jim and emily jackson wrote: > > <Sun. June 22 Kathrynne Holden MS RD wrote: Caution: people with abnormal > blood sugar, high <triglycerides, or lung disease should consult their > physician (and a registered <dietitian) before beginning such a diet change.> > > Katherine: what does lung disease have to do with it? Jim has emphysema as > well as heart disease, both stable and controlled with meds. Triglycerices > lowered with Mevacor. Dear Emily, You're concentrating on good nutrition, which is the most important thing, as regards nutritional health. If freezing hasn't occurred yet, Jim probably doesn't need any protein adjustment. With the conditions of elevated triglycerides, lung disease, or diabetes, however, some people may require careful monitoring if a high-carbohydrate diet is attempted. With chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) there is interference with the inflow of oxygen and with elimination of carbon dioxide, resulting in abnormal blood gases. Carbohydrate foods produce more carbon dioxide when metabolized than fats and proteins, and this CO2 is not readily eliminated via respiration; it can build up in the blood. Some patients with COPD require an adjustment of fats and carbohydrate foods, depending on lab values and other factors. In some cases, tryglycerides may be further elevated in susceptible persons, when a very high carbohydrate diet is eaten. In the case of diabetes, carbohydrates need to be carefully monitored along with frequent checks of blood sugar. Therefore, PWP who would benefit from the 7:1 protein plan should check with both their physician and a registered dietitian before making any changes. In the study I'm currently conducting, we have found cases of all three of these conditions. The diet plan is still workable, however, adjustments in medications are necessary, and this needs to be done on an individual basis. My very best regards to you and Jim, Kathrynne -- Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD Editor-in-Chief, "Spotlight on Food--nutrition news for people 60-plus" http://www.fortnet.org/~fivstar and NUTRITION TOPICS copy-ready handouts http://www.dietetics.com/class/fivstar/ Tel: 970-493-6532 Fax: 970-493-6538