Atkins Diet Vs. Dash Diet

Numerous diet plans are actively promoted and practiced. Of these regimens, two of the most prominent are the DASH diet and the Atkins Diet. While each one has its adherents, these two diet plans have radically different methods for achieving and maintaining weight loss.

The Atkins Diet

The Atkins Nutritional Approach was devised in 1972 by Dr. Robert C. Atkins, a cardiologist. Its central claim is that obesity, diabetes and heart disease are caused by excessive consumption of carbohydrates and a deficiency in healthy fats. Therefore, this plan emphasizes eating fats and protein. It's important to note that the Atkins diet is a commercial weight-loss regimen, not a medical diet that physicians or health professionals prescribe, according to MayoClinic.com.

The DASH Diet

DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The DASH diet is, simply put, a normal healthy diet, according to the website The DASH Diet Eating Plan. Its main goal is reducing the levels of fat and cholesterol by prescribing a diet based on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fiber-rich legumes and low-fat dairy products. The DASH diet emphasizes fresh, nutrient-rich food that is low in sodium, trans fat and saturated fat. Besides being prescribed by physicians, it is endorsed by the American Heart Association, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Health Effects

The DASH diet, when practiced in combination with regular exercise and calorie restriction, was found to significantly increase cardiovascular fitness and reduce weight and blood pressure in overweight adults with high blood pressure, notes the American Heart Association. This is similar to other diet plans. But unlike other diets, the DASH health program also improved mental functioning by 30 percent, which carries important implications for addressing dementia and other forms of cognitive deterioration.

The Atkins Diet is effective for some of its followers. However, long-term studies have shown that the Atkins plan is no more effective than conventional high-carb diets in keeping weight off. What's more, most dieters gain the weight lost back again, regardless of the plan they follow. As for Atkins preventing or improving diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure, it may achieve these goals, but so can practically any other diet, according to MayoClinic.com.

Risks

The Atkins Diet is not for everyone. Because of the large amounts of protein and fat in the Atkins diet, it is not recommended for patients with liver or kidney problems, according to Bupa Health Information. Long-term bone health may also be affected, because of the calcium excretions associated with high protein intake. The relative lack of fruits and vegetables makes the Atkins Diet deficient in fiber, which may not meet digestive fiber and carbohydrate dietary recommendations.

The DASH diet, on the other hand, has not been associated with any risks, and is recommended by the USDA as an ideal daily eating plan.

Considerations

Although low-carb diets like the Atkins plan may have been successfully used by many individuals, it has not been shown to be more effective than any other diet. In addition, due to its focus on protein and exclusion of carbohydrates, it carries potential health riskss. This is why the Atkins plan is not appropriate for everyone.

The DASH diet promotes a well-balanced diet that can be safely prescribed to almost anyone. It emphasizes getting nutrients from healthy sources and carries no risks for its followers. It is also easier to follow, because it recommends foods from a much wider variety of food groups than the Atkins plan.