Featured topics
 






©2004 Weight Awareness
All Rights Reserved


 Community   Dr. Barry Sears... 
Tell a Friend

Dr. Barry Sears discusses the role of inflammation and the Zone Diet

*** (2004-12-21  20:2:48):Welcome to Dr Sear's Live Event

Moderator says (2004-12-21  20:3:23):

Good Evening Dr. Sears

Moderator says (2004-12-21  20:8:15):

I would like to thank you for coming into the chat room tonight, this close to Christmas.

Moderator says (2004-12-21  20:10:24):

Dr. Sears, there has been a great deal of press about the anti-inflammatory medications. Does the body have its own anti-inflammatory agents?

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  20:12:59):

The body has a formidable array of exceptionally powerful anti-inflammatory agents, in particular anti-inflammatory eicosanoids.  These hormones derived from long-chain omega-3 fatty acids at high enough levels have the same anti-inflammatory benefits but reduce instead of increase heart attacks.

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  20:15:43):

The body has a formidable array of powerful anti-inflammatory  agents derived from long-chain omega-3 fatty acids that have the same benefits but reduce heart attacks as opposed to increasing them.

mbravo says  (2004-12-21  20:17:16):

So are you saying that the body can make anti-inflammatories from our diet?

mbravo says (2004-12-21  20:17:19):

So are you saying that the body can make anti-inflammatories from our diet?

Dr. Sears says to mbravo (2004-12-21  20:18:51):

This is why the Zone Diet is considered to be an anti-inflammatory diet since it was designed to up-regulate the production of these powerful anti-inflammatory eicosanoids while simultaneously down-regulating the production of pro-inflammatory eicosanids that cause pain.

sharon says (2004-12-21  20:19:55):

Is it better to have a low-carb or low-fat diet if you take in the same amount of calories?

mbravo says (2004-12-21  20:21:7):

I have heard that the Zone Diet is a Protein Rich Diet? Where do the anti-inflammatories come in?

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  20:21:22):

I believe the data is quite clear that is better to have a moderate carb, moderate fat, and moderate protein diet like the Zone Diet as they have been superior to have superior hormonal responses.

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  20:23:22):

The Zone Diet is not a protein rich diet since you never consume any more low-fat protein at meal than you can fit on the palm of your hand.  This is the recommendation of every nutritionist in the country.  The anti-inflammatory response of the Zone Diet comes from its ability to manipulate the levels of eicosanoids by controlling the protein to carbohydrate ratio as well as the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids.

Moderator says (2004-12-21  20:24:44):

How does the Zone Diet manipulate these 'fatty acid levels'?

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  20:26:10):

By reducing the intake of protein sources rich in omega-6 fats (like red meat) and decreasing the intake of vegetable oils while increasing protein sources rich in omega-3 fats (like fish) and using fish oil supplements.

mbravo says  (2004-12-21  20:26:55):

Do these 'natural' anti-inflammatories only work on my muscles?

Dr. Sears says to mbravo (2004-12-21  20:29:14):

They work on every organ of your body.  There are two types of inflammation.  One is the classic type that causes pain.  The other is silent inflammation that is the underlying cause of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's.  Silent inflammation is below the pain threshold and as a result you do nothing to stop it.  It eventually smolders for years and ultimately  results in chronic disease.

mbravo says  (2004-12-21  20:29:58):

Wow, that is fascinating!

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  20:30:34):

I discuss all of this in far greater detail in my next book, The Anti-Inflammation Zone, which comes out in January 2005.

mbravo says (2004-12-21  20:30:43):

Is this why I should take an aspirin a day?

Dr. Sears says to mbravo (2004-12-21  20:31:48):

Aspirin has some side effects, like death due to internal bleeding.  However, high-dose fish oil combined with low-dose aspirin give rise to the most powerful anti-inflammatory compounds ever discovered.

mbravo says (2004-12-21  20:32:35):

What does low dose Aspirin mean? How much fish oil do I have to take?

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  20:33:20):

Low  dose aspirin is about 1/4 of a baby aspirin per day, and high-dose  fish oil is about  5 grams of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids per day.

mbravo says (2004-12-21  20:33:28):

I do not like the taste of fish oil, is there a better way to take it than by the teaspoon?

Moderator says (2004-12-21  20:35:9):

There has been a recent study the proved large doses of Vitamin E (originally thought to be good for you) is now detrimental. Why do you think that is? Will there be a study like this against fish oil some day?

Dr. Sears says to mbravo (2004-12-21  20:35:37):

There are a lot of new ways to  to eliminate the taste.  First use ultra-refined EPA/DHA concentrates in which much of the taste and virtually all of the toxins (such as PCBs and dixoins) have been removed.  Second is to take a small amount of lemon juice right after the fish oil to dampen down the taste.

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  20:36:40):

They have already done the study.  It was the GISSI study in which Vitamin E shown no benefit in reducing cardiovascular mortality, but fish oil demonstrated a dramatic benefit equal to any statin drug.

Kathleen says (2004-12-21  20:37:42):

Dr. Sears, what is the best way to get started on the zone diet?

mbravo says (2004-12-21  20:38:32):

You are saying less that less than 1/4 of a Baby Aspirin is what I need?

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  20:38:55):

Probably the easiest way is to read my paperback book, A Week in the Zone.  This is basically the Zone for Dummies.  It's a quick read  in no more than one hour but gives you all the necessary information to start the program.

sharon says (2004-12-21  20:39:38):

why do you recommend people eat a lot of protien?

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  20:39:39):

You only need about 20 mg. of aspirin.  A baby aspirin contains 82 mg. of aspirin.

mbravo says  (2004-12-21  20:40:7):

How do I get only 20 mg of Aspirin?

mbravo says to  (2004-12-21  20:40:10):

Dr. Sears says to mbravo (2004-12-21  20:40:35):

Use a sharp knife and cut the baby aspirin very carefully.

Moderator says (2004-12-21  20:41:29):

Is there not refined fish oil capsules?

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  20:43:6):

Most of what you find in a health food store can be considered to be the sewer of the sea as it is still rich in PCBs and dioxins.  It takes about 100 gallons of health-food grade fish oil to make one gallon of truly refined fish oil.  This could be considered "weapons-grade" fish oil.

mbravo says (2004-12-21  20:44:9):

That must be what I have had. I burp alot when I take those types of fish oil capsules.

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  20:44:52):

That's why no one ever takes enough fish oil to get its true anti-inflammatory potential.

mbravo says (2004-12-21  20:45:6):

How do I get the Ultra-refined Fish Oil Capsules? Is there a web site?

kathleen says to  (2004-12-21  20:45:38):

Dr. Sears, Are there different types of fish oils ? Is one better for men or women and does age matter with taking it?

Jackie says to  (2004-12-21  20:45:44):

What exactly does a fish oil capsule do?

kathleen says to  (2004-12-21  20:45:59):

Dr. Sears, Are there different types of fish oils ? Is one better for men or women and does age matter with taking it?

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  20:46:28):

I would go to 'http://www.ifosprogram.com' which is an independent web site that is the premier analysis site for fish oils This might be a self-serving statement, but I feel the best oil in the  world today can be found at 'http://www.zonelabsinc.com.'

Jackie says (2004-12-21  20:46:50):

Thank you.

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  20:47:45):

The amount of fish oil you need is not dependent on age, sex, or weight, but it is dependent on the type of chronic disease that you may have.  I should point out that the more closely you follow the Zone Diet, the less fish oil you require to control silent inflammation.

mbravo says (2004-12-21  20:48:37):

So I can go to Zonelabsinc.com and order the capsules? Then I should take some lemon juice afterwards?

kathleen says to  (2004-12-21  20:49:10):

I do not  like seafood at all. Occasionally I will eat tuna. Can the zone diet still work for me?

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  20:49:12):

No need to take lemon juice with capsules.  That is only if you are taking liquid fish oil.

kathleen says to  (2004-12-21  20:49:21):

I do not  like seafood at all. Occasionally I will eat tuna. Can the zone diet still work for me?

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  20:50:17):

Of course.  A recent article from Harvard Medical School demonstrated that the Zone Diet was nine times more powerful than the American Heart Association diet in reducing silent inflammation.

kathleen says to  (2004-12-21  20:50:49):

What is silent inflammation?

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  20:51:36):

Silent inflammation is chronic inflammation that is below the threshold of pain.  It is the ultimate cause of chronic disease, aging, and weight gain.

Moderator says (2004-12-21  20:52:1):

There are other diets out there that promote high fat diets as the best way to lose weight. Briefly can you comment on why the Zone Diet which promotes a more balanced approach is better.

Moderator says (2004-12-21  20:53:25):

Is fish oil a very important part of the Zone Diet.

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  20:54:13):

High fat diets are also low carbohydrate diets.  You  will initially lose more weight on a low carb diet in the first six months, but clinical studies indicate that most of that weight is regained in the second six months.  This is caused by a increase in the hormone cortisol which is secreted to tear down existing muscle mass to convert it to glucose for the brain.  Long-term build of cortisol makes you fatter.

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  20:55:18):

Fish oil is an important part of the Zone Diet because first and foremost the Zone Diet is an anti-inflammatory diet, and fighting inflammation (especially silent inflammation) is a life-long struggle.

kathleen says (2004-12-21  20:55:26):

What are the benefits to building more muscle through exercise(lifting weights) regarding metabolism?

Leah says (2004-12-21  20:56:3):

I'm 40, overweight all my life, and I've never eaten right. Is it too late for me to turn things around? And if so, how do I get started?

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  20:56:39):

The more muscle you have, the more able you are to reduce blood glucose levels to reduce an over secretion of insulin.  It is is excess insulin that makes you fat and keeps you fat.

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  20:58:1):

It is never to late to get started, you just need the right information.  I suggest reading A Week in the Zone, and you will see significant results in body within 7 days, and dramatic results in your blood within 30 days.

Patrick says  (2004-12-21  20:58:25):

Where can I find this book?

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  20:58:55):

It should be in virtually every bookstore and definitely on Amazon.com.

kathleen says to  (2004-12-21  20:59:1):

is it difficult to get into the zone if your diet consists of alot of carbos

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  21:0:12):

It is virtually impossible.  Of course it is also impossible to stay in the Zone if you are not eating enough carbohydrates.  Bottom line just eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and really cut back on the grains and starches.

Moderator says (2004-12-21  21:0:25):

Dr. Sears, your new book is due out in January. Will this be a comprehensive book explaining the Zone Diet, the importance of Fish Oil as well as Inflammation? What is the title of it?

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  21:1:29):

The Anti-Inflammation Zone is a comprehensive, but easy to read book on the true purpose of the Zone Diet especially when combined with high-dose fish oil.

mbravo says (2004-12-21  21:2:19):

When you say high dose you are still talking 5 grams a day? How many capsules is that per day?

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  21:3:3):

That would be 8 capsules of the "weapons-grade" fish oil or 16 capsules of the typical health-food grade fish oil.

alex says to  (2004-12-21  21:3:3):

Coffee is a big part of my diet. How does this affect my diet?

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  21:3:34):

Try to cut back on the caffeine since it stimulates insulin secretion.

Moderator says (2004-12-21  21:5:29):

Dr. Sears, we at Weight Awareness and its members would like to thank you for allowing us to chat with you and learn from you. The Zone Diet is an incredible diet revolution.

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  21:5:59):

Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the Zone Diet with you all.

Moderator says (2004-12-21  21:6:14):

We will look forward to your new book and wish you great success. Once again, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Good Night.

Dr. Sears says (2004-12-21  21:6:31):

Thank you very much.

 

 


 Back to the list