger allowing you to find the right amount of food without actively counting calories. Adherents to the calorie theory often quote the first law of thermodynamics as an absolute. They ignore the second law which points to a metabolic advantage.

The lesson from all of this is that to manage your weight find the lifestyle that works for you: one that controls your hunger and normalizes your lab values. Then follow that plan for a lifetime.

How often should I weigh myself when following an Atkins program?

It is normal to have variations on the scale within each day and from day to day. These variations are usually because of changes in water balance. This is especially true during hot, humid weather and for women before the menses. Certain medications can also cause water retention.

When starting a low carb plan, weigh yourself first thing in the morning without clothes. Take the following body measurements: widest part of the upper arm, chest or bust, waist (area around the navel), hips (usually about 8 inches below the navel) and widest part of the upper thigh. Record these readings in a diary.

Weigh weekly and take repeat measurements every 2 weeks always measuring the same side of the body.

Because there are times when scale changes will be erratic it is best to pay attention to loss of size rather than weight.

Many people have gotten easily discouraged and failed when dieting by having unrealistic scale expectations or not understanding the reasons that lead to shifts in fluid balance.

Have a size goal in mind rather than just a weight goal.

Some people especially women are so addicted to the scale that they weigh numerous times a day. This is a path to failure. If you have a scale addiction, increase your chances of success by getting your scale out of sight or off site.

When low carbing there can be a significant loss of inches beyond what is reflected on the scale. As your clothes get too large for you enjoy getting them tailored or donate them.

You have reached your goal when you are comfortably in your goal size. As your clothes get too large to be worn get rid of them. Never keep them!

Is controlling carbohydrate intake appropriate for people of all ages?

Yes, controlling the quality of carbohydrate intake is appropriate for everyone. Avoiding refined flour products and foods with added sugar has health benefits for people of any age. This is especially true with the alarming increases of obesity and type 2 diabetes in a younger and younger population. It is best to start early to avoid creating a carbohydrate addicted child that can lead to a lifelong struggle with these unhealthy foods.

However, anyone under the age of 18 should not follow any weight-loss plan or the weight loss phases of Atkins except under the supervision of their physician.

Does a higher protein intake stress kidneys? Category protein

This is a common criticism of the Atkins plan. Guidelines for a “healthy” diet recommend that we consume about 15% of our calories from protein. Is there proof that increasing protein beyond 15% damages healthy kidneys? The answer is no.

The recommendation to limit protein came from research done on people with end-stage kidney disease not people with normal kidney function. This was then expanded to include everyone.

People with existing kidney disease are often placed on a low protein diet to attempt to protect remaining kidney function.

People with diabetes are especially cautioned about protein. Yet kidney complications from diabetes are caused by high blood sugars not protein intake. If one is following a low carb plan it is likely that blood sugars are better controlled than when consuming a 60% carb diet as recommended by many.

Practitioners who use low carb diets for patients with diabetic nephropathy have noted improved urine markers over time because of better glycemic control.

Note that changing your diet if you have diabetes requires oversight by your healthcare provider.

Are there benefits to increasing protein intake? Protein

Increasing protein, especially by replacing high glycemic carbs (as is recommended in an Atkins type diet), can lead to easier weight management. Research has demonstrated that hunger is better controlled with a higher intake of protein.

Include protein at each meal and snack time. It is especially important to start off the day with a breakfast that contains protein to ensure a more stable blood sugar. One recent study demonstrated that an egg based breakfast controlled hunger better and lead to a more controlled calorie intake for the next 36 hours compared to a bagel based breakfast with the same calorie intake.

Additionally, when blood sugar is more stable, energy and moods are more even.

It is thought that our ancestral diet contained at least twice as much protein as the 15% now recommended for a “healthy” diet. This is closer to the 30% protein most people consume when following Atkins.

Are there supplements that are important for people with type 2 diabetes? supplements

For starters, a good iron free multivitamin/mineral is the foundation of a supplement program. (Iron free unless your doctor specifically recommends additional iron). One study showed that people with diabetes who took a multivitamin had fewer infections than those in the control group.

Chromium is a mineral that is useful for better insulin/blood sugar control. It is thought that 90% of Americans’ intake is too low in this very important mineral.

Antioxidant nutrients such as Vitamin C and E are also quite useful because high blood sugar levels increase oxidative stress leading to cellular damage. Both nutrients have a positive impact on blood vessel health.

Magnesium levels are often low in people with diabetes. It is one of the most important nutrients for heart health and insulin and blood sugar regulation.

Calcium stimulates the pancreas to make insulin and can be useful especially in those whose insulin levels are dropping as beta cell function is lost. Additionally, it is important to get enough calcium if you are taking metformin.

Zinc levels are often low in people with diabetes. Zinc is needed to make a number of antioxidant enzymes in the body as well as in the production of insulin and insulin transport of glucose.

For decades alpha lipoic acid or ALA has been used to treat diabetic neuropathy in Europe. It is a part of Dr. Atkins protocol for this condition and is quite effective along with B vitamins.

For people taking statins-- Co Enzyme Q 10 should be supplemented. This very important nutrient is important for heart health and other vital functions. The manufacture of CoQ10 is blocked by statin drugs.

There are a number of other nutrients that can be useful. For assistance in designing

your nutrient protocol it is helpful to find a practitioner who has experience with supplementation.

Are sugar alcohols in low carb products a concern? Sugar alcohols

Sugar alcohols or polyols are carbohydrate-based caloric sweeteners. They are naturally found in small amounts in some fruits and vegetables.

There are a number of types of sugar alcohols used in low carb or some sugar-free products. They are usually less sweet than sugar, are absorbed less rapidly and contain about 1/2 to 1/3 less calories than sugar.

There are two concerns. The first is the impact on the gastrointestinal tract. Gas, bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhea are common side effects especially in amounts of more than 25 grams daily. Some people are sensitive to even smaller amounts of sugar alcohols. Each person needs to find their comfort level. The best tolerated are usually maltitol and erythritol.

Even though sugar alcohols are slowly absorbed there can be some conversion to glucose having an impact on blood sugar levels. This is especially problematic in those with diabetes. If you are going to use products with sugar alcohols choose those with the smallest amount per serving and check your blood sugar level about 90 minutes after eating. If there is an inappropriate elevation of blood sugar stop using the product. Note that lactitol and xylitol have little or no conversion to glucose.

One word of caution: any product containing sugar alcohols should be used judiciously. Remember that the Atkins Lifestyle is about eating whole foods. Products are not necessary to successfully do Atkins.

How often should I weigh myself when following an Atkins program? Weight loss

It is normal to have variations on the scale within each day and from day to day. These variations are usually because of changes in water balance. This is especially true during hot, humid weather and for women before the menses. Certain medications can also cause water retention.

When starting a low carb plan, weigh yourself first thing in the morning without clothes. Take the following body measurements: widest part of the upper arm, chest or bust, waist (area around the navel), hips (usually about 8 inches below the navel) and widest part of the upper thigh. Record these readings in a diary.

Weigh weekly and take repeat measurements every 2 weeks always measuring the same side of the body.

Because there are times when scale changes will be erratic it is best to pay attention to loss of size rather than weight.

Many people have gotten easily discouraged and failed when dieting by having unrealistic scale expectations or not understanding the reasons that lead to shifts in fluid balance.

Have a size goal in mind rather than just a weight goal.

Some people especially women are so addicted to the scale that they weigh numerous times a day. This is a path to failure. If you have a scale addiction, increase your chances of success by getting your scale out of sight or off site.

When low carbing there can be a significant loss of inches beyond what is reflected on the scale. As your clothes get too large for you enjoy getting them tailored or donate them.

You have reached your goal when you are comfortably in your goal size. As your clothes get too large to be worn get rid of them. Never keep them!

Is it true that if I eat a balanced diet vitamin supplements are unnecessary? This should be number 1 in the supplement section

It is unfortunate that this statement is still frequently heard from nutrition experts even though research is piling up on the benefits of certain nutrients beyond the amounts available in food.

Even if we eat the perfect diet there are numerous reasons why supplementation is helpful. Soil depletion, use of pesticides and chemical exposure, loss of nutrients in transporting food and in cooking can leave us with less than ideal amounts of available nutrients. The USDA reports that the nutrient contents of many fruits and vegetables are lower than they were just a few decades ago.

Since most people don’t eat a perfect diet some health experts recommend all adults take a multivitamin each day to make up for shortfalls in the diet. This is a smart recommendation. But keep in mind that we still need to make healthy food choices as supplementation will not make up for a poor diet.

Beyond that, many commonly used medications deplete nutrient levels.

Chronic stress increases our need for certain vitamins and refining of foods often removes important nutrients that were present in the whole food. A good example is chromium needed for blood sugar control. Much of it is lost in processing leaving 90% of Americans with intakes that are too low. This is true of other nutrients as well.

Vitamin D is a good example of recent research suggesting that larger than recommended intakes may be protective for a number of serious illness including autoimmune illnesses, cancers and even heart disease. Of course vitamin D is important for bone health in the young. As we age and make less D, causing less absorption of calcium, our bones can be at risk. There are not many food sources of vitamin D. Sun exposure is needed to manufacture vitamin D in the skin. Sunscreens, dark skin, time of day, latitude and season can affect vitamin D levels.

The best form of D is D3. Unfortunately, some foods fortified with D contain D2 not a well absorbed or very effective form.

There are numerous other examples of the importance of supplementation. It is always best to work with a practitioner familiar with nutritional therapy to determine which supplements will meet your needs in the correct doses.

Is alcohol allowed on Atkins? alcohol

The body burns alcohol first for fuel when it is available and will stop burning fat. This does not stop weight loss; it postpones it.

Since alcohol does not get stored as glycogen, a person will immediately get back into fat burning after the alcohol has been metabolized.

Keep in mind that alcohol consumption may increase yeast-related symptoms in some people and interfere with weight loss. If it does not slow weight loss, an occasional glass of wine is acceptable once a person is beyond the Induction phase as long as the carbohydrates are counted in the daily tally. (A 3 1/2-ounce glass of wine contains about 4.3 grams of carbohydrate.) Alcohol intake should be limited to one drink a day at most even on the higher phases of Atkins.

Spirits such as Scotch, rye, vodka and gin are acceptable, but do not mix with juice, tonic water or non-diet soda, all of which contain sugar. Seltzer, diet tonic and diet soda mixers are permitted.

If you have added alcohol to your regimen and suddenly stop losing weight, discontinue your alcohol intake.

It is also best to consume alcohol with food and not on an empty stomach.

Is controlling carbohydrate intake appropriate for people of all ages? Weight loss

Yes, controlling the quality of carbohydrate intake is appropriate for everyone. Avoiding refined flour products and foods with added sugar has health benefits for people of any age. This is especially true with the alarming increases of obesity and type 2 diabetes in a younger and younger population. It is best to start early to avoid creating a carbohydrate addicted child that can lead to a lifelong struggle with these unhealthy foods.

However, anyone under the age of 18 should not follow any weight-loss plan or the weight loss phases of Atkins except under the supervision of their physician.

Are artificial sweeteners recommended? Artificial sweeteners

The main goal of the Atkins Lifestyle is to stabilize blood sugar (glucose) and insulin levels through the control of both the quantity and quality of carbohydrates. Sugar is a carbohydrate, so it is strictly limited. Controlling carbs naturally curbs sugar cravings. However, if cravings are still present a sugar substitute can be judiciously used. Sugar and high fructose corn sweeteners pose a greater threat to good health than artificial sweeteners do. Be aware that not all sugar substitutes are created equal nor are they all well tolerated by everyone. Some people experience negative reactions to certain sweeteners, and the risk increases with the amount used. Limit all artificial sweeteners to 3 per day and remember to count each packet as 1 gram of carbohydrate.

Sucralose, marketed under the name Splenda®, is derived from sugar; it is non-caloric and doesn't raise blood sugar. It has been used in Canada since 1991 and has been thoroughly tested for safety and efficacy. Sucralose is approximately 600 times sweeter than sugar. It is inert in the body's digestive system, quickly passing through without accumulating in tissues. It does not lose its sweetness when heated, so it can be used in cooking and baking.

If Splenda® is not available; saccharin is the next best thing. The FDA recently removed saccharin from its list of carcinogens, basing its decision upon a thorough review of the medical literature and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences' statement that "there is no clear association between saccharin and human cancer." As with all sweeteners consume in moderate amounts—no more than three packets a day. Saccharin is marketed as Sweet 'n Low®.

Acesulfame potassium, also known as acesulfame-K, another non-caloric sweetener, is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar. Because it cannot be metabolized, it passes through the body without elevating blood sugar. The FDA has authorized the use of acesulfame-K after evaluating numerous studies and determining its safety. It is sold under the brand name SunettTM. It can also be used in cooking.

Can pain medications slow weight loss? Medications

Many over the counter and prescription medications have the potential to have negative effects on weight management. Aspirin generally does not. Ibuprofen and many medications for joint conditions can interfere with weight loss or even cause weight gain.

Does eating the fat allowed on Atkins put my heart at risk? Cardiovascular risk factors

There are two sources of energy to fuel our bodies: glucose and fat. When people sufficiently restrict carbohydrates, the body will predominantly burn fat for energy. When one burns dietary fat for energy, it is metabolized rather than stored and therefore poses no serious health risks. Stored body fat is also burned.

Research studies have repeatedly demonstrated an improvement in cardiovascular risk factors when controlling carbs as directed. Improvements include lower triglycerides, increased HDL, decrease in inflammatory markers, shifting of LDL and HDL particle sizes to larger less dangerous sizes and improvement in glucose and insulin metabolism.

Baseline labs tests should be done fasting with a repeat in 6 weeks after commencing the program to be sure that abnormal values are improving.

To review the numerous research studies about Atkins and cardiovascular risks refer to this sites research section.

Can I follow Atkins during pregnancy? Pregnancy

The goal during pregnancy is to provide you and your baby with the best possible nutrition at this special time. This is not the time to throw caution to the winds and eat whatever you want. Gestational diabetes is on the increase. Since many women are already overweight or obese when they become pregnant their risk of developing gestational diabetes is already higher. GD poses serious risks for both Mom and baby. It is also thought that the child from a diabetic Mom may suffer health consequences during their lifetime because of exposure to excess glucose and insulin in the womb.

Consult with your physician about how much weight you should gain when pregnant. Women who are already overweight can safely gain less during their pregnancy than a normal weight woman.

Because weight loss is not usually recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding the higher phases of Atkins can be ideal during this time. Food choices include a regular intake of protein foods, low glycemic vegetables and fruits in the amount that controls your weight gain as prescribed by your physician. If possible add higher carb items such as legumes and an occasional whole grain if your metabolism allows. Remember controlling both the quality and quantity of the carbs you eat can help to control the insulin resistance that is a normal part of pregnancy.

To limit exposure to mercury be sure to follow the fish guidelines for pregnant and nursing women.

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