Lipectomy, a liposuction-like procedure, may increase susceptibility to diseases by decreasing humoral immune protection, according to a study.
Researchers found that even a moderate loss of fat leads to decreased amounts of infection-fighting IgG antibodies, which suggests that animals use energy stored as fat to ward off infection.
Immune system function improved when fat tissue that had been removed was able to regrow, according to researchers.
The study involved 54 adult male prairie voles and 36 adult male Siberian hamsters, which were divided into three groups. One group had epididymal white adipose tissue removed, another group had inguinal white adipose tissue removed, and the third group had a surgical procedure but no tissue removed.
Half of each group was then exposed to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), a substance known to produce a strong immune response in voles and hamsters without making them sick.
Researchers then measured concentrations of IgG antibodies in the rodents’ blood; immune impairment is signified by a lower concentration of the antibodies.
Results showed that immune function of voles that had received KLH was normal four weeks after surgery, but impaired 12 weeks after surgery.
However, hamsters that had received KLH had impaired immune function four weeks after surgery, but showed normal immune function when they had regained body fat 12 weeks after surgery.
Researchers suggested that the differing results are due to the two species’ unique physiologies, and said more research is warranted to determine if there is a connection between fat and immune function in humans as well.
Indiana University March 27, 2003
Science Blog March 27, 2003
The low-fat diet myth has caused much grief in this country.
Most of us don’t realize how pervasive this myth actually is. Nearly all of us have been affected by it, including myself. It took me many years of dedicated study to understand the problems with this issue.
The major problem with it is that people will eat grains and sugars in exchange for the fat. Very few people will replace the fat with vegetables.
The increase of grains is the problem, and I discuss this extensively in my new book, The No-Grain Diet.
Low fat in and of itself is not the major problem as about one-third of people do quite well on a low-fat diet--if they replace the fats with healthy vegetables. These people are typically carb/vegetable types according to Metabolic Typing.
Unfortunately, protein types (like myself) do quite miserably on this program. I can give you a hint from my early observations: if your cholesterol level is below 125 it is likely that you are a protein type and desperately need to add more fat to your diet.
An ideal cholesterol level is about 200. The key to evaluating cholesterol levels is not the total cholesterol number but the percentage of good cholesterol (HDL).
Another primary consideration with fat is to make sure that you have high quality fat. Fat that is heated and converted to trans fat is far more dangerous than a low-fat diet.
Also, please remember to balance your essential fat ratios. I see many people who consume large quantities of seeds. While seeds are clearly healthy foods for many people, when they are consumed in excess they will provide far too many omega-6 fats and thus cause serious health problems by distorting the omega 6:3 ratio, which many believe should be close to 1:1.
One way to get your omega 6:3 ratio closer to the ideal 1:1 is by consuming more omega-3 fatty acids. While I now advise against consuming fish from any source, as sadly almost all fish are now showing dangerously high levels of mercury and other toxins, I did have various types of fish lab-tested, to see if any out there was still safe.
And I finally found one source that is free from harmful mercury and other toxins while providing you all the immense benefits of omega-3: Vital Choice wild red Alaskan salmon. This is an absolutely delicious and health fish, caught under the most humane standards from pristine waters in Alaska, and I now offer this delicious wild red salmon to you in my "Recommended Products" section.
Lack of time is another factor that often sabotages a person’s efforts to eat healthy. If you find yourself pressed for time, consider the convenient and completely nutritious Whey Protein with Aminogen®.
While whole foods are best, if you are low on time and tempted by fast food, try Whey Protein with Aminogen® instead.
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The Truth About Saturated Fat
Are Low-Fat Diets Safe or Beneficial For Kids?
Trans Fat Much Worse for You Than Saturated Fat
Low-Fat Diets Decrease Children's Nutrient Intake
Scientist Questions Benefits of Low Fat Diets