I’ve talked previously about how some drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter, can block weight loss. Metoprolol, a beta blocker prescribed to treat heart rhythm disorders, hypertension, coronary disease, migraine headaches, and other conditions, is on that list. But Melinda succeeded in losing an impressive amount of weight despite taking this drug.
“I have lost a 110 pounds over the last two and a half years. I still need to lose another 90 pounds. I just found an article written by you saying that metoprolol may prevent weight loss. This is very disheartening, as I have worked hard to lose weight and to think all along this may have prevented me from losing more weight. I am going to make an appointment with my heart doctor on Monday.”
Well, first of all, Melinda should be congratulated on losing a lot of weight despite being put on a drug that generally blocks weight loss—an impressive achievement. Secondly, the rhythm issue may have improved with the Wheat Belly strategies, specifically wheat/grain elimination (big effect), magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and cultivation of bowel flora. This will need to be assessed by Melinda’s cardiologist, of course. Ideally, Melinda will get off the drug, require a lesser dose, or have it replaced with one that does not block weight loss. (It also depends on what variety of rhythm disorder she has.) This is part of the broad front of disease reversal that people enjoy on this lifestyle.
Recall that the Wheat Belly concepts got their start many years ago as part of an effort to halt or reverse coronary artery disease. And it does indeed do so. But while delivering this program to thousands of people, I also witnessed many reducing or stopping atrial fibrillation (a variety of heart rhythm disorder), hypertension, high triglycerides, excess small LDL particles, raising HDL, reducing blood sugar and HbA1c, reducing inflammation. In other words, not only does the Wheat Belly lifestyle bring weight loss, reduction of joint pain, reversal of depression and food obsessions, etc., it also achieves heart health to an extraordinary degree.
If Melinda transformed her weight and health so much even with the success-blocking effect of metoprolol in her body, it will be fascinating to see what she achieves if she can get off the drug. Please provide us with an update in future, Melinda!
I took 50 mg metoprolol every night and 50 mg every morning and lost 30 pounds in a couple of months while eating the Wheat Belly diet. The key is to eat less food than before and walk to prevent the weight being regained.
My primary care physician and a cardiologist want me to keep taking metoprolol because I’ve had atrial fibrillation and high blood pressure. I still have an occasional episode of atrial fibrillation on the Wheat Belly diet and an occasional migraine aura.
Metoprolol can slightly increase triglyceride levels and decrease HDL cholesterol levels unfortunately.
Ken wrote: «My primary care physician and a cardiologist want me to keep taking metoprolol because I’ve had atrial fibrillation and high blood pressure.»
Aspects of the Wheat Belly program that can favorably influence both of those conditions are:
• Basic diet (grain-free very low net carb, fats to satiety, but low Omega 6 linoleic acid)
• Correct any abnormal thyroid
• Attend to gut flora (daily prebiotic fiber, perhaps probiotics)
• Omega 3 DHA&EPA, 3 to 3.5 grams/day (inform Dr. if on blood thinner)
• Vitamin D to 60-70 ng/dL, ample magnesium
Dr. Davis’ Cureality program has additional strategies to consider for BP, including:
• Co-enzyme Q10 supplementation
• L-arginine supplementation
• Nitric oxide enhancing supplements
Dr. Davis’ Cureality program has additional strategies to consider for Atrial Fibrillation, including:
• taurine and L-arginine supplements
• strengthen relaxation response
Relief from A fib is far from assured, but there have been enough instances on Wheat Belly that it’s easily a “no harm in trying” situation. See:
https://drdavisinfinitehealth.com/2014/05/wheat-and-atrial-fibrillation/
Now the following is just personal speculation, but I’m wondering if there is vagus nerve involvement in some cases of A fib, and that getting the gut microbiome in order might be the key in these remissions. Keeping the vagus nerve happy might also have benefits down the road in avoiding some chronic neuro ailments.
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Does anyone take coumadin on the WB? If yes… Did you have to change your dose?
Faith wrote: «Does anyone take coumadin on the WB?»
It has been reported, for example (as warfarin) at:
https://drdavisinfinitehealth.com/2015/10/dee-freed-of-sleep-apnea-restless-legs-joint-pains-and-a-fib/
«If yes… Did you have to change your dose?»
It’s not possible for me to usefully speculate on that without knowing why it was prescribed and the dose.
If you are taking the full suggested amount of Omega 3 DHA & EPA daily, do let your cardiologist know, as some might want to reduce the coumadin dose (although there are apparently no actual reports of unexpected bleeding due to fish oil – it’s just a hypothetical concern).
If the coumadin is for A fib, as in that link above, I would expect it to be possible to discontinue any precautionary anti-coagulants if the underlying condition vanishes. That’s a big “if”, however; A fib remission is reported on Wheat Belly, but is by no means assured. You can use the blog search on “atrial fibrillation” for some discussions.
If A fib is the issue here, there are some other aspects of the Wheat Belly dietary recommendations that are also worth discussing.
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yes good job and thank you Dr Davis
Wow Melinda! You look so fantastic! Keep up the good work!
Melinda –
You are rockin’ it! Your changes are so impressive!
Congratulations and continued improvements! May you one day soon be meds -free! Don’t be discouraged – it takes time for some of the changes to really take hold – just focus on learning all you can, making adjustments as you go along, and give yourself endless high-fives for what you have already accomplished.
Your body is healing inside and you may need to be patient as it mends and catches up with your great strong spirit and new goals! Some changes happen right away and others more slowly but it is still happening – as you rest, as you move, with every change you make.
It took decades for us each to get into such trouble but it takes far less time to mend. Love yourself every step of the way! And meanwhile – ENJOY!- have fun learning new recipes, finding new favorites, and sharing with your friends and family!
Best,
CA
Melinda,
Here’s a fun adaptation of Flax Seed Crackers – it’s real flavorful! And if you have any “dough” left you can add taco seasonings and make “chips” for dipping in Salsa!
CHEESY FLAX CRACKERS:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees
Line 2 baking sheets (approx. 18” x 13”) with parchment paper
In a large bowl combine:
2 cups ground golden flax seeds
3 tablespoons ground sesame seeds
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon white pepper
1 tablespoon nigella seeds (available at Indian food stores as Kallonji )
5 oz. grated Aged “Beemster” cheese (or any aged Gouda or deep flavor cheddar)
In a separate bowl whisk together:
1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons tahini
1 tablespoon sweetener of your choice
1 tablespoon rosemary oil
1 large egg
Pour into flax seed mixture and thoroughly mix.
Divide the mixture on the trays; cover with wax paper or parchment and roll out to 1/8” thickness. Remove wax paper and sprinkle with coarse sea salt, pressing it into the surface.
Score the crackers with a knife or pastry scraper (or anything) to the desired size and bake approx. 25 minutes or until the center is firm.
I make them about 2″ square. Or triangles for the Salsa “chips”.
Enjoy!
CA
I eat virtually no wheat. BUT — I take some vitamins and supplements which contain fillers such as maltodextrin and modified food starch. Although these fillers are in tiny amounts, I wonder if they are negating the benefits I derive from following the wheat belly regimen.