Low Carb Diet Problems

A low carbohydrate diet or low carb diet is a diet plan usually followed for the purpose of losing extra calories for treatment of obesity problems. In such a diet program, easily digestible carbohydrate rich foods are replaced by foods with low carbohydrate content and high amounts of proteins and fats. Examples of low carb diet are Atkins diet and Protein power. The main objective behind a low carb diet is to limit the amount of calorie obtained from carbohydrates and compensate it with calories derived from proteins and fats.

In addition to losing weight, low carb diets are often prescribed for combating health conditions such as diabetes and epilepsy. Though some researches claim the benefits of a low carb diet, there is lack of clinical data to prove them. Rather majority of the medical professionals are concerned about the long term health effects associated with low carb diet, as it alters the metabolic processes of the body. Let's discuss in brief about low carb diet problems.

Health Risks of Low Carb Diet

The proponents of low carb diet are of the opinion that consuming foods with low carbohydrate content forces the body cells to derive energy from fats and proteins, which in turn leads to weight loss. The outcome is breaking down of glycogen (stored glucose) from the muscles and liver, a prolonged condition of which may lead to dehydration and increased fatigue. The depletion of of glycogen also causes muscle loss and muscle fatigue. In such conditions, the individual gets tired easily. Consequently, the body metabolism decreases, resulting in a low basal metabolism rate.

One of the major low carb diet problems is regarding the food choices that are believed to be low in carbohydrate content. Many people are not aware about the food menu for low carb diet. They tend to consume monotonous food items that contain high protein and fats. Such a condition may lead to deficiency of certain nutrients and at the same time, over-consumption of other nutrients.

Given the food alternatives that are low in carbohydrate and rich in proteins and fats, the options are very less, result being that many people end up eating less. In such a case, they may succeed in losing weight very fast. However, it is to be remembered that the loss in weight is temporary, due to less eating, and not because of burning calories. It is obvious that when they switch over to normal foods, their weight will increase again in no time.

Prolonged consumption of low carb diet may lead to ketoacidosis, a serious medical condition caused due to accumulation of ketones in the bloodstream. Ketones are acidic compounds that are secreted by the liver when the body lacks glucose or when amount of insulin hormone falls to minimum level. Apart from this, some of the other low carb diet problems are bad breath, headache, constipation, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems.

Another problem associated with low carbohydrate diet is that majority of the people tend to skip regular physical activities after following such a diet plan. Though a sedentary lifestyle with low carbohydrate intake also burns calories, it is to be borne in mind that a long-term weight loss can only be achieved with regular exercise. Considering the various low carb diet problems, it is always recommended to consume a proper balanced diet and do regular exercise in order to achieve healthy weight loss.