NUTRITION: The Importance of a Proper Diet
At Fratellone Medical Associates, we believe that the first step toward wellness begins with
proper diet, meaning the foods we choose to put in our bodies
are essential to better health. These foods are the first line of defense to ward off and treat illness, so our first step in patient care begins with a review of eating habits, which, in most cases, leads to a change in diet.
From our experience with a diverse group of patients with a variety of illnesses, we have concluded that the three most important dietary areas upon which to focus are:
- Glucose stabilization
- Alkalinity
- Anti-inflammation
Glucose Stabilization
Because many people suffer from unstable blood sugar, we focus first on glucose stabilization. Unstable blood sugar, typically the result of eating a diet high in sugar and other refined carbohydrates such as sweetened sodas, pasta, white bread, pastries, most breakfast cereals and other foods make with white flour leads to cravings and weight gain, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and eventually diabetes. Most common illnesses, including heart disease, are much more challenging to treat if the patient also has impaired glucose tolerance (now known as pre-diabetes).
Alkalinity
Most people have a pH (the body’s degree of acidity or alkalinity) that hovers on the acidic end of the spectrum. Because of poor diet and high stress levels, the body tends to accumulate excessive quantities of acid waste products, in the form of diacetic, lactic, pyruvic, uric, carbonic, acetic, butyric and hepatic acids. An acidic environment, known as acidosis. becomes a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria, making it much more challenging to treat infections that can lead to heart disease and cancer. Acidosis also promotes stress, accelerates aging and leads to inflammation throughout the body.
According to Theodore Baroody, Ph.D., D.C., N.D., author of Alkalize or Die, acid wastes also attack joints, tissues, muscles, organs and glands.
If you have an acid pH, your individualized diet program will include plenty of fresh organic fruits and vegetables, to promote alkalinity. You will need to avoid vegetables in the nightshade family such as eggplant, bell peppers and tomatoes, as well as limit dairy products, red meat and caffeine, all of which promote an acid environment.
Inflammation
Research is now revealing that inflammation is the root of all illness, from cancer to heart disease and even Alzheimer's. The combination of a diet high in carbohydrates and with a low pH is a sure recipe for inflammation. To control and reduce inflammation in the body, it is important to consume a proper ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 essential fatty acids, also known as essential oils. (See An Individualized Diet.) Also link to cardiovascular inflammation.
Atherosclerotic plaque, which causes blockage in the arteries leading to the heart is linked to inflammatory lesions. It has been postulated that this intraplaque inflammation plays a role in the thinning of the capillaries, plaque rupture and thrombosis (clotting)—all which can lead to a heart attack or a stroke.
High Cholesterol
Simply changing the diet can also treat high cholesterol. We have seen many patients with high triglycerides (TG) (greater than 150mg/dl) bring them down, along with their LDL (“bad”) cholesterol level, while elevating their HDL (“good”) cholesterol, simply by changing the ratio of fats, carbohydrates and protein in their diet. There is an inverse relationship between triglycerides and HDL, meaning that the higher the TG level, the lower the level of “good” cholesterol.
An Individualized Diet
The diet devised by Fratellone Medical Associates addresses impaired glucose tolerance, acidity and inflammation, as well as high cholesterol. This eating plan focuses on lean protein sources such as fish, chicken, turkey and veal with moderate amounts of fat from nuts, seeds, avocado and salmon and other cold-water fatty fish such as mackerel and sardines.
We encourage patients to consume a proper ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 essential fatty acids, or essential oils, to control and reduce inflammation in the body. The former are found in soybean, canola and safflower oils, nuts, seeds, eggs and cold-water fish; the latter are found in most vegetable oils. Most people consume too much Omega-6 and not enough Omega-3 oils. Refined corn oil is particularly high in Omega-6s and low in Omega-3s. You also want to consume Omega-9s, which are found in extra-virgin or virgin (but not “pure”) olive oil, as well as sesame oil, avocado, tree nuts, seeds and chicken,
In addition to advising patients to eat more of the foods rich in Omega-3s, we also often suggest supplementing with flaxseed oil and high quality fish oil capsules. We emphasize the consumption of fresh organic vegetables and fruit for alkalinity. We include moderate amounts of complex carbohydrates in the form of brown rice and other whole grains, sweet potatoes and legumes (beans) to support healthy serotonin levels in the brain, which help boost mood and help us manage stress. We also advocate the consumption of eggs enriched with Omega-3. Because egg yolks contain an abundance of B vitamins and lecithin, a fat emulsifier, we recommend eating one to two eggs a day.
By following these basic principles, patients typically lose anywhere from 9 to 15 pounds in as little as a month. But the real point is that this is a healthy way to eat. Importantly, patients also usually show improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels and improve their fasting glucose levels, meaning they can stabilize their blood sugar. Finally, people typically experience an increase in energy and vitality.
Although meal plans are prescribed individually, here is a Sample Daily Meal Plan:
Breakfast:
1 scrambled egg with chopped spinach and 1-ounce goat cheese
Sweet potato
Mid-morning Snack:
1 apple, with a handful of mixed nuts*and seeds
*The type of nuts will be determined by results of the RAST lgG allergy test.
Lunch:
Large mixed green salad with 4 ounces diced chicken, 2 Tbsp. chick peas, a handful of pumpkin seeds, assorted roasted vegetables, 2 Tbsp. olive oil and lemon juice dressing
Late Afternoon Snack:
Celery sticks with almond butter
Dinner:
4 to 6 ounces grilled salmon
Broccoli, sautéed with garlic and olive oil
Cucumber salad sprinkled with sesame oil, vinegar and sesame seeds
Note: This is a sample meal plan. Each patient of Fratellone Medical Associates will receive an individualized meal plan, as part of their treatment protocol.
Focus on Fluids (Sidebar or pop-up)
In addition to eating properly, for both weight loss and overall health, it’s important to consume at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Alternatively, consume half of your total weight in pounds in fluid ounces of water. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, drink 80 ounces (which translates into 10 glasses) of water daily. Coffee and caffeinated tea do not count as water, although herb teas can be included.
Food Allergies
Link to Obesity and Diabetes. |
