Kwasniewski vs. Atkins

A very common misunderstanding takes place when people do not READ carefully and do NOT UNDERSTAND the principals of the Optimal Nutrition but only HEARD that this is a "high fat diet."

Well yes it is, but:

- What is a "high-fat" diet ? Some will say: when 30% of daily energy comes from fats, others will say: 50% , 80% , 90% etc .... So, what is it ?
- do you know what were the proportions between Proteins, Fats and Carbohydrates?
- do you know what TYPE of Fats were used
- do you know what TYPE of Proteins were used etc ...

When Kwasniewski was developing his understanding of the metabolic processes in the seventies (during the times of the "Cold War") he had never heard of Atkins.

Secondly, Kwasniewski spent a number of years conducting research on animals, for instance, feeding pigs, rats with various proportions of P:F:C (Proteins:Fat:Carbohydrates). He then examined their arteries looking at the cholesterol built, elasticity of arteries, etc. Finally he was able to confirm findings of his animal research on the proposed benefits of his dietary approach on a large number of patients who presented themselves with incurable ailments. But not before trying his dietary approach on himself and his family. It had given him far better understanding of the entire process. From what I know Atkins has not done this.

Differences between Kwasniewski and Atkins:

Atkins basically says: reduce carbs, more fat is OK , high P are OK

Kwasniewski says: a simple reduction is not enough, the so called "high- fat diets" can well be high in F and low in C but they will have totally different effects depending on proportion between P : F : C. Too high protein content can even be dangerous. Every dramatic reduction of food quantity markedly accelerates aging, particularly of blood vessels.

The Optimal Nutrition is about PROPORTIONS that ensure that lipids are OK, triglycerides are OK hence there is no risk of coronary disease (www.pslgroup.com/dg/10786A.htm) and all the organs operate in an optimum way.

The Atkins diet does not go that far. This is why some people on the Atkins diet had severe problems with kidneys (too much P).

Atkins says: go on my diet and buy vitamin supplements.

Kwasniewski says: a diet that requires supplements is NOT a good diet. On OD you do not need to take any supplements if you understand exactly how it works and you eat in a proper way.

The Atkins diet was designed for people: TO LOSE WEIGHT, and ... it works.

The Optimal Nutrition was designed to:
a. make the body organs operate in optimal way i.e. to do as much work as required but not more than it is necessary. This has an:
b. immediate, strengthening effect on the immune system.
c. eat as little as possible - fully satisfying body requirements to function normally which has a strong effect on ageing process (low P is the key here) which has already been confirmed by various studies.

In most cases, obviously there is loss of weight but this comes automatically and it is considered as a secondary effect , not the aim of Optimal Nutrition unless specifically used to treat obesity.