We know that obesity is associated with chronic mild inflammation throughout the body caused by the hypertrophy of the adipocyte (fat cell) resulting in an increase in oxidative stress.
The increased oxidative stress causes harmful effects to all cells of the body and can eventually lead to chronic disease and or death. We know that oxidative stress is produced by free radicals and can lead to diseases such as cancer, ageing and ultimately death.
Oxidative stress occurs as cells use oxygen to produce energy for normal functioning. As cells age they become less effective in clearing these free radicals, leading to cell damage.
Some recent findings indicate that some marathon runners are now presenting with an increased risk for coronary artery disease. One theory for this surprising fact is the high carbohydrate consumption of these athletes, which could induce oxidative stress creating an inflamed response within tissues leading to blood vessel damage.
In animal models the restriction of calories by 30-60% results in a slow functional decline of ageing. Caloric restriction appears to prevent many age related disorders such as the decline in the immune system to fight infection.
The caloric restriction (CR) is usually in the form of reduced carbohydrates.
In WW 2 food shortages in some European countries was commonplace, and were associated with a sharp decline in CHD mortality, a reduction that lasted until the end of the war and the food shortagesended.
We know that Okinawans consume 30% fewer calories than the average Japanese and have a 30% lower incidence of CHD and cancer mortality. They are amongst the healthiest people the world.
A review of over 30 studies has concluded that weight loss is an integral component in reducing the inflammation within the cells of the body by reducing oxidative stress. The most effective way to reduce oxidative stress is through dietary and low to moderate intensity physical activity interventions.
The studies reviewed also reported that caloric restriction in the form of carbohydrate reduction lowers oxidative stress and has the potential to reduce the occurrence of metabolic syndrome even in the absence of any weight loss. Caloric restriction (CR) is often reported as a decrease of 20-40% of our daily caloric consumption.
The addition of antioxidant foods might also result in a reduction of free radicals and oxidative stress, which further reduces inflammation throughout the body contributing to a healthier profile.
CR can reportedly reduce the risk of disease such as autoimmune disease, atherosclerosis cardiomyopathies, diabetes, renal disease, cancer, respiratory diseases and neurodegenerative diseases.
CR can also lead to major changes in the endocrine system and the metabolic adaptations.
Metabolic syndrome is a disorder of energy utilisation and storage, diagnosed by a combination of three out of five of the following medical conditions: abdominal (central) obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated fasting plasma glucose, high serum triglycerides, and low high-density cholesterol (HDL) levels.
Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease particularly heart failure and diabetes. Some studies have reported the prevalence of diabetes of up to 35% of the adult population.
Carbohydrate restriction (CR) has been used successfully for weight loss, but in addition can improve glycaemia control, reduce insulin levels, reduce blood triglycerides and increase HDL levels all of which help to control metabolic syndrome.
There are some people who have great difficulty in losing weight and who generally give up without some success. If initially they were encouraged to take the focus off weight loss and concentrate on becoming healthier and fitter by reducing their consumption of carbohydrates they could potentially reduce their risk profile significantly.
Carbohydrate restriction is obese people can have many other advantages without weight loss such as a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in insulin sensitivity in the body tissues.
Clients with a high BMI and high blood triglyceride levels also appear to benefit from a reduction in carbohydrates. Alternatively a diet high in carbohydrates can potentially raise glucose levels, insulin release and triglycerides and lowers HDL (the good cholesterol).
Carbohydrate restriction has the potential to improve lipid profiles and to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in obese people.
These improvements could be amplified if accompanied by an increase in low to moderate intensity physical activity.
The results obtained by calories restriction mainly through the restriction of carbohydrates could be the first line of treatment against the onset of metabolic syndrome symptoms.
The main reason reported for these favourable changes with carbohydrate restriction are the low insulin levels creating an increase in the use of lipids rather than storage. It also reduces energy expenditure with the consequence of a reduction in the production of free radical or oxidative stress.
Think again!
So, next time you are at a restaurant think twice about the entrée before the main meal and the desert after….you might have just had enough.
An article by Dr Paul Batman PhD