Dogma is never a good idea in science. In fact, dogma and good science are philosophically incompatible. Sure, there are things that we can know and understand at a certain level, but isn't the point of science that we are always maintaining an openness and seeing how new discoveries unfold? Dogma creates a shutting off of the imagination, very dangerous in an enterprise where discovery and innovation are the keys to advancement. The field of nutritional science, of course, is not exempt. I deeply wish that I could figure out the "perfect diet", but I don't believe it exists. I do believe that there are ways to optimize diet for individuals, but it takes patience, experimentation, and an open mind.
Between the mass media and my nutrition degree, I have definitely absorbed my fair share of dogma over the past 20 years. My own quest for better health led me to (finally) see the dogma for what it was, and as I had success in weight loss, blood pressure control, reversal of hormonal issues, and blood sugar control, I allowed myself to open my mind to other sources of information. As I have been reading and learning in the past few years about different perspectives in the field of nutrition, I have sought to find the sources and the voices that are NOT: a) selling something b) using only anecdotal evidence and/or crappy data points c) clearly operating blinded by an agenda d) trying to support only the current nutritional dogma It's been an interesting experience, with lots of reading, and then reading the take-downs of the reading. I like to research the contrary view points to one author's findings. I like to read books like The Atkins Diet (supportive of high protein, low carb diets) and The China Study (supportive of vegan diets)side by side. It's fun and entertaining to read the impassioned conclusions of one author that completely contradict the conclusions of another. I like to read the books and papers with an open mind. I like to talk to people who follow the various diets and hear about their experiences, such as a friend who followed a vegan diet for 18 months only to gain weight and to have her cholesterol and triglycerides sky rocket. Intriguing. As I've been taking it all in, I have come to believe that there is probably no one right way for everyone the world over to eat. Bodies are different, circumstances are different, and the idea of establishing dietary dogma is simply laughable. However, I have found a lot of what I've read to be converging on some common points. I think the jury is still out on most of them, but much of the evidence behind the following is strong. Here's my list (so far), drawn from a number of books, articles, and research papers: 1. Fat is not bad. Eat fat - lots of it - but from good sources. (My current diet is about 50% fat, and my cholesterol has never been better.) Good sources include butter (ideally from grass-fed cows), olive oil, lard, nuts, and coconut oil. Avoid any form of vegetable oil (sunflower, canola, safflower, margarine, shortening). These fats are high in omega 6 fatty acids, and appear to cause inflammation and damage inside of blood vessels. 2. Grains are not for everyone. Grains can be avoided, and you can still have a very healthy, complete diet. Gluten seems to be particularly troublesome for a number of people, even those who have tested negative for Celiac disease. 3. Lower carb (100 grams or less a day) is probably a good idea for people with excess fat around their middles. 4. Highly processed foods (including soy products) should be avoided. Any foodstuff that has been exposed to high heat, pressure, or otherwise in making the food is going to be molecularly mangled. Never mind all the things that are done to make it shelf-stable. Watch out especially for high fructose corn syrup; corn, wheat, and soy derivatives; and cured meats (lunch meat, sausage, bacon, hot dogs) that contain nitrites and nitrates. 5. Veggies, veggies, veggies. Lots of them...at least 5 servings (1/2 cup cooked or 1 cup raw) a day. Organic whenever available. 6. Traditional preparation is superior. Fermenting (yogurt, kefir, real sauerkraut, real tofu) and slow stewing of meats and bone broths yields more nutrients that your body can absorb. If the standard advice works for you, you aren't on medications, you are at a healthy weight, and you feel great, then keep doing what you're doing. (Remember that joint aches and pains, chronic stomach pain, acid reflux, constipation/loose bowels, and fatigue are not normal.) If you've been doing all of the "right things" and continue to struggle with weight or not feeling well, chances are, it's time to think outside of the box. There is no grand unified theory of nutrition (yet) but much of the emerging data is supportive of the above principles. Doing some self-experimentation on a number of levels will help you to sort out what is effective for you. It doesn't cost anything to eliminate something from your diet. Give it time - at least 30 days - to see if it makes a difference. Be patient. If you want a guide along the way, feel free to contact me and we can talk. Comments are closed.
|
AuthorI'm Emily. I currently work in online education management, but I also have a Masters degree in Nutritional Sciences (my true passion). In addition, I am a mom, cook, avid reader, novice gardener, and enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities. On my blog, you will find articles on food, fitness, weight management, and eating issues. ALL recipes on my blog are gluten-free. Many are low-carbohydrate. Most are grain free. Enjoy! Categories
All
Archives
June 2019
|