CAM Study Includes Diets as Alternative Therapy
Diet Plans Considered Complementary Medical Treatment
Dec 14, 2008
The National Institute of Health (NIH), recently released their annual report about American use of Complementary and Alternative therapies (CAM). According to the CAM press release 38% of American adults, and 12% of American children, use some form of alternative or complementary medicine. The definitions of Complementary and Alternative Therapies included diets.
CAM Study Includes Diet Plans as Complementary and Alternative Medicine
The CAM study researched the use of United States adults and children of therapies used instead of, or in addition to, mainstream medicine.The study included 45 therapies that are considered complementary and alternative. In addition to therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic, diet plans were defined as alternative or complementary. Diet plans included in the definition included the Atkins Diet, Macrobiotic Diet, Ornish Diet, Pritikin Diet, South Beach Diet, Vegetarian Diet and the Zone Diet.
This is a Who’s Who of popular diet plans that differ in theories and concepts. Diet plans guide and control eating habits, usually with a goal of weight loss. Obesity in the United States is becoming a national epidemic, of concern to millions. Various diet plans offer hope to people to lose, or gain, weight in order to improve health and to live and longer, healthier life.
Diet Plans in the CAM Study
Following are the diet plans included in the study. Inclusion in this listing is not an endorsement of any of the plans.
- Atkins Diet – The Atkins Diets is a weight loss plan and is a high protein/low carbohydrate plan. The diet emphasizes a drastic reduction of carbohydrate intake coupled with an increase in protein and fat.
- Macrobiotic Diet – The Macrobiotic Diet is low in fat and emphasizes whole grain and vegetables and restricts intake of fluids. The emphasis of the plan is on fresh, non-processed foods.
- Ornish Diet – A high fiber, low-fat, vegetarian diet that promotes health and weight loss by controlling what is eaten but does not restrict intake of calories. The diet allowed unlimited consumption of fruits, beans, vegetables and grains. Non-fat diary products, such as eggs whites, skim milk and non-fat cheese can be eaten in moderation. To be avoided are oils, avocados, nuts and meats.
- Pritikin Diet –The Pritikin Diet allows meat but emphasizes consumption of low-fat, high fiber foods. The plan includes vegetables, fruits, beans, grains and a large volume of water.
- South Beach Diet – The South Beach Diet makes a distinction between good and bad carbohydrates and fats. Good carbs are those that are digested slowly. Bad fats are saturated fats and trans fats.
- Vegetarian Diets - Diets totally devoid of meat. There are several types of vegetarian diets. Some vegetarian plans are restricted to plant products only, while others may allow dairy products and eggs. A number of vegetarian diets also prohibit alcohol, sugar, caffeine and processed foods.
- Zone Diet – The goal of The Zone Diet is to alter the body’s metabolism by controlling hormones. Each meal consists of a small amount of low fat protein, fiber rich fruits, vegetables and fats.
Information in this article is not intended as medical advice.
Resources
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Amount Adults and Children: United States, 2007.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, (NIH) National Institutes of Health, December 10, 2008
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