This article does a good job of knocking these clowns off of their high horses.
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HCG Mythbusters - Most Are Downright False
By http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=David_L_Greene]David L Greene
The HCG diet plan has achieved a resurgence in popularity in the US, as it allows dieters to lose a tremendous amount of weight in a relatively short time period. HCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin, and is administered either via daily injections or subcutaneously under the tongue.
Here are some myths about the diet:
1. Consuming only 500 calories a day for over a month is not safe.
2. Not enough protein is ingested on the HCG diet.
3. Not enough fiber is eaten on the diet.
4. The drops or injections are pointless.
5. The diet plan requires no exercise so it's harmful.
Let's look at these one by one. With regards to the caloric restrictions, it is steep. In fact, numerous doctors have modified the restriction upwards to 800-1200 calories daily, which is closer to the human average intake. If not careful, patients can have serious health problems from such a low calorie intake including electrolyte disturbances and malnutrition.
The answer to this myth is that it's not all false. But the restriction is well tolerated with proper vitamin supplementation, hydration, and adhering to the dietary requirements. This is why doctors recommend the program be accomplished with supervision rather than going it alone.
The body's "need" for protein is satisfied with a recommended intake of 0.8 - 1 gm/kg, which is on average 50 to 100 grams daily. Interestingly, the HCG diet requires intake of 200 grams of protein daily, which is adequate to satisfy the average human needs. So that myth is false.
The myth that HCG dieters do not eat enough fiber is bunk. The American Diabetic Association recommends 20 to 35 grams of fiber a day. Interestingly, Americans on average consume only half this amount. On the HCG diet, four servings of fruits and vegetables are required and each one has approximately 4 to 5 grams of fiber, making the intake daily of 20 grams or slightly less. So HCG dieters do in fact intake at or close to the recommended amounts of fiber.
People who say the "drops or injections are pointless" are referring to studies that show HCG is no more effective than placebo. There are studies on both sides of its efficacy, so the jury is still out. The theory is that HCG assists the body to become much efficient by using saved body fat. Although the person is consuming only 500 calories daily, the body is getting its 1500 to 4000, just from one's saved body fat. The drops or injections help save lean body mass and also suppress appetite. They are vital to the diet.
Exercise is allowed on the diet, only in moderation. If it's excessive it will burn off substantial calories too quickly, causing hunger and fatigue.
The myths abound on the HCG diet, and as you can see most are just plain false.
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?HCG-Mythbusters---Most-Are-Downright-False&id=6559156] HCG Mythbusters - Most Are Downright False
