Dean Ornish is a medical doctor who invented a program to treat patients living with obesity and heart disease using diet and lifestyle changes. Dr. Ornish heads the Preventive Medicine Research Institute in Sausalito, California, and is a faculty member at the University of California, San Francisco. Always consult a physician or qualified practitioner before choosing a new diet plan.
Basic Plan
In the book "Eat More, Weigh Less," Dr. Ornish explains that an ideal total calorie intake should be 10 percent fat, 20 percent protein and 70 percent carbohydrates. This is very low in fat compared with the typical American diet, which contains 40 percent fat, 20 percent protein and 40 percent carbohydrates. The Ornish Diet emphasizes that carbohydrate sources should be whole foods that are high in fiber, low in fat and primarily vegetarian. Fruits and vegetables are recommended daily, while refined carbohydrates and animal fats are strictly limited.
Benefits
The Ornish Diet is designed for people who have been diagnosed with obesity or heart disease such as atherosclerosis. Changing to a diet that is extremely low in fat lowers cholesterol levels and allows fat to leave the arteries. A 2009 study released by the Yale School of Nursing and published in the "American Journal of Public Health" showed that this strategy is effective for people of all socioeconomic backgrounds. This helped clear the way for insurance coverage of Ornish's program for eligible patients.
Lifestyle Recommendations
In addition to diet changes, Dr. Ornish's plan includes 30 to 60 minutes of brisk exercise a day. Stress is a well-known contributor to heart disease, and a program of stress management is part of the Ornish plan as well. Participation in a regular support group for a year is encouraged to help with making lasting changes. Each of these components are considered critical to the success of the Ornish Diet in reversing heart disease.
Considerations
The Ornish Diet is not right for everyone. The total calorie intake and composition is inadequate for pregnant or lactating women, children and elderly individuals. A vegetarian diet, as the Ornish Diet recommends, can be low in calcium and B12, important nutrients for health. The diet also suggests avoiding fish, an important source of omega-3 fatty acids. Consult your physician or a qualified nutrition expert before undertaking this or any diet to make sure it is safe for you.
References
- Preventive Medicine Research Institute; Dean Ornish, M.D
- Diets in Review; Ornish Diet
- "American Journal of Public Health"; Socioeconomic status and improvements in lifestyle, coronary risk factors, and quality of life: the Multisite Cardiac Lifestyle Intervention Program; Govil SR, Weidner G, Merritt-Worden T, Ornish D.; July 2009
Member Comments