Low Carb Diet Side Effects

Low carb diets are very popular among those who are looking for a quick way of losing weight. Low carb diets are based on a concept, that high intake of carbohydrates is responsible for increase in body weight. Low carb diets have been the most effective as compared to the other types of weightloss diets. Though, there have been concerns regarding low carb diet side effects indicating its negativity, still, it remains the most popular one.

Effects of Low carb diets

Low carb diet causes weight loss as the excess fat burning leads to generation of the energy needed to run the body. The glucose that acts as the fuel for the body decreases after lowering carbohydrate intake. Consumption of food with high carbohydrate content is decreased and intake of food rich in proteins and fat is increased. The carbohydrate stored in the liver and the muscles can meet the body needs for a short period but problems will start once that is also consumed.

The calories required in the body, which was previously provided by the carbohydrates, are substituted by fats and proteins. A minimum intake of 150 grams of carbohydrates is essential for maintaining the normal functioning of the human body. Low carb diets cut the intake of carbs to a minimum of 20 to 30 grams in the initial stage, which increases up to 100 grams which is far lesser than the body requirements.

Low carb diet problems occurs due to cut down in the intake of fruits, vegetables and food grains resulting in a decrease in the vitamins and minerals and other nutrients required for the body. Most people who use low carb diets have complained of being affected with headache, constipation, bad breath, muscle cramps, diarrhea, general weakness and skin rashes.

Some Common Low Carb Diets Side Effects

1. Fatigue: Carbohydrates is the major source of energy for the human body and low carb diets substitute the supply of carbohydrates with proteins and fats. It is difficult for the body to convert fats into energy and in the process there is insufficient supply of energy in the body. Without energy, the body functions are hindered resulting in fatigue.
2. Malnutrition: Low carb diets deprive a person from the consumption of carb rich foods such as grains, fruits and vegetables which are rich in nutrient and minerals and are necessary for good health.
3. Increased Fat and Cholesterol Intake: Low-carb diets increase the consumption of food rich in proteins and fats such as meat, eggs and other dairy products. The consumption of meat and dairy food, high in saturated fats and cholesterol, can cause heart related diseases, when consumed in large quantity.
4. Osteoporosis: Low-carb diet are high in protein which increases the release of calcium from the body through the urinal process. The decrease of calcium intake in the body could lead to the weakening of the bones resulting in osteoporosis.
5. Deprivation: Low carb diets deprive a person from eating many delicious food which are high in carbohydrates. Those people deprived of these delicious foods, have a strong cravings, which might lead them to break the rule and cause them to binge on these foods.
6. Ketosis: Low carb diets results in a higher intake of protein which results in high production of ketone, an acidic molecule, found in the blood vessels. Ketosis occurs when the extra ketones, produced in the blood, makes it harder for the kidneys to perform its functions.
7. Heart Diseases: Low-carb diet leads to a high protein intake which can cause diseases related to the heart. The increase in ketone production leads to increase in insulin resistance of the body. Increasing insulin resistance in a body can lead to coronary artery or heart related disease.
8. Bad Breath: Low carb diet, which increases ketone can lead to bad breath in some people. Though it may not affect every one but some low carb dieters are known to have a 'keto' breath.
9. Digestive Problems: A low-carb diet leads to lower intake of food rich in fiber which can cause digestive problems as fibers are necessary for bowel movements of the body. Fiber deprived food causes diarrhea as the body adjusts to the diet which could lead to constipation. The consumption of water and following a high fiber diet is necessary to avoid these problems while going on a low carb diet.

Even though the low carb diet side effects may have led to questions regarding the effectiveness of this diet, the popularity is still high. There are people who still stand by this diet disregarding any concerns of low carb diet side effects.