Don't Eat These Grains, Legumes or Vegies?

When I was in chiropractic school, we were required to take a course in research.  It was a mere 2 credit course and one that not too many took very seriously.  In this course, we learned how to distinguish "good" science from "bad," and "biased" science from relatively "unbiased."  As humans, it is impossible to be completely unbiased, but you can make a pretty good effort.

So, I was interested in the latest findings by the American Heart Association concerning vascular disease and diet, published in their 2013 Scientific Sessions.  They have decided to recommend the elimination of "lectin" containing grains, legumes and vegetables...including all night shade plants...in order to decrease endothelial (vessel) damage.  Lectin is a sugar-binding protein, usually thought to be very helpful in the diet.  Let's look a bit deeper into the actual study.

The population studied was very restricted.  It consisted of only 200 people.  Of these 200, 40% were women, the ages ranged from 51-86, ALL the individuals had multiple risks for vascular disease and nearly 75% had "endothelial dysfunction."  This means, in effect, vessel damage.  Every one of these statistics show bias....an aging population with preexisting vascular disease/damage and no indication as to their state of health, diet, lifestyle or other health history issues before inclusion in this "study."

There are also different values associated with various types of studies.  Anecdotal data, case history, non-randomized trials or double blind, randomized trials.....upon which type of study were these data based? That information was not included and it makes a great deal of difference to those trying to figure out the validity of the reported findings.

My suggestion:  don't believe everything a "study" concludes.  Just as an example, egg plant is a "night shade" vegetable.  It is also a member of the "viscous fiber" category.  Sticky or viscous fiber eaten everyday is a vital component to vascular protection and normalization of cholesterol levels.  Of course, you don't want to eat a diet high in sugar or sugar-containing foods, that's a "no-brainer."  But, to suggest that we cut out healthy, phyto-nutrient rich foods because the elderly have experienced vascular damage is absurd.  There was nothing in this report to suggest that any reversal of endothelial damage occurred, either.  At the very least, some good science needs to address the specifics of this recommendation.

Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com