THE SKINNY ON ATKINS - Constipation
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From Michael Greger, M.D.  
http://www.DrGreger.org

Authorities recommend Americans start roughing it with "at least 30-35 grams"180 of fiber a day "from foods, not from supplements."181 The initial phase of the Atkins Diet, which dieters may have to repeatedly return to, has about 2 grams of fiber per day.[182]

Atkins can’t help but concede the health benefits associated with fiber found in, as he describes, "vegetables, nuts and seeds, fruits, beans and whole unrefined grains;" but then asks "How can you get the benefits of fiber without the carbs contained in these foods? The answer is supplementation." He then goes on to basically recommend that all his followers start taking sugar-free Metamucil. What must Mother Nature have been thinking, putting all the fiber into such "poison" foods?

The May 2004 Annals of Internal Medicine study which was misleadingly[183] much lauded in the press with headlines like "Scientists Give Thumbs Up to Atkins Diet," showed once again that most of the Atkins Dieters suffered from headaches and constipation. They also had significantly more diarrhea, general weakness, rashes and muscle cramps—despite taking the 65 supplements prescribed by Atkins. One subject was so constipated he had to seek medical attention. Another developed chest pain on the diet and was subsequently diagnosed with coronary heart disease.[184] No wonder Consumer Guide gave the Atkins Diet zero out of four stars for being “outright dangerous”[185] and the editor of the Healthy Weight Journal gave Atkins the dubious Slim Chance Award for "Worst Diet."[186]

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We began this archive as a means of assisting our visitors in answering many of their health and diet questions, and in encouraging them to take a pro-active part in their own health. We believe the articles and information contained herein are true, but are not presenting them as advice. We, personally, have found that a whole food vegan diet has helped our own health, and simply wish to share with others the things we have found. Each of us must make our own decisions, for it's our own body. If you have a health problem, see your own physician.