One of the most popular diet plans around is the low carb diet. High in protein and low in carbohydrates, this diet can give you great results in less time. But although this diet is giving people great results, some scientists and dietitians feel that there may be negative effects of low carb diets. In this article, we’ll tell you more about what living the low carb lifestyle can do to your body.
The existence of low carb diets originates from the idea that carbohydrates are the real enemy. Low carb diet creators believe that when carbohydrate intake is reduced, the body will be forced to burn fat to fuel the metabolism. By decreasing carbohydrate intake and increasing protein intake, you will lose excess water weight, burn fat more efficiently, and start losing pounds. Many doctors, however, feel that the main reason this diet works is because dieters are taking in fewer calories. In fact, one study showed that the weight loss that occurs with a low carb diet is the same as the weight loss that occurs with low-fat diets of similar caloric amounts.
Low Carb Diets: Better for Short Term or Long Term Use?
Regardless of how the weight is lost, the truth is that low carb diets get the weight off. The positive effects of low carb diets are credible, and these effects are why so many people are jumping on the low carb bandwagon. Dietitians are, however, worried how the decrease in carbohydrates affects the body. In order to maintain your new ideal weight, you basically have to stay on the low carb diet for the rest of your life. For short-term use, the low carb diet is relatively easy to stick to. What about for use many years down the road? Can you do that? Moreover, what about the lack of carbohydrates? What effects might come of that?
The Negative Effects
Though there have not been any long term studies on the effects of low carb diets, scientists have gathered information on what happens when you start a low carb diet. One of the first effects of low carb diet is a digestive problem. You can suffer from constipation because of the removal of carbs. If you do not eat sufficient high-fiber vegetables, you will continue to have these digestive problems throughout your diet plan. And don’t even think about using a laxative instead of eating more fiber. This will not help the problem. You could also suffer from dehydration also. Unless you plan to increase your water intake, stay away from the low carb diet.
Yet another of the effects of low carb diets is bad breath. While on the diet plan, your body will increase its production of ketones, which are the cause of dehydration and the bad breath. Because of the excess production of this chemical, your breath can take on a fruity smell. However, most people describe the odor as being more chemical smelling, much like acetone, an essential ingredient in nail polish remover. In any case, it’s not a pleasant scent.
Low Carb Products: Not Good For You
Not only can the low carb diet have bad effects. Some of those low carb products that are being sold in grocery stores may also harm your health. These products may be low in carbs, but they’re probably high in fat and calories. Eating these supposedly healthy foods could counteract your weight loss regimen. In addition, the artificial sweeteners in these products, like sorbitol, can cause more digestive problems such as diarrhea and cramps.
Be aware of all of the harmful effects of low carb diets. Make sure you take vitamin supplements to replace lost nutrients. Drink plenty of water. Eat your high-fiber vegetables. Whenever you’re changing your lifestyle and beginning a diet, it’s a good idea to take extra care of yourself, no matter what diet plan you are on.
