Encyclopedia of Diets - A Guide to Health and Nutrition

(Nandana) #1
The biggest criticism of the Pritikin Plan is that it
requires rigorous self-discipline to stay on for a life-
time. People who do well on the Pritikin Plan tend to
be highly motivated and zealous about following the
diet. Many healthcare professionals feel long-term
success for most people is more likely to occur if the
dieter follows a well-balanced but less rigorous diet.
Some nutritionists also take issue with whether
the low fat component of the diet allows people to
get enough beneficial fats such as omega-3 fatty
acidsand whether absorption of the fat-soluble vita-
mins A, D, E, and K is impaired. To date these
criticisms have not been supported by research find-
ings. However, critics were handed more ammunition
by a long-term study of 49,000 American women ages
50–79 that found that alow-fat diethad no effect on
the risk of developing heart disease or cancer. The
study was published in February 2006 in theJournal
of the American Medical Association.The findings are
controversial, and go against much current medical
thinking. This study will certainly stimulate additional
research on low-fat diets.

Resources
BOOKS
Bijlefeld, Marjolijn and Sharon K. Zoumbaris.Encyclopedia
of Diet Fads. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2003.
Icon Health Publications.Fad Diets: A Bibliography, Medical
Dictionary, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet
References. San Diego, CA: Icon Health Publications,
2004.
Pritikin, Robert.The Pritikin Principle: The Calorie Density
Solution. Alexandria, VA: Time-Life Books, 2000.
Scales, Mary Josephine.Diets in a Nutshell: A Definitive
Guide on Diets from A to Z. Clifton, VA: Apex Pub-
lishers, 2005.

ORGANIZATIONS
American Dietetic Association. 120 South Riverside Plaza,
Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995. Telephone:
(800) 877-1600. Website:<http://www.eatright.org>
The Pritikin Longevity Center. 19735 Turnberry Way
Aventura, FL 33180. Telephone: (800) 327-4914 or
(305) 935-7131. Fax: (305) 935-7371. Website:<http://
http://www.pritikin.com>
OTHER
Harvard School of Public Health. ‘‘Interpreting News on
Diet.’’ Harvard University, 2007.<http://www.hsph
.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/media.html>
Health Diet Guide ‘‘The PritikinWeight Loss Breakthrough.’’
Health.com, February 2005.<www.health.com/health/
web/DietGuide/pritikin_complete.html>
Pritikin Center. ‘‘What is Pritikin?’’ 2007.<http://www
.pritikin.com>
United States Department of Health and Human Services
and the United States Department of Agriculture.
‘‘Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005.’’ January 12,
2005.<http://www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines>
WebMD. ‘‘The Pritikin Principle.’’<http://www.webmd
.com/content/pages/7/3220_282.htm>

Tish Davidson, A.M.

Prostate
Definition
The prostate is a male gland about the size of a
walnut located just behind the bladder and is part of
the reproductive system.

Description
The prostate is a chestnut-shaped organ that sur-
rounds the beginning of the urethra in men. It produ-
ces a milky fluid that is part of the seminal fluid
discharged during ejaculation. Male hormones
(androgens) make the prostate grow. The testicles are
the main source of male hormones, including testos-
terone. The adrenal gland also makes testosterone, but
in small amounts. If the prostate grows too large, it
squeezes the urethra. This may slow or stop the flow of
urine from the bladder to the penis. The common term
for an enlarged prostate is BPH, which stands for
benign (non-cancerous) prostatic hyperplasia or
hypertrophy. Hyperplasia means that the prostate
cells are dividing too rapidly, increasing the total num-
ber of cells and therefore the size of the organ itself.
Hypertrophy simply means enlargement.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE
DOCTOR

 Does my current lifestyle put me at high risk for
developing heart disease?
 Do I need to go on a diet this rigorous, or can my
goals be met on a more moderate diet?
 Is this diet safe for my entire family?
 Are there any sign or symptoms that might
indicate a problem while on this diet?
 At what level of intensity is it appropriate for me
to begin exercising?
 If one of your family members wanted to go on a
diet, would you recommend this one

Prostate

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