Depriving the body of carbohydrates forces the body to use alternative sources of energy for the fuel of the body and the brain. This conversion happens biochemically and has ramifications that are not necessarily positive events. This biochemical conversion happens with conditions that lead to starvation. The adaptability of the body is an amazing attribute, but taking it to extremes is not considered a good thing to do. There are many health care providers and medical researchers that warn against over stressing the body in starvation.
When the body starts using the alternative fuel fat, for its energy source it produces chemicals that have affects on many of the bodies organ systems. The chemicals are called ketones, and ketosis is the condition of the body when the body is producing ketones as a byproduct of using fat for energy. Some of the adverse side effects with circulating ketones include weakness, nausea, dehydration and acetone-like smelling breath. The consequences could be serious for people with diabetes.
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that low-carbohydrate diets that push the body into an extreme ketogenic state have a metabolic advantage over more conventional diets for weight loss. The end result is that if a person consumes fewer calories on a low carbohydrate diet they will lose weight, just as they would with any other diet that provides fewer calories than they require to function.
Other concerns about limiting carbohydrates include lower intake of vitamins and minerals. Substituting other food groups for the carbohydrates can imply higher intakes of fat and or protein. A high intake of fat and saturated fatty acids could in theory, lead to increased blood cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease. Excess protein intakes may cause calcium losses from the body, which could adversely affect bone health over the longer term. A high protein diet can also put strain on the kidneys, which have to excrete the excess protein from the body.
Limiting carbohydrates may lead to a lower fiber intake, which may lead to constipation.
The American Heart Association (AHA) has highlighted concerns about the fact that low carbohydrate diets can restrict healthful foods that provide essential nutrients and do not provide the variety of foods needed to adequately meet nutritional needs. The AHA is also concerned about the potential risk of cardiac, kidney, bone and liver abnormalities as well.
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