Cabbage Soup Diet Side Effects

Cabbage soup diet is a weight loss diet designed for quick weight loss. It is also known as the 'miracle soup'. Combining cabbage soup and some other low calorie foods is the main concept of this diet plan.It is a seven day plan including a strict list of foods to eat on each day of the week. This diet plan promises 10 pounds weight loss in a week, and that is what attracts a lot of people towards it. People who want to shed off the extra pounds try different diet recipes, and try and follow the strict diet plan. But many are unaware of the various side effects of cabbage soup diet.

Side Effects of Cabbage Soup Diet

The cabbage soup diet plan was criticized by many scientists. They claim the weight loss through this plan to be mainly 'water weight' loss and not fat loss, and thus is just temporary. Moreover there are several adverse effects of this diet on the health of a person.

Flatulence
This is the most common side effect of cabbage soup and can be highly embarrassing at times. Cabbage soup is hard on the digestive system and this causes the unavoidable gas. The high fiber may not always be stomach friendly. It may also lead to stomach cramps.

Fatigue
As the whole idea of this weight loss diet is to consume low calories and fat, a person on this diet may experience low energy levels. It also affects the concentration and creativity of a person and may cause mood swings. Weakness and fatigue are some of the common side effects of this diet. The diet plan should not be continued for a very long time as it does not include adequate balance of nutrients.

Dizziness
Cabbage soup diet causes dizziness and headaches in many. It lacks proteins and has low carbohydrates which may lead to such problems. It makes one feel light headed and dizzy. It is also known to trigger migraines in some.

Diarrhea
Cabbage soup is very good for flushing out your body system. It works as a detoxifier, and removes all the toxins and unnecessary substances from the body. But overconsumption can lead to considerable loss of water from the body, and may also lead to diarrhea.

Other mild effects include: discoloration around the eyes, muscle reduction, nausea, reduction in basic metabolic rate, etc. Another demerit of this diet is the bland taste of the soup. It is depressing to drink the same soup for seven days a week. Moreover if it is extended for too long, the side effects may intensify and the condition may worsen. It is not considered as a balanced diet as it does not provide all the essential nutrients to the body. As a result it affects the overall health of a person, making him weak.

This was all about cabbage soup diet side effects. If you are planning to go for a cabbage soup diet plan, make sure that you keep the above side effects in mind. And if you are already on this diet and experiencing any of these side effects, immediately consult a doctor.