Introduction

The Rice Diet is a variation of the original Rice Diet of Dr. Walter Kempner, which began at Duke University in 1939. The diet is a medically supervised program that employs extreme restrictions in sodium and fat, and achieves extreme success in not only weight reduction, but in the reversal of the clinical conditions and diseases associated with obesity.

There is a direct association of obesity with hypertension, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and advancing osteoarthritis. Obesity is on the rise over the past decade, with almost 20% of Americans currently afflicted (see metabolic syndrome under Patient Info on menu). Other associated symptoms include fatigue, depression, poor self image, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and shortness of breath with mild exertion. Many of these patients are taking medications chronically for those diseases and conditions. This is a vicious cycle that can be broken.

Through diet and exercise, many (if not all) of the problems may be reversed, and many of the medications can be discontinued, even within days of beginning the diet.  A complete reversal is possible.

By reducing sodium intake to physiologic levels, and reducing fat and overall caloric intake, many of the diseases mentioned resolve naturally. In most cases, blood pressure, blood sugar, and fluid retention improve within 1-2 weeks. By monitoring each patient very closely, on a daily basis, adjustments of medication can be made based on progress and lab results.

Exercise is an inherently important part of the program. Daily walking is prescribed based on ones condition and other associated health issues. The more one can walk, the greater the chance for better results. Special attention is given to those with limited exercise ability, but they cannot expect the same results as those who can walk miles a day.
At the end of ones stay at the Rice Diet program, the patient will be provided with all of their medical records that we recommend be shared with the family physician. In this manner, they can continue to help with monitoring prior medical conditions that may now be improved and no longer require previous medications.

The initial session recommended is a 4 week duration. Follow up sessions may be 2-4 weeks duration based on the patient’s needs. Shorter initial sessions may be possible (2-3 weeks) on an individual basis.

The goal of this program is for the patient to learn what they need to do to attain good health, implement it, and begin the road to success, which can be maintained throughout their lives.