No-flour, no-sugar diet safe, easy

Dear Dr. Gott: I have a daughter who has been an asthmatic since birth and is now 48 years old. She has been steroid-dependent since that time and is now on 28 milligrams daily. In addition, she is on theophylline, methotrexate, Singulair, albuterol, Azmacort, Zocor, diltiazem, and lisinopril daily, as well as a multitude of as-needed meds, including oxygen and epinephrine. Her steroid dosage varies according to her condition. Hospitalization occurs as needed, usually a minimum of five days on an average of one to two episodes yearly.

She is currently enrolled in a physical-training program and has been for several years. It consists of cardio and strength training to assist her breathing. It has not helped her with her weight problem. Having tried many dietary programs, she has not been able to shed the necessary weight. We have heart problems on both sides of our family, with the closest being her father, who has several problems and has a pacemaker. We do not have a history of diabetes; however, she has concerns because her blood sugar rises occasionally, although doctors have not diagnosed her as diabetic yet.

Considering all these unfavorable factors, I have been cautious in recommending your no-sugar, no-flour diet, since she has already tried all the recommended diets with no success. So many of your readers have been helped with this diet that I would like to know if you would recommend it for her or if you have any other suggestions. Her overweight condition affects her complete well being, both physical and mental.

Thank you for any help you can offer.

Dear Reader: I do not claim that my simple and inexpensive no-flour, no-sugar diet is appropriate for patients with medical problems, such as diabetes or asthma, but it can be useful for people who are overweight or have, as I suspect your daughter has, metabolic syndrome: obesity, borderline diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol levels.

For a woman of 48, your daughter is taking a truckload of medicines, some of which can be harmful, such as the steroids. I hope that she is under the care of a pulmonary specialist for her asthma and being monitored for hypertension and cholesterol problems.

In support of my weight-loss diet, I’d like to point out that it is safe, inexpensive, easy and adjustable – ideal for the overweight person. For a copy of my Health Report on “Losing Weight,” please send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

My book on the diet is due to be published in the spring. I’ll keep my readers posted.