There are 1000s of diet plans and many of them certainly do not work but we are willing to take that path even if it will put our health and wellness at risk.

The Cotton Ball Diet is one of such fads that is gaining momentum. To help us understand what this trend means and how it is leading many people on the fast track to destruction, I have Carroll Owu, a registered dietician and an authority on what dietary plans are safe, healthy and sustainable to share his thoughts on this new craze.

“Fad diets are without number and time and again new ones seem to come up. I believe we should expect more of these as people become desperate to lose weight in the shortest possible time.

One of the latest eating trends for weight loss is the cotton ball diet. Some people add a topping or juice to cotton balls and swallow them in place of food. Several dangers are posed by this practice.

1. First, it is directly related to cotton balls. Most of what we have on the market have other components apart from cotton. These artificial components may affect one’s health and could cause organ damage.
2. Secondly because cotton cannot be digested, it could block the digestive tract. One may require hospitalization when the blockage happens in very sensitive areas of the gut.
3. Finally, essential nutrients that are needed by the body for normal bodily functions will be lacking which may lead to deficiency diseases such as iron deficiency anemia.

Instead of going on a cotton ball diet, a dietitian will help you to:

1. know your ideal weight range and will work out with you a healthy time span within which you could lose weight.
   1. A variety of weight loss meal plans exist. Basically, they target reducing the energy you derive from the food you eat (mostly from the starches, sugary drinks and low fiber pastries) and increasing the energy you burn by increasing your physical activity.
   2. A good weight loss meal plan should be rich in nutrients (vegetables and fruits) and will prevent frequent hunger feelings.”

AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, ENSURE HYGIENE, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)

Carroll Owu, Rd

Health Essentials Ltd (HE&W Group)

(dressel@healthessentialsgh.com)

*Dr. Essel is a Medical Doctor with a keen interest in Lifestyle Medicine, He holds an MBA and is an ISSA Specialist in Exercise Therapy, Fitness Nutrition and Corrective Exercise. He is the author of the award-winning book, ‘Unravelling The Essentials of Health & Wealth.’

Thought for the week (1) – the fact that there are 1000s of diets, some of which appear to work for people, may be a clue that none of them is universal or authentic. Speak to a registered dietician for an evidence-based healthy eating plan that will stand the test of time.

References:

The discussion on Cotton Ball “Diet” was provided by Carroll Owu, a registered dietician.

Make an appointment at the Medics Clinic to speak to him – 055-341-1221