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Two primary reasons people turn to diets are to lose weight or to improve health--or possibly both. The traditional Food Pyramid recommendations of the USDA are okay, as long as you remember that the carbohydrates recommended are those contained in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. It may not be clear that they are talking about processed carbs. However, even those healthy and non-overweight people can maintain a healthier lifestyle by following a reduced carbohydrate diet.

For overweight people, the low-calorie and low-fat diets recommended by the government do not work very well in many cases. In fact, for diabetics, these diets might worsen the condition. The only diet that strikes at the real cause of obesity, high cholesterol, blood pressure, high hypoglycemia, and type II diabetes is a low-carbohydrate diet. In fact, many doctors and nutritionists are now starting to recognize this.

It is a known fact that type II diabetes can often be controlled with diet and exercise. However, a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, along with correct nutritional supplements, are almost invariably helpful in normalizing blood sugar, promoting weight loss and reducing other cardiovascular risks associated with being overweight and having type II diabetes.

In fact, meals containing less than 10 grams of carbohydrates can elevate blood sugar levels considerably less than the standard ADA dietary recommendations, often times 100 to 200 points less. These diets produce dramatic improvements in glucose and glycohemoglobin levels. The goal for any Type II diabetic should be to lower the glucose and the insulin levels; only a low-carbohydrate diet has accomplished both these goals. HOWEVER, do seek the advice of your Doctor before switching to a Low-Carb Diet.

A recent study suggested intriguing evidence that people on a low-carbohydrate diet can actually eat more than individuals on a standard low fat/reduced calorie diet and still lose weight.

There is proof. Over the past year, there have been several small studies that have shown (to many experts' surprise) that a Low-Carbohydrate Diet approach actually does work better, at least in the short run.

So what will it hurt to try? Go see your doctor. Work out a plan. And stick to it.

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posted by Leo @ 9:43 PM