The dissociated diet is based on a food combining and separation system that was developed by Dr. William Howard Hay, a New York physician who practiced in the early 1900s. The guiding principle of this diet is to prevent acidic foods and proteins from mixing with carbohydrates such as starches and sugars. The diet may help you lose weight quickly, although it may not have any long-term health benefits, Dr. Alejandro De La Sierr of the University of Barcelona stated at the 7th Virtual Congress of Cardiology held between September and November 2011. Consult with your health care professional before embarking on the dissociated diet.
Basic Rules
As with any diet, the dissociated diet follows some basic rules. During the dissociated diet you should not eat carbohydrates, fats and proteins simultaneously, according to the American Heart Association. In fact, proteins, carbohydrates and fats should be a small part of your meal. Most of your meal should be made up of fruits and vegetables. Substitute the refined sugars in your food with whole grains such as barn, oats and barley. Maintain at least a four to four 1/2-hour gap between your meals.
Scandinavian Dissociated Diet
The Scandinavian Dissociated diet was designed by Scandinavian researchers Christensen and Hansen to maximize the storage of glycogen in muscles, thereby promoting increased consumption of sugars during physical activity. The first phase of the diet consisted of a three-day low carbohydrate diet and intense physical activity. The next three days involve a high carbohydrate diet and light physical activity. The goal of this diet is to stimulate glycogen synthesis by first depleting glycogen stores, and then stimulating glycogen production, says Professor J. P. Sharma of Punjab University, India.
Scientific Diet
Several scientific studies have been conducted to study the effects of dissociated diets. One such study, included in Weekly Reports of Meetings and Memoranda; Biology Society, Paris, found individuals consuming high carbohydrates as part of their dissociated diet regimen experience increased amount of wave sleep, while those consuming high protein and fat diet experienced increased REM sleep and increased dreaming. Another study, in the April 2000 issue of the “International Journal of Obesity,” suggested that dissociated diet did not lead to any additional weight or fat loss when compared with diets that involve consumption of similar foods in a single meal.
Tips
Always talk to a doctor before starting a new diet. Remember combining a healthy diet with significant physical activity is essential for the success of any weight loss plan. Once you start the diet plan, follow it consistently.
References
- American Heart Association: Food-Combining Diets no Better for Weight Loss Than Balanced Diets
- Exercise Physiology; J. P. Sharma
- Biology Society, Paris.; Influence of the Scandinavian Dissociated Diet Regime on the Structure of Sleep in Athletes; A. L. Francart et al
- International Journal of Obesity; Similar Weight Loss with Low-Energy Food Combining or Balanced Diets; A Golay et al
- 7th Virtual Congress of Cardiology; Metabolic Syndrome in Hypertension:Treatment Challenges and Goals
