Pros, cons and how it works

Dr. Bernstein's Diabetic Diet is an ultra-low carbohydrate diet designed to help people with diabetes achieve and maintain normal blood sugar levels and improve and/or reduce the risk of complications.

it is do not have Although it is a weight loss diet, anyone who follows it is likely to lose a few pounds.

The Bernstein diet is based on eating three meals a day, choosing from a list of “allowed” foods, avoiding “forbidden” foods, and adhering to a defined amount of carbohydrates. There are no restrictions or guidelines regarding protein or fat intake.

The Bernstein Diet differs from the dietary guidelines for diabetes promoted by major medical associations because it severely restricts carbohydrates. For this reason, dieting is controversial.

background

The Bernstein Diet has an interesting history. It was created by engineer-turned-endocrinologist Richard K. Bernstein, MD. He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1946, when he was 12 years old, and experienced severe complications over the years.

In 1969, before changing jobs, Bernstein purchased a blood glucose monitor, which at the time was only used in hospitals. He began testing his blood sugar levels throughout the day to figure out what factors caused them to rise and fall.

Eventually, he realized that he could manage these symptoms with a combination of a low-carbohydrate diet, exercise, and a lower dose of insulin than he had previously been taking. Additionally, many of his diabetes complications have resolved.

To gain respect for his ideas from the medical community, Dr. Bernstein attended medical school and became an endocrinologist. Since then, he has written six of his books about his diet and holistic approach to diabetes management.

His first book, Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution: A Complete Guide to Achieving Euglycemia, first published in 1997, introduced new technologies (such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors), medications (inhaled Updated in 2011 to include information on drugs (including drugs). insulin), and recipes.

Now in his 80s, Dr. Bernstein maintains a thriving medical practice and is a dedicated supporter of patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes who have successfully maintained normal blood sugar levels by following his diet. I have supporters.

How to use

The Bernstein Diet limits the amount of carbohydrates a person eats to 30 grams per day. According to researchers, on average, most diabetics get 45% of their total calories from carbohydrates.

If you eat 2,000 calories per day, you'll get about 900 calories, or 225 grams, from carbohydrates.

The Bernstein Diet has no rules or guidelines regarding protein, fat, or total calories.

In addition to diet, Dr. Bernstein's protocol includes recommendations for insulin supplementation and commitment to exercise.

what should i eat

Dr. Bernstein divides foods into two categories based on the number of carbohydrates they contain and how they affect blood sugar levels.

Foods known to cause rapid increases in blood sugar levels are prohibited. Foods that do not have this effect are permitted.

Meat and protein: Meat, poultry and other proteins are prohibited, except those with added carbohydrates (e.g. bread crumbs for meatloaf, flour for fried chicken or fish).

vegetables: Compatible vegetables include asparagus, avocado, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, sauerkraut, cauliflower, eggplant, onions (in small amounts), bell peppers (any color except yellow), mushrooms, spinach, green beans, summer squash, and zucchini. It will be.

Dairy products: Yogurt is allowed, but only plain, unsweetened and full fat. Count 1 gram of carbohydrates per ounce for all types of cheese. Although cottage cheese is generally considered incompatible, some people can eat up to 2 tablespoons without causing a spike in blood sugar levels.

nuts: Although nuts do contain carbohydrates, Dr. Bernstein says they tend to cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels. However, eating just a few nuts can be difficult, so when following a diet, it's important to look at the number of carbohydrates in a serving of all types of nuts to avoid overeating. Peanut butter, even unsweetened, can raise blood sugar levels. One tablespoon may be too much for some people.

Artificial sweeteners: Permitted items include saccharin tablets or liquid (Sweet'n Low). Aspartame tablets (Equal, NutraSweet); Acesulfame-K (Thanet, The Sweet One); Stevia (powder or liquid); Sucralose tablets (Splenda); and Neotame.

Alcoholic drinks: A 1.5-ounce can of spirits or beer tends to have little effect on blood sugar levels. Spirits should not be mixed with sugar mixers.

Recommended timing

Dr. Bernstein's diabetes diet limits total carbohydrate intake to 30 grams per day. The recommended breakdown is as follows:

• Breakfast: 6 grams
• Lunch: 12 grams
• Dinner: 12 grams

There are no built-in snacks and no guidelines for meal timing.

Featured Products

The food list published in Dr. Bernstein's book includes many branded foods that are considered diet-compliant, including:

• WestSoy Organic Unsweetened Soy Milk
• G/G Scandinavian Fiber Crispbread
• Wasa fiber rye
• Da Vinci Gourmet Sugar Free Syrup
• Ready-to-eat sugar-free Jell-O brand gelatin

Advantages and disadvantages

It is important to remember that Dr. Bernstein's diet is not a weight loss diet, but a diet aimed at lowering blood sugar levels. Also, given that there is no limit to the amount of protein or fat that can be eaten, this diet cannot be called “low calorie” (compared to the carnivore diet, which is based on the intake of only meat and dairy products). similar).

Like the carnivore diet, the Bernstein diet can lead to significant weight loss, but it has many of the same health concerns.

Here we will look at some advantages and disadvantages.

Strong Points

The list of foods that are and are not allowed in Dr. Bernstein's diet is so thorough and specific that following it requires little guesswork.

Additionally, there are at least as many “allowed” foods as “forbidden” foods, and plenty of variety to prevent boredom and promote balanced nutrition.

In some people, it not only normalizes blood sugar levels, but can also lead to weight loss. This may be especially important for people with type 2 diabetes, where even moderate weight loss can lower the risk of complications such as heart disease and high blood pressure.

There is evidence that low-carbohydrate diets may be effective in normalizing blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of complications from diabetes.

For example, in a Duke University study, obese people who ate less than 20 grams of carbohydrates per day (10 grams less than Bernstein's limit) for six months had better and more effective blood sugar control than participants. Researchers found that weight loss was possible. People on hypoglycemic/reduced calorie diets.

Cons

This diet limits carbohydrates to 30 grams per day and allows specific amounts at each of three meals, so it can be restrictive and requires planning.

Snacks don't seem to be considered part of the basic diet. This may feel very restrictive for people who are used to eating a lot of carbohydrates.

Despite the long list of approved foods, at least some non-compliant foods are likely to become popular. Therefore, some people may find dietary restrictions too strict.

Perhaps the most important attack on the Bernstein Diet is that it goes against the recommendations of major medical groups, including the American Medical Association, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Diabetes Association (ADA), and the American Heart Association.

It also contradicts recommendations set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.

Comparison with guidelines

The most significant difference from standard medical guidelines is the emphasis on drastically limiting carbohydrates to 30 grams per day.

The ADA acknowledges that “monitoring carbohydrate intake and considering the glycemic response to dietary carbohydrates are keys to improving postprandial glycemic control.” However, the organization's “Medical Standards for Diabetes'' does not go so far as to quantify how many grams of carbohydrates a person should consume each day. Their stance is that macronutrient intake should be based on individual circumstances.

The Bernstein Diet takes a different view of dietary protein than most medical guidelines. While restricting protein is a mainstay of classic diabetic nutritional guidance, Dr. Bernstein sees no reason to limit protein intake.

Similarly, Dr. Bernstein departs from the standard idea that a diet high in fat is unhealthy and is a major cause of obesity. His diet imposes no protein or fat restrictions.

A word from Berrywell

There is no question that diet plays an important role in the management of diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be advanced or reversed by lifestyle changes.

Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Diet aims to do this with a protocol that differs greatly from traditional guidelines. If you have diabetes and would like to try it, it is essential to first consult a health care provider or dietitian who specializes in diabetes.