Effects of Low-Carbohydrate and Low-Fat Diets: A Randomized Trial

Lydia A. Bazzano, MD, PhD, MPH; Tian Hu, MD, MS; Kristi Reynolds, PhD; Lu Yao, MD, MS; Calynn Bunol, MS, RD, LDN; Yanxi Liu, MS; Chung-Shiuan Chen, MS; Michael J. Klag, MD, MPH; Paul K. Whelton, MD, MSc, MB; and Jiang He, MD, PhD

Ann Intern Med. 2014;161(5):309-318.
doi:10.7326/M14-0180

Background: Low-carbohydrate diets are popular for weight loss, but their cardiovascular effects have not been well-studied, particularly in diverse populations.

Objective: To examine the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet compared with a low-fat diet on body weight and cardiovascular risk factors.

Design: A randomized, parallel-group trial.

Setting: A large academic medical center.

Participants: 148 men and women without clinical cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Intervention: A low-carbohydrate (<40 g/d) or low-fat (<30% of daily energy intake from total fat [<7% saturated fat]) diet. Both groups received dietary counseling at regular intervals throughout the trial.

Measurements: Data on weight, cardiovascular risk factors, and dietary composition were collected at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results: Sixty participants (82%) in the low-fat group and 59 (79%) in the low-carbohydrate group completed the intervention. At 12 months, participants on the low-carbohydrate diet had greater decreases in weight (mean difference in change, −3.5 kg [95% CI, −5.6 to −1.4 kg]; P = 0.002), fat mass (mean difference in change, −1.5% [CI, −2.6% to −0.4%]; P = 0.011), ratio of total-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (mean difference in change, −0.44 [CI, −0.71 to −0.16]; P = 0.002), and triglyceride level (mean difference in change, −0.16 mmol/L [−14.1 mg/dL] [CI, −0.31 to −0.01 mmol/L {−27.4 to −0.8 mg/dL}]; P = 0.038) and greater increases in HDL cholesterol level (mean difference in change, 0.18 mmol/L [7.0 mg/dL] [CI, 0.08 to 0.28 mmol/L {3.0 to 11.0 mg/dL}]; P < 0.001) than those on the low-fat diet.

CONCLUSION: The low-carbohydrate diet was more effective for weight loss and cardiovascular risk factor reduction than the low-fat diet. Restricting carbohydrate may be an option for persons seeking to lose weight and reduce cardiovascular risk factors.

Also read the New York Times article: A Call for a Low-Fat Diet that Embraces Fat

Labels: colon cleansing, colon hydrotherapy, low-carb diet, low-fat diet, nutritional therapy, weight loss

Fleet® enemas do not cleanse the entire colon.

Fleet enemas clean only the rectal area and (if you are lucky) the sigmoid area of the colon, so I do not recommend them firstly for this reason.

Fleet enema solutions pose a risk for serious health side effects!

Unfortunately, due to the broad influence of pharmaceutical companies, chemical laxative enemas are currently among the enemas of choice for most people. However, chemical enema solutions can cause serious health problems due to electrolyte imbalances, vitamin and mineral imbalances, and liver strain. This is the second reason why I do not recommend using Fleet or other chemical enemas.

On the actual product labels of these chemical enemas it states, "Since Fleet Enema contains sodium phosphates, there is a risk of elevated serum levels of sodium and phosphate and decreased levels of calcium and potassium, and consequently hypernatremia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, and acidosis may occur."

THINK TWICE before using chemical enemas. There are many safer colon cleanse alternatives available to you through the Optimal Health Network!

Reusable enema products are as safe and sanitary as single-use enema products if cared for properly.

What Fleet says about non-disposable enema kits:

"Q: What are the advantages of using a Fleet Naturals Cleansing Enema versus a reusable product?

A: Reusable enema products may not be sanitary and could be contaminated with fecal bacteria. Fleet Naturals is a hygienic, ready-to-use, single-use, pre-measured cleansing enema filled with an isotonic solution made with purified water."

Not only is reusable enema equipment more economical and less wasteful, but it is hygienic for repeated use if cleaned and cared for properly, as outlined below.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR ENEMA EQUIPMENT:

Use hot, soapy water with a non-chemical soap such as Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap or Young Living Thieves Cleaner.

To disinfect your nozzle each time, and your entire system as desired, use grapefruit seed extract and water, hydrogen peroxide and water, or any of the many other types of non-toxic disinfectants.

Prop the enema bag open. Crumple up a wash cloth or paper towel and stick it inside the bag. Take it out once the bag has dried well.

Hang the enema equipment, making sure the entire system dries out fully. Blow-dry the colon tube, hose, and bag if needed, especially in humid environments.

For added ease of cleansing, use clear tubing and silicone enema bags or stainless steel enema buckets.

Replace enema tubing frequently.

Use pipe cleaners and bottle brushes.

Inspect all enema equipment after cleaning and before next use.

MORE ON ENEMA SAFETY:

    Safe Colon Tube Usage
    Safe Enema Equipment
    Safe Enema Procedures
    WATCH VIDEO: How to Take an Enema
    Therapeutic Enema Series

Labels: electrolyte levels, enema bag, enema series, enema solutions, Fleet enemas