Brenda Khan
The Kempner rice diet, also known as the Rice Diet Healthcare Program, was developed by Dr. Walter Kempner in 1939 as a treatment for malignant hypertension and kidney failure. The diet consists of rice, sugar, fruit, fruit juices, vitamins, and iron, providing about 2000 calories and 20 grams of protein per day. While the diet has been shown to effectively treat various conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, and heart failure, its extremely low sodium content and strict dietary restrictions require careful medical monitoring. The rice diet is not intended to be a long-term solution, and people with certain medical conditions or surgical histories are advised to consult a doctor before attempting this diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Creator | Dr. Walter Kempner |
| Year | 1939 |
| Calories | 800-2400 |
| Protein | 20-25 grams |
| Fat | 5-10% |
| Sodium | 150-500 milligrams |
| Carbohydrates | High |
| Sugar | Yes |
| Fruit | Yes |
| Fruit Juices | Yes |
| Vitamins | Yes |
| Iron | Yes |
| Liquid | 700-1000 ml |
| Results | Reversal of heart failure, eye damage, kidney failure, and diabetic retinopathy |
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What You'll Learn
The rice diet's reversal of type 2 diabetes
The Kempner rice diet, also known as the Rice Diet Healthcare Program, was developed by Dr Walter Kempner in 1939. It was initially intended as a treatment for malignant hypertension and kidney failure. The diet consists of rice, grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans, with an optional addition of fish on Saturday evenings. The diet is very low in sodium, with only around 150 milligrams per day, and provides 800-1000 calories, with 5-10% derived from fat and 5-20% from protein.
The rice diet has been shown to be effective in treating type 2 diabetes, as well as kidney disease, hypertension, heart failure, sleep apnea, and obesity. In 1958, Kempner documented the reversal of diabetic retinopathy in 13 out of 44 patients following his rice diet. Additionally, in a study where subjects were required to eat enough to maintain their weight, a plant-based diet was still able to reverse type 2 diabetes within weeks.
The rice diet is not without its criticisms, however. Some have noted that it does not provide enough calories or protein for most people to sustain in the long term. Indeed, in Kempner's original cohort of 192 people, 25 patients died, and 60 did not show substantial improvement. Furthermore, the rice diet is dramatically low in salt, protein, and fat, and thus anyone following the diet should consult a doctor before proceeding, especially if they are taking medication for diabetes, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular diseases.
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Dr Walter Kempner's rice diet origins
Dr Walter Kempner's rice diet was founded in 1939 at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Kempner, a German physician, was a refugee from Nazi Germany who joined the faculty of Duke Hospital's department of medicine in 1934.
Kempner's rice diet was initially a treatment for malignant hypertension and renal failure. The original diet was very restrictive, consisting of white rice, fruit, fruit juices, vitamins, and iron, providing about 2000 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 700-1000ml of liquid as fruit juices. Sodium content was extremely low, at about 150 milligrams per day, and chloride content was about 200 milligrams per day.
Kempner believed that the kidney had two functions: one excretory and the other metabolic. He theorized that reducing the protein and electrolyte load on the kidney would allow it to perform its metabolic role better. The diet was reserved for only the most seriously ill patients and was not intended to be a lifetime eating protocol.
Kempner's research and treatment methods provoked wide attention and controversy. However, the results of his strict diet regimen were undeniable, with patients finding their diabetes, kidney, and cardiovascular diseases—once considered fatal—cured or greatly improved.
Kempner's Rice Diet Program influenced contemporary advocates of plant-based diets and contributed to Durham's economic growth and Duke's transformation into a world-renowned medical research and care centre.
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The rice diet's calorie deficit
The Rice Diet was developed by Dr. Walter Kempner in 1939 as a treatment for malignant hypertension, or high blood pressure, and kidney failure. The diet consists of rice, grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, and fruit juices, providing 800 to 2,400 calories per day, with reduced sodium, no animal fat, no animal protein, and no cholesterol. The diet is also high in complex carbohydrates and low in salt, protein, and fat.
The Rice Diet works through calorie restriction, with the first phase of the diet being as low as 800 calories per day. This calorie deficit helps to reduce weight and improve health markers. The diet has been shown to be effective in treating diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, heart failure, sleep apnea, and obesity.
In Kempner's original study, 107 out of 192 participants showed significant improvements in blood pressure, with reductions in serum cholesterol levels, heart size, and retinopathy. The diet has also been shown to reverse diabetic retinopathy, with improvements seen in both eyes during the period of observation.
The Rice Diet Healthcare Program, based on Kempner's original diet, emphasizes the importance of careful physician monitoring and daily low-intensity exercise for the long-term success of the diet. It is important to note that the Rice Diet is not intended to be a lifetime eating protocol, as it may not provide enough calories or protein for long-term sustainability. Additionally, anyone with certain medical conditions or who feels unwell or dizzy while on the diet should consult a doctor immediately.
Overall, the Rice Diet's calorie deficit, combined with a balanced intake of nutrients, has been shown to be effective in treating various health conditions and improving overall health. However, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program.
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The rice diet's short-term benefits
The rice diet, also known as the Kempner diet, was developed by Dr Walter Kempner in 1939. It was originally intended as a treatment for malignant hypertension and kidney failure. The diet consists of rice, grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, sugar, and fruit juices, providing 800-2400 calories a day. It is low in sodium, protein, and fat, and high in complex carbohydrates.
The rice diet has been shown to have several short-term benefits, including:
- Weight loss: The rice diet is low in calories, which can lead to weight loss. In one study, 106 people following the rice diet combined with exercise lost at least 45 kilograms (99 pounds) over the duration of the study.
- Improved blood pressure: In Kempner's original cohort of 192 people, 107 participants showed significant improvement in blood pressure.
- Reduced heart size: In Kempner's original cohort, the heart size decreased in 66 out of 72 patients.
- Lowered serum cholesterol: Serum cholesterol levels were reduced in 73 out of 82 patients in Kempner's original cohort.
- Improved diabetic retinopathy: The rice diet has been shown to improve diabetic retinopathy, with fundus photographs documenting the reversal of this condition.
- Reversal of kidney failure: The rice diet has been shown to improve kidney function, with one source stating that kidney failure was reversed in two-thirds of patients.
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The rice diet's long-term health risks
The rice diet, originally developed by Dr. Walter Kempner in 1939, was designed to address specific medical conditions, primarily high blood pressure (hypertension) and kidney disease. The diet consists of rice, grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, and fruit juices, with an optional source of protein in the form of fish available on Saturday evenings. The diet is very restrictive, providing only 800-1000 calories per day, with extremely low sodium intake, and no animal fat, protein, or cholesterol.
While the rice diet has been shown to be effective in treating hypertension, kidney disease, heart failure, sleep apnea, and obesity, there are concerns about its long-term health impacts due to its restrictive nature. Here are some of the potential long-term health risks associated with the rice diet:
Nutritional deficiencies
The rice diet is low in protein, healthy fats, and certain vitamins and minerals, which can lead to weakened immunity and other health problems. For example, not getting enough essential fatty acids like omega-3 can affect the body's functions, as these are essential for many bodily functions. People following the rice diet may need to take supplements to fill these nutritional gaps and should consult a dietitian for advice.
Muscle loss
Because the rice diet is low in protein, it may lead to a loss of lean muscle mass. Protein is crucial for maintaining muscle tissue, and a deficiency can decrease muscle strength and the overall metabolic rate, making it counterproductive for long-term weight management.
Metabolic slowdown
When the body experiences a significant caloric deficit, it may enter a state of starvation mode, reducing the metabolic rate to conserve energy. This can make it harder to lose weight and easier to gain weight once normal eating patterns resume.
Other health risks
The restrictive nature of the rice diet may also lead to other unknown health risks and psychological effects. It is important to carefully monitor individuals following the rice diet and consult a doctor before starting this or any other restrictive diet, especially for those with preexisting health conditions or a history of disordered eating.
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Frequently asked questions
The Kempner rice diet was developed by Dr. Walter Kempner in 1939 as a treatment for malignant hypertension and kidney failure. The diet consists of rice, sugar, fruit, fruit juices, vitamins, and iron, providing about 2,000 calories, 20-25 grams of protein, and 700-1,000 ml of liquid as fruit juices. The diet is low in sodium, chloride, protein, and fat, and high in complex carbohydrates.
While there is some evidence that the Kempner rice diet can help manage type 2 diabetes, it is not a cure. The diet has been shown to reverse diabetic retinopathy in some patients with diabetes mellitus. However, it is important to note that the diet was not originally intended to be a lifetime eating protocol and may not provide enough calories or protein for long-term sustainability.
The Kempner rice diet has been shown to effectively treat hypertension, kidney disease, heart failure, sleep apnea, and obesity. It can also lead to significant improvements in blood pressure, reductions in serum cholesterol levels, and reversal of retinopathy. However, it is important to consult a doctor before starting this diet, especially for those taking medication for diabetes, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, the diet may not be suitable for those with a history of colon surgery, ureteral diversion procedures, or impaired kidney function.
