Dr. K. Steven Whiting founded the Institute of Nutritional Science, whose mission is to research and collect information on the effects of non-synthetic substances on health. The institute’s website is also a venue Dr. Whiting uses to sell his products, among them CDs, DVDs, booklets and diagnostic tests. In addition, he and his organization have an agreement with Phoenix Nutritionals to promote the company’s products. His diabetic diet, for example, includes one of Phoenix Nutritionals’ supplements.
About Diabetes
When you eat carbohydrates, your body transforms them into sugar molecules small enough for your cells to absorb and use as fuel. Glucose is the most common of those sugars. Under normal conditions, the pancreas releases the hormone insulin when it senses glucose in the bloodstream. This signals to the cells that sugar is available for their absorption. In Type 1 diabetes, your pancreas cannot make enough insulin to trigger the cells to assimilate the sugar. This may be the case in Type 2 diabetes also; or it may be that insulin production is normal but the cells are not sensitive to it, so they do not go after the glucose in the bloodstream.
Dr. Whiting’s Perspective
Dr. Whiting focuses his dietary advice on diabetes Type 2, which he says starts as low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. He blames both conditions on the overconsumption of carbohydrates in the form of refined sugar and processed flour. According to Whiting, these foods cause the pancreas to produce insulin in excess. Thus his diet aims at limiting carbohydrate intake to curb insulin production.
Dr. Whiting’s Diet
The key to treating diabetes through diet is a gradual decrease in carbohydrate consumption, says Whiting. First, count how many grams of carbohydrates you eat daily. If the total is fewer than 100 grams, decrease carbohydrate consumption by 10 to 20 grams every day until you reach 40 to 50 grams of carbohydrates daily. If you usually take in more than 100 grams of carbohydrates daily, reduce consumption over four weeks -- to 100 grams daily in the first week, 80 grams in the second week, 60 grams in the third week and 40 to 50 grams in the fourth week. Whiting recommends getting your carbs in the form of whole grains, wild rice, legumes and vegetables. Avoid foods containing sugar, molasses, corn syrup and honey. The doctor also advises taking GlucoCrave, a Phoenix Nutritionals product he says lowers insulin and reduces cravings.
Considerations
Ask your doctor whether she thinks Dr. Whiting's diet can bring your glucose under control and serve as a viable treatment for diabetes Type 2. If you decide to try this plan, do so under a physician’s care. You need medical advice on several issues. If you currently take diabetes drugs, find out whether you should continue them while on this diet. Additionally, since Whiting limits his advice to carbohydrates and does not address other nutrients such as fats and protein, get medical guidance on planning complete meals for your condition. Also ask your doctor how often to monitor your glucose level and what changes you should report to her.
References
- Institute of Nutritional Science: About Us
- Institute of Nutritional Science: Order Form
- Phoenix Nutritionals, Inc.: Home
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Basics: Type 1
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Basics: Type 2
- Institute of Nutritional Science: Diabetes -- Special Report #3
- Institute of Nutritional Science: Modified Low Carbohydrate Diet Program for Type II Diabetics and Hypoglycemia
