New Diet Study

A new study published this month in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that the Atkins Diet, high protein and low carbs, produced more weight loss among a sample of obese women than did the Ornish, LEARN, and Zone diet plans. However, while the women on the Atkins diet lost a few more pounds over the year their weight loss was statistically insignificant from the other plans. While heart health factors did improve in the Atkins diet, one researcher commented, "lower-carbohydrate diets look like a good option, but if you consider them, eat olive oil and fish rather than butter and sausage."
One danger of the low carb high protein diets is kidney stress and bone loss. Protein is very acid forming in the body and acid ash or residue is very hard on the kidneys. The South Beach diet, not included in the study, may be the most balanced diet. The diet works in phased timeframes. The two are are more restrictive promoting weight loss to your desired level while the third phase is designed to maintain your desired weight. Research has shown that in the short term dieting can work, but many people who diet eventually regain their lost weight. The best approach to weight loss seems to be lifestyle changes that result in a healthy diet and exercise program. Dr. Deb's class on March 29 looks at the relationship between Proteins, Fats and Carbs in the healthy diet.

Linda Doing Well After Knee Surgery

Thursday, March 1, Linda underwent knee replacement therapy. Surgery was successful and she will be leaving St. Mary's Hospital for a rehabilitation center on London road for a couple of weeks. Upon completion of her rehabilitation she will return to her apartment in Cloquet.

Yet, Another Antibotic for Cattle!

It appears that the FDA is set to approve yet another antibotic for cattle that combats respiratory disease. Although there are already a number of effective antibotics on the market for respiratory disease it appears this drug is being pushed by the largest beef producers who produce their cattle in close quarters on what are called "intensive farms." "The FDA's own advisors, the Veterinary Medical Advisory Committee, voiced such concerns when they voted in September to reject approval of cefquinome by InterVet Inc." The over prescription of antibotics in both humans and animals has lead to more virulent strains of bacteria that are becoming more resistant to treatment. Congresswoman Lois Slaughter, who is also a microbiologist has questioned the integrity of the FDA's drug review process "amid allegations that the agency has put the interests of industry and politics above science." Read the entire article here. It is more important than ever to know where and how your meat and milk are produced.