Thursday, May 2, 2013

NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS OF A LOW CARB DIET

Low-carbohydrate diets are popular because they claim to allow dieters to eat all the meat, butter and full-fat dairy they want, without gaining weight. According to the Mayo Clinic, low-carb diets restrict carbohydrates like bread, rice, pasta, cereals and even fruits because they are said to raise blood sugar levels and make the body hold onto its fat stores. While low-carbohydrate diets do help people to lose weight, there are also some negative side effects to consider.


Constipation

One of the most embarrassing yet frequent side effects of a low-carbohydrate diet is constipation. Dr. Arne Astrup, a weight loss expert who has studied the effects of low-carb diets, tells CBS News that these diets often lead to constipation because they don't have enough fiber. According to CBS News, low-carbohydrate diets cut out many whole grains and fruits and even some vegetables. Since meat and dairy products have no fiber, constipation is common for low-carbohydrate dieters.


Dehydration

According to the Mayo Clinic, low-carb diets cause dieters to burn glycogen stores in their muscles. Since glycogen contains water, the low-carbohydrate diet leads to loss of water weight. Due to increased urination and loss of water weight, low-carb diets can cause people to become dehydrated. Since dehydration can lead to mental confusion, fatigue and headaches, it is important to drink plenty of water to replenish the water lost on a low-carbohydrate diet.


Muscle Cramps

Dr. Arne Astrup says that people often experience muscle cramping when they are on low-carbohydrate diets. This may be because they are dehydrated or it may be because they aren't getting all of the vitamins and minerals that their body needs. CBS News reports that muscle cramps and a general feeling of weakness can occur when a person eats less than 100 g of carbohydrates a day.


Boredom

Though the prospect of eating as much steak and buttered lobster as you want may sound appetizing, the Mayo Clinic reports that the long-term success rate of low-carb diets is low because people get bored easily with the lack of food choices available. Even though the diets allow for meats, dairy, nuts, and sometimes vegetables and whole grains, low-carbohydrate diets still cut out foods such as fruits, breads, pasta, rice, baked desserts and starchy vegetables like potatoes. With so many food choices taken away, boredom and frustration are common side effects of low-carb diets.



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