Are Low Carbohydrate Diets Healthy

Are Low Carbohydrate Diets Healthy

Are Low Carbohydrate Diets Healthy?

There are many people who will say they really like their low carbohydrate diet.  People can eat protein (steak, chicken fish) but limited amounts of carbohydrates.

A low carbohydrate diet can provide quick weight loss. And a high carbohydrate diet that increases the amount of insulin produced and weight that is gained.

This diet works on the concept that weight loss will be achieved because the high amount of protein, and low carbohydrates, will increase the amount of fat burned to produce energy to run the body.

This works because the calories that were once provided by carbohydrates are now provided by proteins and fats. When we lower the amount of carbohydrates we consume, this will significantly decrease the amount of glucose that is available for the body to burn.

So are low carbohydrate diets healthy? The human body will require 150 grams of carbohydrates a day in order to function properly. But most low carbohydrate diets recommend a maximum of 20 -30 grams in the initial stage which is far less than is required.

Low carb diets are also known 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 in your body is called ketosis.

People who are on this diet will see their body change from a carbohydrate burning machine to a fat burning machine. This places considerable stress on organs that are not designed to take the stress. The kidneys are a good example as to where this stress occurs.

Low carbohydrate diets can deprive individuals from the vitamins and minerals that are found in fruits and vegetables.   This type of diet can increase the risk of heart related diseases when a person eat large quantities of meat for an extended period of time.

In addition to high cholesterol and kidney disease, people who are following a low carbohydrate, high protein diet are at greater risk of developing 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.

Remember you should always consult with your doctor before taking any medication or beginning any type of diet.

If you would like to find out more about are low carbohydrate diets healthy visit our previous post.