Vitamins and Atkins’ Diet
Vitamins are the organic compounds that are indispensable for cellular processes and for life itself. They cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantity in the body so have to be supplied through the food we consume. The food we eat in the modern day is unfortunately often quite nutritionally inadequate. Supplementation is the solution and is an essential part of the Atkins’ low carb diet.
We Need Vitamins
Since many vitamins cannot be obtained directly from foods by the human body, some deficiencies may occur. Lack of certain vitamins is responsible for certain diseases. Modern urban lifestyle deprives human beings of essential vitamins and minerals. That is why now there are a lot of lifestyle-related diseases including diabetes, obesity, heart diseases.
The exact amount and type of vitamin supplementation required by an individual depends on genetics, age, lifestyle, daily nutrition and stress. Every individual has varying needs for supplementation by good quality products but sadly many modern doctors are not the ones to be asking. However, good alternative doctors (doctors that are not tied into the Big Pharma path) can be found.
To make matters worse, there are manufacturers to avoid as well. Many use fillers and synthetically devised additives. These potentially toxic chemical additives can be damaging to the immune system and may be laying the groundwork for future ill health and disease: brain tumors, colon cancer, endocrine system disorders, persistent obesity to mention a few.
In order to compensate for the lack of essential vitamins, Atkins’ low carb diet suggests nutritional supplementation.
The Atkins’ Way
To help dieters, Dr. Atkins diet includes advice regarding the daily intake of vitamins.
The first formula released by Dr. Atkins was Basic 1, a basic multiple vitamin to attain all needs.
Basic 1 was improved by refining the dosages; thus, Basic 3 was launched.
The dietary supplement recommended on Induction menu includes the following:
- Chromium, whose role is essential in normalizing the fluctuating insulin level. Best absorbtion is achieved in chromium polynicotinate. A minimum of 300 mcg daily is enough for most dieters. Some may require an extra portion. Basic 3 contains 300 mcg.
- Vitamin B5 (pantethine) is also extremely helpful during the Induction phase, for its cholesterol control ability. Experts also recommend it for it’s ability to produce friendly bacteria in the intestine. It is naturally produced by the body, but there are cases when metabolic resistance prevents its formation.
- Selenium is added for its antioxidant features. It is also thought to prevent diabetes.
- Vanadium seems to be crucial for diabetics, as it has the ability to support cells in absorbing blood sugar (thus, the level of insulin is decreased to normal levels).
- Biotin helps diabetics by regulating the blood sugar level.
If Basic 3 formula is not at hand, anyone dieting with Atkins’ should establish their own individual supplement needs, together with their physician. Certain needs appear during the Induction phase:
- Essential fatty acids (EFA) are vital because they:
- Protect arteries from forming plaque
- Thin the blood
- Help the blood to carry nutrients through the veins to the cells and brain more efficiently. Usually, essential fatty acids are missing because a lot of people avoid fats (mistakenly thought to be the cause of gaining weight)
- Multivitamin and mineral supplements as pills, for instance. The daily supplement should include:
- Gamma linolenic acid (from borage oil or primrose)
- Omega 3 fatty-acids from fish oil and flaxseed oil
- B complex factors
- Vitamin C, E
- Fiber to prevent constipation (from wheat bran or flaxmeal)
- Perhaps some L-glutamine, especially if suffering from sugar cravings.
Vitamins and Atkins Diet
