Tunisian Cardiologist Warns Against Dangers of Unhealthy Diets Promoted on Social Media

A recent post by Dr. Dhaker Lahidheb, a renowned cardiologist in Tunisia, has sounded a warning against the dangers of certain diets being promoted on social media. The doctor shared the case of a patient who was admitted to the hospital in a critical condition due to a sudden stop in her medical treatment.

A Critical Case

The patient, who had previously been stabilized for her diabetes, had stopped taking her insulin injections after adopting a diet presented on social media as an alternative to medical treatment. This decision led to a rapid deterioration of her health, requiring the insertion of a coronary stent to save her life.

The Controversial "Tayyibat" Diet

The diet in question, known as "Tayyibat," was popularized by the late Egyptian doctor Diaa El-Awadi. It categorizes foods as either "beneficial" or "harmful" and aims to treat various chronic diseases, including diabetes. The diet emphasizes the consumption of red meat, animal fats, certain cheeses, and starchy foods, while excluding essential food groups such as eggs, dairy products, legumes, and raw vegetables.

The Dangers of "Tayyibat"

Dr. Lahidheb warns against the consequences of this type of diet, particularly due to its high saturated fat content. Such a diet can lead to an increase in LDL cholesterol, a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, as highlighted by the American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology.

The Real Danger: Abandoning Medical Treatment

The doctor emphasizes a more critical danger: the implicit or explicit encouragement to abandon medical treatment. "Diabetic patients who stop their treatment without medical supervision expose themselves to severe and potentially life-threatening complications," he stresses.

Carences and Misinformation

The exclusion of essential food groups can lead to significant deficiencies in vitamins B12 and D, calcium, and iron. Additionally, certain statements associated with this diet (such as downplaying the risks of saturated fats or suggesting potential benefits of nicotine) have sparked controversy within the medical community.

A Call to Caution

In light of the spread of these contents on social media, Dr. Lahidheb urges caution and verification of information sources. He also warns against using the late doctor's name to continue promoting unscientific advice.

A Fundamental Principle

The cardiologist emphasizes a fundamental principle: no diet can replace a validated medical treatment, particularly in the management of chronic diseases like diabetes.