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5 Reasons a Low-Fat Diet Destroys Health

New year. New resolutions. Each year, nearly 50 percent of Americans vow to improve their diet after January 1st. A glance at those shopping at your local grocery store will give you an idea of how well these resolutions stick. Americans are as unhealthy as ever. Perhaps one of the reasons people are unsuccessful in reaching their goals is the rise of trendy diets. From keto to intermittent fasting to Mediterranean, the choices are endless. The truth is: most diets don’t work. In fact, some are downright dangerous. It may surprise you to hear that the low-fat diet ranks very high on that list. 

A big fat lie

If you are old enough to remember the late 1980s, you might recall a jug of skim milk sitting on the dinner table. You may have found your mom or grandmother eating low-fat yogurt for breakfast. Low-fat granola bars and fat-free Snackwell cookies likely filled your lunch box. 

Heart disease was uncommon at the beginning of the 20th century. However, by the 1940s, it was the leading cause of death in the United States. Later that decade, scientist Ancel Keys suggested a link between fat intake and cholesterol in the blood. Key’s theory began the diet-heart hypothesis. 

Then, the federal government got involved. As is often the case, the unproven theory took hold of society. The American Heart Association, doctors, and popular health media began touting the benefits of eating a low-fat diet. Subsequently, in 1977, the government published dietary guidelines suggesting that individuals reduce their fat intake. The rest is history. 

To this day, no substantial evidence exists demonstrating that a diet high in saturated fat or cholesterol leads to heart disease. On the contrary, science has clearly shown that low-fat diets are unhealthy. 

In fact, several studies have since found that diets higher in fat are protective against heart disease and death. Though the tides are beginning to shift, forty years of indoctrination are hard to wipe away overnight.

What is cholesterol?

Most of us associate cholesterol and fat with things we’d like to avoid. After all, we’ve spent most of our lives hearing that cholesterol causes heart disease. Therefore, you might be surprised to learn that cholesterol is essential for robust health.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance present in every cell that, just like fat, is a type of lipid. However, unlike fat, it can’t be burned for energy. Produced in the liver, cholesterol is vital to life, and without it, you would die. 

Found in animal products such as eggs and red meat, cholesterol is such an essential nutrient that the body produces the vast majority of what is needed. The body does a fantastic job of maintaining cholesterol at optimal levels for the most part. 

For example, if you consume a bacon and egg breakfast, liver production of cholesterol will slow. Conversely, if you do not consume enough dietary cholesterol, the liver will speed up output. Perhaps this is why decreasing the amount of cholesterol in the diet does little to lower blood cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol is the actual hero

Elevated cholesterol is not caused by overeating fat. Instead, sugar and processed carbohydrates lead to unhealthy cholesterol levels. 

Cholesterol travels through the blood wrapped in proteins, and together, they make a lipoprotein. Unfortunately, high sugar diets cause the liver to produce excessive triglycerides, packaged in very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). When these molecules reach the end of their lifespan, they become small, dense LDLs, the dangerous kind of cholesterol carriers that lead to heart attacks and strokes. 

So, while many people think that high blood cholesterol levels cause inflammation, it’s the other way around. Rather, high cholesterol is a symptom of inflammation. It’s the body’s way of alerting us to impending danger. This way, cholesterol acts as a warning system, making it a true hero. 

5 reasons a low-fat diet destroys health

Hopefully, what you’ve learned thus far is enough to convince you that a low-fat diet is unhelpful and even dangerous for your health. But, just in case you need more proof, here are five science-backed reasons to ditch low fat forever.

Leads to hunger and weight gain

Have you ever eaten a high-carb meal, only to be hungry again a short time later? Carbohydrates, especially simple ones, are digested quickly. Studies have found that diets high in refined carbs make people hungrier than those who consume diets richer in protein or fats. 

Most individuals find that eating fat leaves them feeling more satiated. Well-balanced meals with complex carbohydrates and healthy fat help turn off hunger signals. 

Hunger is regulated by two main hormones: ghrelin and leptin. Diets high in sugar trigger the release of ghrelin, which promotes appetite. Leptin, on the other hand, turns off our desire for food. Produced by fat cells, leptin signals our brain when it’s time to stop eating. 

Those who have difficulty regulating hunger hormones are prone to weight gain. In addition, numerous studies have found that high carbohydrate diets contribute to the obesity epidemic. 

Depletes important hormones

Most people are surprised to learn that fat and cholesterol are the building blocks of hormones. Without fat in our diet, our bodies could not produce essential steroid hormones like testosterone, progesterone, and vitamin D.  

Limited fat intake may be particularly dangerous for women. Essential for reproductive health, studies have linked low-fat diets to menstrual difficulties, menopausal problems, infertility, and health problems. 

Limits vitamin and mineral absorption

Certain vitamins can only be utilized when paired with fats. These fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K. Found most abundantly in high-fat foods, each of the four vitamins serves an essential function in the body. Therefore, bringing enough fat into the diet ensures proper absorption and prevents vitamin deficiencies. 

Adopting poor eating habits, such as unhealthy snacking, crowds out other healthy alternatives. For example, by filling up on a bowl of potato chips, you miss out on the vital nutrients that a wholesome meal could provide.  

Increases anxiety and depression

Fats play an important role in brain function. Interestingly, approximately 60 percent of the brain is composed of fat. Many essential neurotransmitters are made from fatty acids that come through our diet. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish such as salmon or sardines can dampen the release of stress hormones. 

Science has demonstrated the critical role that dietary fat has on mental health. For example, several studies have linked diets low in cholesterol with anxiety, depression, anger, and even suicide. In fact, research has linked the use of cholesterol-lowering statins with psychiatric changes in some people. 

While the reasons why low-fat diets impact mood are not entirely clear, scientists suspect that cholesterol impacts the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that promotes a feeling of happiness.  

Increases insulin resistance, diabetes, and heart disease

The popularity of low-fat diets contributed to a drastic increase in obesity. Why is that? When fat is removed from a food, it needs to be replaced with something else to make it more palatable. Often, that food is sugar or processed grains. So, as individuals’ fat consumption decreased, their sugar intake skyrocketed.

Science is beginning to show that diets rich in fat improve insulin resistance and cholesterol levels. For example, a recent study concluded that a low-carbohydrate diet high in saturated fat stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol, and decreases blood pressure.

Next steps

An all-or-nothing mindset is prevalent in today’s society. It seems that someone or something always has to be the enemy, especially in the world of health. First, fat was terrible; then, carbs became the enemy. Meat has been attacked. Eating fish became toxic. What’s next?

Unfortunately, diets often don’t differentiate between whole foods and processed foods, organic and non-organic, and healthy and unhealthy fat. This is why we ascribe to the organic, 100 Year Heart lifestyle at the Natural Heart Doctor. Rather than following a diet, we aim to nurture our bodies with real food, precisely as nature intended. For more information on the 100 Year Heart Diet, download our free guide today!

Eat Well · Live Well · Think Well 


Medical Review 2022: Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD

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About Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD, FACC

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Dr. Lauren Lattanza Fees

20 Minute Virtual Call: $250

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As a Naturopathic Physician, I am trained to treat the whole person and get to the root cause of disease.

I went to Arizona State University where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a depth in physiology and minor in Spanish. After my undergraduate degree I was working on prerequisite classes towards medical school, which is when I came to learn that my values identified best with the principles of naturopathic medicine. I knew that I wanted to help patients identify the causes of disease and be able to offer treatments which would improve their health rather than simply treating symptoms.

I dedicated the next 4 years to the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona where I attained my Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. I served as Class President all 4 years, Board of Trustees – Student Trustee, spoke as the Club President for our branch of Toastmasters, and was voted by my peers and attending physicians to earn the Outstanding Leadership Award for the Class of 2020. Throughout medical school I took it upon myself to work alongside MDs, DOs, chiropractors, and functional medicine practitioners in addition to naturopathic physicians.

As a Spanish speaking student, I was able to volunteer with community clinics around Phoenix and provide free healthcare to low-income families. Due to this combined exposure, I came to find my passion in treating cardiometabolic and digestive disorders that are all too common, yet largely preventable. I took the opportunity to learn the broad spectrum of healthcare so I can ensure that I am able to provide my patients with the best options.

About Dr. Jack Wolfson DO, FACC

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Dr. Jack Wolfson Fees

30 Minute Virtual Call: $1500

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Dr. Jack Wolfson is a board-certified cardiologist, Amazon best-selling author, husband, father, and the nation’s #1 Natural Heart Doctor.

For more than two decades, more than one million people have enjoyed the warmth, compassion, and transformational power of his natural heart health courses and events.

Dr. Wolfson is the founder of Natural Heart Doctor Scottsdale, his heart health practice in Arizona, and Natural Heart Doctor, an online resource center with natural health information. Doctors from across the globe reach out to Dr. Wolfson for training and education in holistic health practices.

He has been named one of America’s Top Functional Medicine Doctors and is a five-time winner of the Natural Choice Awards as a holistic M.D. Dr. Wolfson’s work has been covered by more than 100 media outlets, including NBC, CNN, and the Washington Post. His book “The Paleo Cardiologist: The Natural Way to Heart Health” was an Amazon #1 best-seller.

Dr. Wolfson and his wife Heather have four children and are committed to making the world a better place to live. They provide for those in need (including animals) and support natural health causes through their philanthropic efforts.

Chiropractic

Our chiropractor is an expert at adjustments and holistic chiropractic care and works closely in conjunction with the other health care experts at Natural Heart Doctor.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

IV Therapy

We use specially formulated natural vitamins and minerals that are injected into a vein to prevent or treat dehydration. Ideal for people in Arizona.

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Stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being with acupuncture at Natural Heart Doctor.

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Health Coaching

Our health coaches use evidence based skillful conversation, clinical interventions, and strategies to engage you actively and safely in health behavior changes.

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We use the most advanced testing in the world to assess heart health and to identify the root cause of your health issues.

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Schedule an office visit with one of our cardiologists, holistic physicians, chiropractor, or health coaches.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I’d like to receive an online second opinion from Natural Heart Doctor. What do I do next?

You can initiate a second opinion online through our website at any time. To begin, select the team member you’d like to speak with and open an account.

Click here for cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Lauren Lattanza. Get details.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Tonia Rainier. Get details.

Click here for  Natural Heart Doctor Health Coach.

Alternatively, you can email health@naturalheartdoctor.com. A member of our care team will help guide you through the process of starting a second opinion.

What is the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

The cost for most second opinions varies by team member. This fee includes information collection, a phone or video consultation, a second opinion from a Natural Heart Doctor specialist and guidance throughout the process from your personal Care Team at Natural Heart Doctor.

Cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson’s Second Opinion Fee is $1500.

Holistic Physician’s Dr. Lauren Lattanza’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Naturopathic Physician Dr. Tonia Rainier’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Note: We apply the Online Second Opinion Call fee as a credit to any future consultations with Natural Heart Doctor, should you choose them.

Will my insurance cover the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

Most likely, no. Most health plans do not cover online second opinions or consultations. You are responsible for the cost of our second opinion. Natural Heart Doctor cannot file a claim with your insurance carrier, nor can we provide a procedure (CPT) code for this service.

What is the timeline to receive an online second opinion?

We do our best to schedule your second opinion as quickly as possible. Typically, it takes 5 to 7 business days after your information has been collected to receive your phone or video online second opinion.

What information do you need in advance of our call?

Our office will send you a short questionnaire to complete and return. We DO NOT need your complete medical records.

How many questions can I ask the expert during our call?

You may ask a maximum of five questions. This is to ensure that the expert has sufficient time to devote to each question. All questions must be finalized before your online meeting.

What should I expect to receive once my second opinion is complete?

You will receive a summary of our discussion along with our second opinion. The second opinion will be in written form. After you have reviewed the second opinion, a Natural Heart Doctor clinician will follow up with you by phone to address general medical questions about the information provided in the second opinion.

What if I have follow-up questions for the expert after I have reviewed my second opinion?

If you have a clarifying question about an expert’s response to one of the questions in your second opinion, and the Natural Heart Doctor clinician is unable to address it, then you may request a follow up session for an additional fee. 

Is my medical and payment information secure?

Natural Heart Doctor is strongly committed to protecting the privacy and security of all our patients. Our website meets all federal requirements for protecting personal health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All financial transactions are processed by Natural Heart Doctor securely using industry standard payment processing tools.

I would rather visit Natural Heart Doctor for an in-person appointment. What should I do next?

If you would prefer an in-person appointment at Natural Heart Doctor instead of an online second opinion, please call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Can I schedule a follow up appointment with the specialist who provided my online second opinion?

Yes, we’re happy to help you on an extended basis. Our clinician can discuss options with you when presenting our second opinion summary.