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The Sugar Fix Diet

Jul 17, 2011 | By Michelle Langley
The Sugar Fix Diet
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The Sugar Fix Diet, as well as the book by the same name, is an eating plan developed by Richard Johnson, M.D., who serves as the chief of nephrology, hypertension and transplantation at the University of Florida at Gainesville. Johnson's eating plan consists of a balanced, low-calorie diet that almost completely eliminates fructose, the sugar that he believes greatly contributes of obesity and other health problems.

Fructose

Sugars are found in a variety of foods. Lactose is present in dairy products, and table sugar consists of sucrose. Fructose is found in fruits and vegetables, and in high-fructose corn syrup, an ingredient that is added to an immense range of processed foods. Johnson states that fructose causes greater weight gain than other forms of sugar, and also plays a role in the development of metabolic syndrome, a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes and heart disease. A review of the literature published in the 2010 "Physiological Reviews" found that while excess fructose consumption does indeed create health problems, evidence is lacking that fructose causes greater health problems than sucrose.

Uric Acid

Johnson points to uric acid as a possible cause of obesity and metabolic syndrome. According to his book, "The Sugar Fix," fructose raises uric acid, which in turn raises the probability of suffering from high blood pressure, and other health issues such as gout. Research published in the September 2005 "American Journal of Physiology" found that uric acid may indeed be a cause of metabolic syndrome, and that fructose consumption raises uric acid. Johnson's theory is that people who suffer from obesity can benefit from a diet that is very low in fructose, as this can lower uric acid levels and hence, assist with weight loss. Johnson asserts that uric acid acts directly on fat cells, causing them to to become "bigger and bulkier." This statement is supported by research published in the March 2008 "Internal Medicine," which found that high uric acid levels are positively correlated with higher levels of visceral fat.

Restrictions

Unlike many diets, the Sugar Fix Diet does not eliminate any food groups. Rather, the diet restricts foods that contain fructose, except for foods that have only very small amounts, such as many vegetables. On a practical basis, this means that you will eliminate almost all processed foods, as many of them contain high fructose corn syrup. This includes most commercially-produced salad dressings, cereals, yogurts and condiments. Beer and fruit-juice or other sugary cocktails are prohibited, but you can indulge in dry wine and spirits.

Meal Plans

Johnson provides meal plans for diets consisting of 1,200 to 2,000 calories, depending on your weight loss and overall caloric needs. During a typical day on the Sugar Fix Diet, you'll have a cup of oatmeal with a serving of sugar-free hot cocoa for breakfast, a tuna sandwich for lunch, a small serving of frozen yogurt for a snack and pasta with Alfredo sauce and a salad for dinner. A small amount of nuts or popcorn often comprises the evening snack. Johnson provides recipes to accompany the meal plans in the back of his book.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Jul 17, 2011

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