Atkins Diet Research Paper

During the last decade, Americans have been trying to loose weight through various weight loss programs. A specific program that endured ridicule since the early 70’s, but has finally been approved as an effective diet, which is the Atkins Diet, by Robert C. Atkins, a cardiologist who spoke highly on the dangers of sugar and carbs. Dr. Atkins had been called names by peers and even brought before a senate committee, but he refused to go unheard. The Atkins Diet is a high protein diet, with a restriction of dietary carbohydrates. The Atkins Diet eliminates fruits, cereals, breads, grains, starches, baked goods, dairy products, starchy vegetables and sweets. During the initial two-week induction of the Atkins Diet, only pure proteins are allowed. Pure proteins include, meat, fish, shellfish, poultry and eggs, along with pure fats such as butter, olive oil and mayonnaise. A total of 20 grams of carbohydrates is allowed during this initial 2-week period. These carbohydrates in include, vegetables as salads, asparagus, broccoli and Kale. Many people have become hooked instantly to the Atkins Diet due to the rapid weight reduction within the 2-week period, but with any diet the first initial weight loss is water. When the body is deprived of carbohydrates the body runs short on glucose, which breaks
According to the PCRM's 2003 report, 429 people reported problems with high-protein, carbohydrate-restrictive diets. These ailments included kidney stones, heart problems (13 individuals reported heart attacks), gastrointestinal problems including ulcers and diarrhea and kidney infections. In fact, the American Academy of Family Physicians claims that high protein intake is largely responsible for the high prevalence of kidney stones in the United