Sandy needs to lose weight and his mother recommends he go on a high-protein die

Question

Sandy needs to lose weight and his mother recommends he go on a high-protein diet such as the Atkins Diet. She tells him that you can eat all the meat, eggs, cheese, and chicken you want but need to limit your intake of breads, cereals, potatoes, rice, vegetables, and fruits. Since Sandy loves meat, he starts to seriously consider this plan. He mentions this to his girlfriend Carla and she tries to dissuade him. Carla is currently taking a course in nutrition at the local college and she is learning why this may not be the best diet for Sandy. She says, “Why would you go on a diet that limits your intake of the healthiest foods on the planet?” Then Carla adds, “Don’t you know that when you go on a high-protein diet, you put your body into ketosis and lose muscle tissue?”

Please answer the following questions:

Question 1:  What foods and chemicals is Carla referring to as “the healthiest foods on the planet”?

Question 2:  What conditions are less likely to occur in people consuming a diet high in plant foods?

Question 3:  When does ketosis occur and what are some consequences of this condition?

Question 4:  Why would a person lose muscle tissue while on a high-protein diet?

Question 5:  What type of diet do you think Sandy should consider?

Explanation / Answer

1. The healthiest foods and chemicals on the planet are those foods and chemicals rich in many essential nutrients that are required for optimal growth and development of human body. They should possess the following characteristics:

a) They are whole and real foods complete with all natural composition of nutrient. They should not be highly processed. Whole foods have all composition in natural state. Whole grains contain all three layers: germ, endosperm, and bran.

b) They are the richest Sources of the Essential Nutrients and should be obtained only from natural sources. They lack ingredients that are synthetic, artificial, and irradiated. Essential nutrient are nutrients that cannot be synthesized by the body and have to be acquired through food. These include amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.

c) They are nutrient Dense, with highest amount of calories and fats. Bran in whole bread has vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and high fiber content.

d) They should be organically grown if possible.

The healthiest foods and chemicals include:

a) Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, lean meat, fish, and olive oil.

b) Pure extra virgin olive oil has high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids that decrease risk of heart disease

c) Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, walnuts, and flax seeds that are anti-inflammatory.

d) Non-fat and low fat milk products that have less calories and less saturated fats.

e) Brown sugar containing foods that have simple sugars.

2. Plants are rich source of unsaturated fats, vitamins (eg: folate), minerals (eg: potassium), fibre and protein. They have lesser content of saturated fat and sodium. They prevent disease such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, inflammation, and cancer. As they are rich in fiber, they help prevent bowel cancer. They prevent haemorrhoids as they aid in preventing constipation. Heart disease and stroke is prevented as they are rich in antioxidants that prevent plaque buildup. Plant based diet includes vegetables, lentils, beans, seeds, whole grains, fruits, and nuts.

3. Ketosis occurs when people eat a low carbohydrate and high protein diet. When the body is starved, and has less sugar available, it starts utilizing stored fat and metabolizes it for energy production. As a result, ketones bodies are formed which get stored. Ketone bodies contain three water-soluble molecules (acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone. All the molecules have a ketone group. Ketone bodies are produced by the liver from fatty acids by gluconeogenesis. Acetone, a spontaneous breakdown product of acetoacetate and beta hydroxyacetate, is volatile and reduces pH of blood causing acidosis. This can lead to coma or even death. Ketosis can result in starvation, ethanol abuse, and exercise.

In a diabetic person, ketone bodies are formed as there is very less insulin to break down glucose. Hence, ketoacidosis may result. Steatohepatitis, inflammation of the liver, occurs due to fat buildup. Ketone bodies cross blood brain barrier and placenta, causing harm to brain and the fetus. As there is carbohydrate deficiency, starvation disorder Marasmus can occur where there is muscle wasting.

4. Muscle contains nearly 30% protein, which is present within muscle tissue. However, when there is more protein and less carbohydrate in diet, ketosis will occur as there is less carbohydrate available for metabolism. This results in breakdown of glycogen from muscle tissue for glucose formation. Each gram of glycogen requires 2 grams of water for deposition in muscle. Water loss occurs as a result of high protein diet.

When glucose is low, pyruvate levels also decline. As a result, oxaloactetate cannot be synthesized. Hence, fats are utilized for energy generation that will lead to acidosis. Acidosis inhibits functioning of enzymes that are active in muscle tissue. There is increases secretion of calcium from the body, which affects muscle function. Calcium is required for cross brig formation during muscle contraction. Reduced muscle contraction will cause inactive muscle and muscle wasting.

5. An ideal diet should 20-50 grams of protein per day that can be obtained from meat, fish, and eggs. Supplementing with proteins like whey will help in weight loss. He should drink plenty of water. He should choose high quality nutritious food that includes high fiber fresh fruits and vegetables. The carbohydrates should be from natural sources and not through added sugars and refined flour. Total calorie consumption should be 1200 Kcal per day. He should eat in smaller portions several times a day. Breakfast should not be skipped while dinner should be light meal. Food should be consumed slowly. A diet that is balanced with amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats is better than a diet that starves the body of essential nutrients. He should avoid soft aerated drinks that are rich in sugars.

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