Introduction

Part of the information provided is the result of 10,000 one on one consultations and nine years experience with the Ultra Lite system.

Also included is research data undertaken with a sample of 668 outpatients.

Firstly let’s look at the problem we are trying to resolve, fat loss not weight loss. Most people can lose weight; however burning body fat is an entirely different issue.

In my 25 years experience as a Naturopathic Doctor I have not found any other system that can convert stored body fat into energy as efficiently as the ketogenic method.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ketogenic Diets Cause Kidney Disease?

There is some evidence that high protein diets can be harmful to people with pre-existing kidney damage.

Firstly, the amount of Protein recommended in the Ultra Lite program, in my opinion is not high. The Ultra Lite program is a balanced protein and carbohydrate diet, unlike some programs that suggest you can eat as much protein as you like.

A clinical trial in 1999 was undertaken with two groups of subjects. One group was fed a high protein diet, whilst the other was fed a low protein high carbohydrate diet. In the group fed the low protein diet evidence showed that the kidneys atrophied by an average of 6.2 cm. The group fed the high protein diet experienced adaptive changes in renal size without indications of adverse affects.

What Are Ketones?

Ketones are the intermediate product of fat metabolism. Ketones are an alternative source of energy to glucose. Ketosis associated with the Ultra Lite program is in no way harmful. The confusion lies in the association with diabetic ketoacidosis.

Ketoacidosis occurs when diabetics produce high levels of ketones in the presence of elevated blood sugar levels. Insufficient insulin, or inefficient insulin function, means this elevated blood sugar cannot be delivered to the cells for energy. Consequently ketones must be formed as an alternative energy source. Under normal circumstances the body can adjust the pH level to cope. In the case of diabetes the body is unable to efficiently cope with the increased acid load and ketoacidosis occurs increasing the acidity of the blood. This occurrence is associated with diabetes (induced by high blood sugar levels from the consumption of carbohydrates) and has nothing to do with ketosis induced by a low carbohydrate diet.

Why Do Some Patients Have Trouble Getting a 1.5 Ketone Reading?

Firstly I have never had a failure. That is to say I have never had a patient not lose a reasonable amount of weight.

If the patient is managed correctly they should be satisfied with the result.

Nine years ago the term insulin resistant was unknown to me. The relationship between polycystic ovaries and insulin resistance was unknown to me. All I really understood was what was required to have a patient hit 1.5 and the results followed.

I have not deviated from that thought pattern and the results still keep coming.

The patient must follow your instructions and not deviate:-

1. Calibrate their food scales.
2. Eat only the foods recommended in the program.
3. Eat the same quantity of food each day.
4. Test for 1.5 at the same time each day.
5. Refrain from having the bulk of their food for dinner.
6. Take their 4 packets each day.
7. Have oil and vinegar, water, and potassium each day.
8. Avoid having too much of the higher glycemic foods each day.
9. Bring their menu sheet with them each week.
10. Undertake as much aerobic exercise as possible.

If all the above is adhered to, you should not have too many problems getting them into 1.5.
Some patients may have carbohydrate or protein metabolism problems.
These patients will show a Neg/Trc (poor carb) metabolism or Mod/Lge (poor protein) metabolism problems.

In these cases the carb or protein amounts have to be reduced, and in some cases increased.
Increasing food intake increases calories; we try and avoid that.

Never be afraid to reduce carbs if they are not in 1.5. Your patient will feel better eating less and in 1.5, than eating more and not in 1.5. Any adjust you make can take up to 3 days to have an effect. Wait 3 days have your patient call if they have not hit 1.5. Then you may need to make further adjustments.

Don’t give in. Be strong. Don’t allow deviation. Make sure they are telling you the truth.
You will have some challenging patients. The majority will fly through and you will be as amazed as I am, even after 10,000 consults.

References

1. Lonnerdal R. Dietary Factors Influencing Zinc Absorption. Journal of Nutrition, 200; 130: 1378S-1383S.

2. Poortmans JR, Dellalieux O. Do Regular High Protein Diets Have Potential Health Risks on Kidney Function in Athletes? International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, Mar. 2000: 10 (1): 28-38.

3. Bham M, et al, Protein Intake and Kidney Function in Humans: Its Effect on Normal Aging. Archives of Internal Medicine, 1989; 149 (1): 211-212.

4. Mitchell GA, et al. Medical Aspects of Ketone Body Metabolism. Clinical and Investigative Medicine, 1995; 18 (3): 193-216

5. Phinney SD, et al. The Human Metabolic Response to Chronic Ketosis Without Caloric Restriction: Physical and Biochemical Adaptation. Metabolism, 1983; 32 (8): 757-768.

6. Hoffer LJ. Metabolic Consequences of Starvation. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, Shils ME, et al. (editors), Lippincott Williams & Wilkens, 1999, 9th ed: 645-665.