Big Problems with Meat-Based Diets
So-called “high-protein,” animal-based diets are particularly dangerous for diabetics.

By Joel Fuhrman, M.D.

Many diabetes “experts” and authors recommend that diabetics limit their intake of refined grains and simple sugars. As a result, most people have accepted the faulty logic that if sugar and refined grains and other high-glycemic foods raise blood sugar and triglycerides, we should eat more protein instead of carbohydrate. They attempt to overcome the triglyceride-raising
problems seen in those eating typical high-carbohydrate diets by recommending a diet based on animal products.

Short-term benefits

Carbohydrate-restricted diets rich in animal products, often called “high-protein diets,” offer some short-term improvement in glucose control and weight loss.The protein intake promotes
the progression of diabetic kidney disease, and the higher saturated fat intake raises cholesterol and promotes heart disease. I have observed numerous diabetic patients over the years who caused significant damage to their kidneys attempting to improve diabetic control with such high-protein, carbohydrate- restricted diets.

Long-term dangers

High-protein, carbohydrate-restricted diets also are heart unfriendly. One comprehensive study on the Atkins’ approach showed that after one year on the diet, blood flow to the heart diminished by an average of 40 percent and inflammatory markers that predict heart attacks increased.1 The low levels of plant fiber,phytochemicals, and antioxidant nutrients on these
unbalanced, low-produce diets expose the diabetic patient to additional risks. So-called “highprotein diets” may be short-term diabetic-favorable, but they are long-term dangerous.

Long-term benefits

The low-glycemic benefits of “high-protein” diets are achieved by the high-fiber, vegetable/bean/ nut-based Eat To Live (ETL) approach that I recommend, without the health problems linked to eating so many animal products.

In addition, because the overall TL diet contains high levels of fiber and micronutrients that cause triglycerides and blood sugars to fall dramatically, diabetics on this program can consume small portions of fruit safely, allowing them to enjoy the nutritional benefits of these healthful foods. The ETL program is the healthiest way to reverse diabetes.