What are alternative diet programs? | What are alternative diets used for? | Are alternative diets safe?
What are alternative diet programs?
Most alternative diet programs center on the belief that you can improve your health by eating more natural or organic foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains and by eating fewer processed foods and animal-based foods. Some alternative diets support the belief that certain long-term (chronic) illnesses can be treated through specific dietary changes designed to correct mineral or nutritional imbalances.
Alternative approaches to nutrition vary widely. Some alternative diets have been developed as a means to maintain health. Others have been suggested as therapies for specific illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease. Most programs emphasize dietary changes plus routine exercise and stress reduction.
Some examples of alternative diet programs include:
- The Pritikin diet. This diet emphasizes controlling calories and eating whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, and low-fat, low-carbohydrate foods. The Pritikin diet excludes almost all processed grains, animal protein, eggs, and fat.
- The macrobiotic diet. This vegetarian diet is based on a philosophy that there are forces that must be in harmony for a person to achieve good health. These forces are thought to be reflected in every aspect of life, including food. Brown rice and whole grains are the foundation of the macrobiotic diet, since they are thought to be the most balanced foods. Certain fresh vegetables are encouraged, while foods high in fat are avoided.
- Orthomolecular medicine. Orthomolecular medicine encompasses several different medical practices, including diet therapy. Orthomolecular diet therapy is based on the idea that the use of naturally occurring substances (such as vitamins, amino acids, trace elements, electrolytes, and fatty acids) can prevent and treat disease. It is thought that diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, schizophrenia, and depression are caused by an imbalance of specific nutrients in the diet.
- The McDougall plan. This lifestyle plan is based around proper foods, moderate exercise, adequate sunshine, clean air and water, and comfortable surroundings. The McDougall diet is nearly vegan, based solely on grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans. Meats, eggs, and dairy-based foods are avoided. It is thought that the McDougall diet can reduce a person's risk of developing illnesses such as allergies, heart and kidney disease, osteoporosis, diseases of the stomach and intestine, and cancer.
- The Ornish program. This diet was developed to reverse heart disease. The Ornish program consists of a low-fat, plant-based (vegetarian) diet, stress management, and exercise. Less than 10% of the calories in this diet come from fat. The diet is high in fiber, does not restrict calories, and does not allow dairy or meat products, oils, or fats. Studies of this diet have demonstrated prevention and reversal of heart disease. Some experts believe that the diet is too high in carbohydrates and that benefits come from stress reduction and social support in the Ornish program rather than from the diet itself.
- The Zone. The Zone diet stresses that food is more than energy (calories); it also influences body functions, especially the hormone insulin. It attempts to stabilize insulin levels by reducing calories and eating the appropriate balance of proper sources of carbohydrate, protein, and fat. This results in overall better health.
- Atkins diet. This nutritional program allows eating protein and pure fats but restricts processed and refined carbohydrates. The primary goal of this diet is weight loss.
- The South Beach diet. This weight loss program starts with restricting carbohydrates and eating more protein. It then gradually reintroduces carbohydrates, although it distinguishes between “good” and “bad” carbohydrates using the glycemic index (how a food increases blood sugar).
What are alternative diets used for?
Alternative diets attempt to promote health, manage weight, or seek to strengthen resistance to certain diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.
Research supports the theory that a diet low in fat and high in fiber lowers a person's risk of heart disease and may lower the risk of certain types of cancer. Low-carbohydrate diets may lower the risk of diabetes.
Some people believe that diet can help prevent or treat conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), fibromyalgia, and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, there is not adequate research to determine whether these conditions have a dietary link.Are alternative diets safe?
Some alternative diet programs are safe when practiced in moderation. However, some can lead to nutritional deficiencies or other health problems. Children, pregnant or nursing women, and people with chronic illnesses should not start any alternative diet without first consulting their health professional. Beware of diets that severely limit food choices or exclude food items from a specific food group. A healthful diet usually includes a balance of natural foods from a variety of food groups.
Some alternative diets may be combined with conventional medical treatment for long-term (chronic) illnesses such as diabetes.
Always tell your health professional if you are using an alternative therapy or if you are thinking about combining an alternative therapy with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on an alternative therapy.
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