karen hurd started everything on a mission to save her child\u2019s life. from there, it grew into the bean protocol – a kinda plant-based diet that aims to improve health in the entire population.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
we\u2019re here to look deep into the program and see if there\u2019s any research to support the big claims hurd makes. check out our bottom line on this bean-based eating program.<\/span><\/p>\n
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the bean protocol diet is a plant-based dietary regimen that aims to add lots of soluble fiber to the individual\u2019s diet. the stated goal is to aid in liver detox. the liver depends on soluble fibers to remove toxins from the body. these toxins, chemicals, and hormones bind to detergent-like bile. the soluble fiber and bile are then excreted naturally by the body.<\/span><\/p>\n
in the protocol, the user stops consuming alcohol, sugar, caffeine, and other non-essential foods. at each meal (three to six small meals per day, depending on your needs), you eat beans, vegetables, and proteins. in between meals, you may eat up to one cup of nuts and three quarts of room temperature water throughout the day (no chilled water). research studies say:<\/span><\/p>\n
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karen hurd, formerly a military biochemist, started the bean protocol. in 1989, hurd\u2019s baby daughter suffered pesticide poisoning.<\/span><\/p>\n
the baby\u2019s symptoms including, infections, allergic responses, and more alarmed ms. hurd. pediatricians and specialists couldn\u2019t explain what was happening to her baby. ultimately, she was told nothing could be done for her baby.<\/span><\/p>\n
in response to the dire diagnosis, karen hurd researched the human body at a local med school library. she created a formula for her daughter that included soluble fiber, vitamins, and more. she fed the baby using a syringe. her baby showed improvements in two weeks. by the sixth week, karen hurd announced that her baby was healthy again.<\/span><\/p>\n
as more people jump on the protocol bandwagon, claims that it helps skin conditions, fertility, and mental health conditions have appeared. other claims of benefits when following the protocol include glowing skin, great sleep, improved menstrual cycle, mood enhancer, promotes one’s natural hair color (stops graying) and more.these claims are based on anecdotal user reports and aren\u2019t supported by research.<\/span><\/p>\n
the protocol focuses on increasing dietary soluble fiber as part of the detox process for a minimum period of three months. the protocol rules include:<\/span><\/p>\n
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here is a sample protocol food list for one day:<\/span><\/p>\n
the bean protocol meal plan is relatively simple because your food choices are limited.<\/span><\/p>\n
breakfast:<\/strong> one-half cup beans of your choice with snipped green onions; water-sauteed spinach leaves; 2 ounces of lean roast beef<\/span><\/p>\n
after breakfast:<\/strong> large glass of pure, unchilled water<\/span><\/p>\n
mid-morning snack:<\/strong> one-half cup of raw mixed nuts<\/span><\/p>\n
after snack:<\/strong> large glass of pure, unchilled water<\/span><\/p>\n
lunch:<\/strong> one-half cup beans with chopped onion and water-sauteed garlic; lean toasted chicken breast; raw salad greens<\/span><\/p>\n
after lunch:<\/strong> large glass of pure, unchilled water<\/span><\/p>\n
afternoon walk:<\/strong> large glass of pure, unchilled water<\/span><\/p>\n
mid-afternoon snack:<\/strong> one-half cup of raw almonds<\/span><\/p>\n
before dinner:<\/strong> large glass of pure, unchilled water<\/span><\/p>\n
dinner:<\/strong> one-half cup beans with steamed brussel sprouts; lean turkey breast<\/span><\/p>\n
after dinner:<\/strong> large glass of pure, unchilled water<\/span><\/p>\n
before bed snack:<\/strong> one-half cup of raw cashews<\/span><\/p>\n
prioritizing healthy foods like beans, nuts, and lean proteins is sensible to improve your health and lose weight. the protocol’s dietary restrictions may seem harsh after some time. to retain the benefits of the program without eating processed foods common in the average american diet, here’s how to trick the bean protocol plan:<\/span><\/p>\n
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yes. the protocol promotes plant foods and small amounts of lean animal protein. it avoids added fats, e.g. oils and butter. the majority of research focuses on plant-based foods and the impact they have on overall health. for instance:<\/span><\/p>\n
the <\/span>international journal of environmental research and public health<\/span><\/a> published a study claiming, \u201cvegetarians and vegans also showed more adherence to their diet when compared to individuals who follow a paleo, gluten-free, or weight-loss diet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n
then there\u2019s the fact that the us dietary guidelines \u201cencourage all americans to eat more plant foods, including dried beans, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts,\u201d claims research in the journal <\/span>nutrients<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n
it looks like the bean protocol is on the right path.<\/span><\/p>\n
you’re unlikely to have any serious side effects from following the protocol for three months or so. if you miss eating fresh fruit with your meals, consider adding it to your meals to satisfy your cravings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
the major issues would have to be gas and flatulence. beans are a high-fiber food that\u2019s not 100% digestible. as the gut breaks down the food, there are gaps filled with air that eventually make their way out as flatulence (passing gas).<\/span><\/p>\n
both eating plans are fairly restrictive when compared to the average american diet, according to the <\/span>journal of the academy of nutrition and dietetics<\/span><\/a>. the recommended minimum duration of the protocol is three months.<\/span><\/p>\n
the nutritarian diet of dr. joel fuhrman is quite similar to the protocol, according to the <\/span>american journal of lifestyle medicine<\/span><\/a>. dr. fuhrman\u2019s nutritarian diet recommends eating \u201cg-bombs\u201d nutritarian foods, e.g. greens, beans, onions, mushrooms, berries, and raw seeds and nuts. the plan allows the user to consume up to 10 percent of their weekly calories in animal foods, including meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy, etc. it\u2019s recommended as a life-long eating plan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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pros:<\/span><\/p>\n
cons:<\/span><\/p>\n
the bottom line is mostly good news. bean protocol weight loss is probable if you stringently follow the rules. the protocol may serve as an effective cleanse or first step in achieving permanent weight loss. any overly restricted dietary program can be difficult to follow over the long term.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
maybe such a restrictive diet isn\u2019t a good thing for everyone. we\u2019ve been researching weight loss for more than a decade and the plan that sticks out is noom<\/strong><\/a>. it\u2019s not just that noom offers a dedicated personal coach and support system or that tens of millions of people have used the program. it\u2019s that the program just works – and well enough that the cdc recognizes it as a healthy lifestyle choice.<\/span><\/p>\n
don\u2019t take our word for it, you can check it out with a free trial offer<\/strong><\/a> available to all dietspotlight readers for a limited time.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
“great recipes for the bean diet! i have tried a few and have liked them all. pictures in book do not show how they really look. the food looks better in real life.”<\/p>\n"},{"name":"jerry","source_url":"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/customer-reviews\/r2yutbgvok8ufb\/","review_text":"
“i haven\u2019t read her book but heard her on a podcast. she sounds like a brilliant scientist. i really appreciate her advice concerning covid-19. i\u2019m conflicted when i hear that her recipes are based on beans as the latest research is beans contain harmful lectins which appear to be harmful to the gut lining. it\u2019s all very confusing.”<\/p>\n"},{"name":"christy m","source_url":"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/customer-reviews\/r3or864rct0j1r\/","review_text":"
“the cookbook is formatted well and has lots of options. i was a client of karen hurd (she was so helpful!) and needed to eat beans 4 times a day. i bought this for ideas for variety. unfortunately, a lot of these recipes call for milk or cheese – which, because of my specific dietary issues, i couldn’t eat – or canned soup or processed meats (neither of which i eat). that said, the recipes look great and it is worth a look.”<\/p>\n"}],"ingredient_list":false,"related_by_brand":false,"related_by_ingredients":false,"is_medically_reviewed":false,"medically_reviewed_by":false,"q_and_a":[{"question":"do i only eat beans on the bean protocol?","answer":"
no, the bean protocol is a dietary program that recommends eating a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds in addition to beans.<\/p>\n"},{"question":"what is the bean protocol diet?","answer":"
the bean protocol diet is a plant-based dietary regimen that aims to add lots of soluble fiber to the individual\u2019s diet. the stated goal is to aid in liver detox. the liver depends on soluble fibers to remove toxins from the body. these toxins, chemicals, and hormones bind to detergent-like bile. the soluble fiber and bile are then excreted naturally by the body.<\/p>\n"},{"question":"does research support claims about benefits when following the protocol?","answer":"
while there are claims that following the protocol helps skin conditions, fertility and mental health conditions – these claims are based on anecdotal user reports and aren\u2019t supported by research. however, research does support increasing dietary soluble fiber as part of a detox process for a minimum period of three months and also supports plant-based diets for overall health improvements including weight loss.<\/p>\n"}],"related_by_type":false},"yoast_head":"\n