No-Carb Diet Side Effects

'Carb' is an abbreviation of the word 'carbohydrates'. The main drawback of no-carbohydrate diets is that they can cause certain side effects, due to total elimination of carbohydrates. This may result in weight loss in the short run, but some side effects tend do occur in the long run.

What is a No-Carb Diet?

Let us understand the logic, meaning and scope of the diet plan that avoid carbohydrates completely. These diet plans, basically aim at cutting down the amount of complex sugars and carbohydrates on a daily basis. This diet is helpful in the cure of diseases, like epilepsy and diabetes mellitus.

A similar diet plan is the low carb diet plan, which includes the reduction of daily consumption of carbohydrates. Side effects of both diets are similar, however, since moderate use of carbohydrates in daily diet is recommended, a low carb diet may be preferred. One should not follow a no-carb diet over a long period of time. Therefore, the guidance of a diet expert or a physician is a must, before you start on the diet plan. Generally, medical practitioners prescribe this diet to diabetic patients, under strict supervision.

No-Carb Diet Side Effects

Many people often start this diet, when they are on medication and certain side effects may be observed due to the fact that the medication had been prescribed, after taking into consideration their regular daily diet.

Patients of diabetes, therefore, should not start following this diet, without consulting a nutrition expert or their physician. There is reduced consumption of carbohydrates and, at the same time, diabetes medication also curbs the blood sugar level. This double reduction in the levels of blood sugar, can be very harmful for them.

Another side effect is the formation of ketone. When the body does not get the sufficient amounts of carbohydrates and sugar, it breaks down the fat deposits, to substitute these substances. This breakdown of fats has a by-product by the name, ketone. Ketone, is a toxic material, which often gets deposited in the body. Prolonged consumption of no-carb diet, results in the generation of huge amounts of ketone in the body, which is extremely harmful and huge volume of ketone can lead to coma, which is probably the worst effect.

Many small and not very severe side effects, also may be also observed within the first few days of starting the diet plan. Some of these side effects include nausea, dizziness, low energy levels, etc. These are experienced, as the body gets adjusted to the new diet. Some people have also experienced sugar cravings, constipation and irritability in the long run, while following the diet plan. So, if you are a diabetic or suffer from blood pressure problems, it is best not to follow a no-carb diet plan.