All right - here's a little background...I am trying to reduce my weight by at least 30 pounds over the course of the next few months (4-5). The purpose is to really become healthier for me and my family, get back to a comfortable exercise weight (I love racquetball) and to reduce my overall risk of heart disease, diabetes, etc... My question is this...I was diagnosed with kidney cancer last year and had a kidney removed. Then, a second tumor was found this year (luckily it was there last year so it hadn't spread and wasn't new) just missed. My question is...(sorry for dragging this out) - Is The Zone all right for me given my renal background? My doctor told me I could eat anything I wanted but that he would drop me in a second if I ever went on the Atkins diet due to the protein effects that it has on renal function. I'd appreciate any input on this subject before I jump into The Zone!

That is a warning heard all too often from Atkins detractors (who incorrectly lump the Zone in with high-protein diets). The facts are that some people do have kidney problems when they begin a low-carb diet. But the problem isn't the high protein as much as it is ketosis combined with inadequate hydration. Not to defend Atkins, but I suspect most folks try what they think is "Atkins", taking the advice of someone from work whose daughter-in-law's friend lost 20 pounds in time for her class reunion. They don't read the book. They don't really follow a plan. They don't test their urine. They don't drink enough water. Then they suffer irreparable kidney damage, and your doctor discourages you from trying the Zone. Not fair. The Zone is NOT a high-protein diet (a few more grams as the USDA and AHA recommends) nor a low-carb diet (beginners' biggest complaint is they can't finish all their vegetables). And Sears encourages large amoounts of water. Read the book(s) first, lend it to your doctor if you like. But there should be no risk if you follow the plan the way you should. Good luck.

Thank you so much for the follow-up. I know there is varying degrees of support and opinions on the impact of protein on renal. However, most of what I have read points to the negative impact of protein when it isn't balanced - so I want to make sure I don't look back and say, "uh,oh". Given my history, I am sure you understand why? Appreciate any specifics!

Your concern is very understandable of course. I've read a few studies on the impact of "high-protein" diets on renal failure, and none confirm any solid findings: "...a causal link between high protein intake and renal function decline cannot be established." Again, the Zone is NOT a [i:3eff421e8a]high[/i:3eff421e8a] protein diet. Apples and oranges. But one study fed endurance runners what they called a "high" protein level of 30% of their total calories, (which is what the Zone recommends), and concluded that increasing protein progressed dehydration, and therefore more kidney strain. The author sums it up with: "In otherwise healthy individuals, a protein intake of no more than 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight was recommended by the researchers in order to avoid negative long-term effects." (citation: [url]http://www.akfinc.org/AboutAKF/News.../url]) That maximum recommendation, 2 grams protein per kilo of body weight, exceeds the Zone's maximum of 1 gram per pound of lean body mass. Eating the Zone's proper protein prescription for your LBM and activity level, balanced with enough carbs and water, should maintain healthy kidney function.

I appreciate your feedback and specific citations. I look forward to beginning and am sure I will have more questions tomorrow after I read the specifics in more detail! Thank you again - A