Low Carbohydrate Diet

Low carbohydrate diets are often identified as a diet that will successfully give both men and women quick weight loss. This concept reverses the high carbohydrate diet that increases the amount of insulin produced and weight that is gained. Despite the negative effects on health it remains a popular option for those who are willing to significantly change their eating habits and risk long term health challenges.

The theory behind the weight loss is that the high amount of protein and fat, and low carbohydrates, increases the amount of fat burned to generate energy to run the body. This means that the calories that were once supplied by carbohydrates are now supplied by proteins and fats. By lowering the amount of carbohydrates it significantly decreases the amount of glucose that is available for the body to burn.

There are carbohydrates that are stored in the liver and muscles that can initially be used and burned to meet the needs of the body but it is only for a short period of time. Once the stored carbohydrates are burned the body begins to experience side effects and difficulties.

The body requires 150 grams of carbohydrates each day to maintain normal functioning of the organ systems, brain and muscles. Most low carbohydrate diets require a maximum of 20 -30 grams in the initial stage which is far less than is required.

This diet is also referred to as the ketogenic diet because of the increased amount of ketones in the body from the breakdown and metabolism of fat for energy. This state or condition is called ketosis, which is different from ketoacidosis. However, because the system changes from a carbohydrate burning machine to a fat burning machine it places undue stress on several organ systems not designed to take the strain – namely the kidneys.

Because it is difficult for the body to convert proteins and fats to energy the low carbohydrate diets result in feelings of fatigue and lack of energy. Low carbohydrate diets also deprive the individuals from vitamins and minerals rich in fruits and vegetables. The increased consumption of fat and cholesterol will increase risk of heart related diseases when eaten in large quantities for a long period of time.

Other medical health problems, beside high cholesterol and kidney disease that can potentially affect people who are following a low carbohydrate, high protein/fat diet are osteoporosis, cancer, gout, and long term effects of ketosis. Osteoporosis and kidney stones are at higher risk because high protein diets cause the body to excrete more calcium than normal. Over a long period of time it increases the risk of osteoporosis and kidney stones.

Those who choose to try a low carbohydrate diet should be under the care of their primary care physician who should monitor their kidneys, calcium levels and make recommendations for a high quality multi-vitamin supplement. Although ketosis can decrease your appetite and increase your weight loss the benefits don\’t usually outweigh the risks to your health.