Sugar, carbs and dietary recommendations

We should all know now that sugar is addictive and is damaging our health. However it’s not just the sugar in sugary 'junk' foods that are contributing to the problem.

 I have just listened to a podcast with Dr Gary Fettke and am totally appalled- but not shocked.  As someone who has learnt, and taught nutrition in universities- only to realise that much of what I learnt was incorrect- not much surprises me. The research indicating that current dietary guidelines need to be changed screams to be heard- and yet  those who try to get the message out are silenced.

Dr Fettke endured an investigation that lasted over 2 years. This followed a complaint to AHPRA, submitted by a dietitian, which resulted in a ruling to 'silence' Dr Fettke from talking to his patients and the general population about the health benefits of reducing sugar and processed carbohydrates, and reintroducing healthy natural fats back into their diet.

Years ago, Dr Fettke stumbled across some research explaining the metabolic pathway of Fructose, which had only been described in 2010 by Luc Tappy.  After many years of research, Dr Fettke was determined to promote fresh, seasonal and local produce as much as possible. And for this he was vilified. Along with others who are trying to re-educate the general public. His research also led him to understand the harms of polyunsaturated seed oils in our diet and from there, he developed his hypothesis 'The Nutritional Model of Modern Disease' in April, 2014. One complaint that was made against Dr Fettke was that he had inappropriately reversed someones diabetes!

We have been encouraged for decades to consume large amounts of cereals, grains, breads, pastas etc, and reduce the intake of fats. And yet as a population we are sicker than ever. Diabetes, Heart disease, Cancer, Autoimmune diseases and other inflammatory disease states, are increasing.

We need to admit that we have had it wrong and choose wisely what we put in our bodies. We need be aware that the dietary guidelines inform our medical practitioners as well. The Australian dietary guidelines promotes the intake of "meat alternatives" and "dairy alternatives". Tofu, soy milk and low fat products are encouraged. Processed protein alternatives and canned foods are considered healthy. Healthy saturated fats are demonised, and yet processed carbohydrates in the form of sugar, grains and cereals are a major fuel source. Seed oils (which I have previously posted about the dangers of) are encouraged. These foods are inflammatory. And inflammation is what we need to decrease, as it plays a role in all major chronic disease states.

I recommend that we listen to those such as Dr Fettke, and Professor Tim Noakes, both of whom have been disparaged for suggesting that we go back to a whole food diet containing natural, unprocessed, local, seasonal produce. If you can figure out how that makes sense, please let me know :-).