Discussion Board

Hi!

I need an answer about "protein shakes" etc and a confirmation or answer to the question: do patients who conform to Dr. McDougall's program find their blood pressure drops dramatically in the first 2-3 weeks, and does their blood sugar, if high, also drop dramatically. I believe that has been the case.

I stopped going to my doctor when I realized that I was NOT going to continue taking the statins etc he had me on. These drugs had given me neuropathy in my toes and moving on up to my knees.

When I stopped the statins etc the neuropathy dramatically improved, despite the fact that it is supposed to be "incurable", so I know the drugs were at least one cause. I still have it in my toes. I also started taking vitamins designed to help, and they also seemed to work.

When I stopped the statins, they were no longer keeping my blood pressure low. I found a breathing program which dramatically dropped the blood pressure, but then I stopped doing it and began eating meat etc and that, plus emotional shocks, raised it again.

I decided I would not go to a doctor who gives drugs and is unaware of the effect of diet. I've been searching and found you and Esselstyn etc and want to try the diet.

But then I HAD to get a doctor because I need a front tooth pulled and dentists want you to have a doctor and no high blood pressure. I understand why but I still need my tooth pulled.

I just found a naturopath I like, but she still thinks some meat is good, and she wants to put me on a program that costs $49. I'm not objecting to the price, just don't trust it because:

She said "I like this program because it gives you lists of foods you CAN eat, small lists of what to avoid, great recipes online and a tasty protein meal replacement shake that helps control your blood sugars. It is very flexible for use and effective for reversing symptoms."

Protein shake? Can you say processed? It scares me. I don't want to do it. I think your program is probably way way way better. But I need to get my tooth pulled and now it seems even Mexican dentists want you to have a doctor.

If I did the free 12 day diet and really stuck to it, what are the chances I could lower my bp and blood sugar (if it is high)... by the end of the 12 days?

Or:

Can you recommend a doctor or naturopath doctor in Tucson, Az?

Sorry I know this is a lot.

Yours,

Alice

We don't believe in diets built around protein shakes. Our diet, lifestyle really, is healthy eating based around starches and with added vegetables and leafy greens. We believe this is the best way to lose weight and regain your health. How fast your blood pressure and blood sugar numbers improve is an individual matter but you should see them respond positively in a matter of a week or two. We aren't the fastest way to loose weight but the best way.
Finding a cooperative doctor is one of the toughest things about adopting this program. So many doctors are ill informed about diet and nutrition. Many have few patients eating this way. But the news isn't all bad and the word is spreading
Whatever you choose as your eating choices for the future make sure it's a way of eating you would be comfortable with for the foreseeable future. Don't make your choice based on some claim for weight loss speed. This is your health we are talking about here.
f1jim

Wow!

Thank you for your speedy reply! Thank you for your solid support.

I think I may have found a naturopath in
Tucson who does the MdDougall type diet plans. I have emailed her to check on her actual beliefs.

I agree that protein shakes are not the way to go. So it appears that I will probably have to drop the naturopath I have just started with and hopefully be able to use the one I just found here in Tucson.

Too bad, because I really really like this first naturopath. But my health has to come first.

Again, thank you for your fast support. It really helped a whole bunch.

Yours,

Alice

When I started the McD program 39 days ago, I was on high BP meds (BP around 125/80).

Within 5 days my BP was 95/60 and I cut my meds in half (BP still 98/65)

5 days later I cut it to 1/4 a pill. BP then was 105/74.

7 days later I went off the pill totally.

Today, 17 days off of the medication my BP was 108/72!!!

YES, this WOE will cure high blood pressure problems! I would have never believed it until it happened to me! My BP was 140/100 prior to going on medication, and no amount of exercise or healthy "vegetarian" eating changed it at all until I cut out oil and dairy. So as you can tell I am a firm believer, but educate yourself and make the best decision for you.
Best of luck to you in your journey to health!

Thank you for your blood pressure experience with the diet.

I really really want to thank you for posting your experience; this will change everything for me.

I wish you the best of everything!

Alice

You could still go with the naturopath that you like, and follow this way of eating instead. That person is not going to come into your home and watch you eat. You can rest assured that this way of eating will have a much better effect on your numbers than the protein shake way. Then when you bring your numbers down you can share this way of eating, and perhaps convince one more health professional that this is the best way of restoring health!

Um . . . statins have no effect on BP. Were you also on BP drugs, which you discontinued? Statins are for cholesterol.

If you want to use a "naturopath" that's up to you, but you should know that alternative medicine is not what this WOE is all about. Dr. McDougall is a regular doctor, as are the other "plant strong" docs. They aren't advocating jettisoning Western medicine, but instead using what is good about it and not OVER using the various tests and procedures that have been developed, as well as focusing on prevention (through diet) rather than waiting until people are broken and then trying to fix them.

I don't worry overmuch about my doctor. She's there if I need her and thanks to this WOE that's very seldom. If I DO need her it's MY job to say yes or no to whatever procedures she recommends --and I make those decisions based on my research. IMO that's the best way to make use of a doctor!