Interesting health benefit

[sandy834]

I have been having a cardiac issus called PACs for the last year. When I am on the phase one of this diet, they disappear. When I fall off the diet they are back. Anyone have any insight on this?

[RedRox]

Don't know what PACS is really. I'd ask your doctor perhaps? In general, our overall health improves when we eat good foods that support our health. My nearly daily heartburn went away too. I only notice it if I indulge on some refined carbs now. Others have reported a variety of improvements in all kinds of areas. We are what we eat!

What happens in P2?

[luvbug412]

I believe there is evidence out there suggesting that a reduction (or cessation) of caffine and refined sugar intake (this is where South Beach comes in) assists in reducing the frequency or stopping the frequency of PAC's.

I know my dad had REALLY high blood sugar as well as heart issue. When he got his sugar under control he was able to cut back on the medication for his heart.

Since all of the body's systems operate as a single entity to make up "YOU", what happens in one can effect the other (without what seems like any rhyme or reason sometimes).

[paintedbliss]

A pac is a premature atrial contraction. We all have a pac occassionally, but if you are having alot of them it can cause you to have an irregular heart beat such as atrial fibalation(which can be dangerous if not treated). How do you know you are having them? Is it just a ekg (electrocardiogram) or has your doctor have you worn a holter monitor? This is a heart monitor that people wear for about a week and records every heart complex and the doctor reads it once you give it back to him. I would have to guess it is most probally the caffeine, sodium in decreased quantities if it seems to disappear when you are on southbeach. Are you on any heart meds? If at any time you find you are having heart palpations or chest pain please go to the nearest emergency room. If you have any concerns please ask your cardiologist or family doctor who is addressing this issue.

[sandy834]

Thank you for your concern. I am a nurse and know what type of beats they are. In most people they tend to be a benign condition, mostly pesky. But as I had an episode of PSVT 2 years ago, I am concerned. My cardiologist says it's possible that one of the PACs could start the the arrythmia. So it is a relief to be able to nearly eradicate them. For some reason phase one of the diet stops them. I guess I need to reintroduce carbs slowly and see if I can figure out what is doing it.

[paintedbliss]

I'm sorry, I did not know you are a nurse too so I hope I did not insult you. If it helps the condition, I say keep doing it.

[sandy834]

No reason to be sorry. Thanks for the concern. It is an interesting puzzle though. I have been having the PACs for just over a year. A fight with my ex-fiancee' seems to have brought them on. They were happening at the rate of a couple dozen a day at first. Two weeks ago I was being very careful about my diet and think I went 3 or 4 days without one. A good reason to stick to the diet other than weight loss. Also, I think it improves your overall cardiovascular health.

[Jilly_Bean]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing this here.

[RedRox]

Originally Posted by sandy834

Also, I think it improves your overall cardiovascular health.

Well that was why it was originally designed. As a cardiologist, he designed it for his cardiac patients to lower their risks. The weight loss was more secondary, although weight loss also obviously also contributes to reducing risks of cardiac disease as well. It's just hard to write a best seller that says, eat healthy foods, avoid crap foods and exercise regularly!! Who would buy that or listen to that kind of advice!!