How Safe Are Low Carb Diets?



Low carb diets have become popular due to the fact that they help reduce weight within a short period. Many dieticians advocate reduction in the intake of carbohydrates in order to reduce body weight. Though low carb diets are widely followed, the safety and the efficacy in the long term have not been medically established.

It has been observed that dieticians and medical practitioners have different views about the diet to be followed for losing weight. Some medical physicians are of the opinion that since carbohydrates are a major source of energy, when its intake is reduced, proteins and saturated fats can be taken as an alternative source of energy. The usage of saturated fats, however, exposes the body to heart problems. To digest the excess proteins and fats, the kidney has to work harder which may cause kidney dysfunctions. Calcium deficiency due to poor carb intake can affect the bone and liver functions.

Essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals are obtained from fruits and vegetables, which are missing in a low carb diet. Consequently, an individual following a low carb diet can become deficient in these.

Weight loss due to low carb diets is yo-yo dieting as people tend to fluctuate between weight loss and gain when on these diets. This can cause the skin to relax and contract. Also, when a low carb diet is discontinued, an individual can quickly regain the weight. A professional dietician would always suggest a permanent solution for weight loss that are not just quick fixes but are spread over a longer period to ensure long-term results. It is always better to include an exercise regime along with a balanced diet. Low carb diets should be strictly followed in consultation with a doctor. Relying exclusively on the advice of consultants in weight loss centers that advocate quick weight loss is generally unsafe.

Low Carb Diets provides detailed information on Low Carb Diet, Low Carb Diet Foods, Low Carb Diet Plans, Best Low Carb Diets and more. Low Carb Diets is affiliated with Low Cholesterol Diet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eddie_Tobey


Obesity At The Time Of Prostate-Cancer Diagnosis Dramatically Increases The Risk Of Dying From The Disease
Obese men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer have more than two-and-a-half times the risk of dying from the disease as compared to men of normal weight at the time of diagnosis, according to a study by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. The findings by senior author Alan Kristal, Dr.P.H., and colleagues appear online and will be published in the March 15 print edition of the journal Cancer. [click link for full article]

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie: Fat Camp Counselors?
We truly live in the age of the airhead. The next season of 'reality' show The Simple Life will have Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie as camp counselors. "The girls[...] will be guiding the children through a week of weight loss and fitness exercises." (src)...

Obesity's Connection To Cardiovascular Disease Remains Poorly Understood
Obesity rates have escalated dramatically in the last several decades and the condition negatively affects health, but its connection to conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) is complex and not fully understood. In the March issue of the Journal of Investigative Medicine experts say more research is needed to discover the links between obesity and CVD, with particular attention to biological differences between women and men. [click link for full article]

First UK Study To Determine How General Practice Professionals Can Tackle Adolescent Obesity
Academics at the University of Hertfordshire are conducting the first UK study to investigate how health professionals based in general practice can help adolescents who are obese to lose weight. [click link for full article]

Spain Removes Skinny Mannequins From Stores
Last year during Fashion Week, Spain banned models with a BMI under 18 from participating. This year, the Health Ministry in Spain is charging ahead with a new program that will prevent mannequins under a size 6 (a Spanish 38) from being displayed in store windows. Womens' sizes are also being standardized. 85,000 women across Spain, ages 12 to...

Potential Link Between Obesity And Environmental Chemicals
A team of researchers at the University of New Hampshire is investigating whether the increasing ubiquity of chemical flame retardants found in foam furniture, carpeting, microwaves and computers might be related to the climbing rate of obesity in the United States. [click link for full article]

Patients Should Be Alert For Obesity Surgery Complication
It is important for obesity surgery patients to take their prescribed vitamin supplements and to be alert for symptoms such as vomiting, confusion, lack of coordination and visual changes signs of a serious neurological condition that can develop after the surgery. [click link for full article]

A Short Walk Helps Smokers Quit
Smokers should do short bouts of exercise to help them resist the temptation to light up, say experts at the University of Exeter. A review, recently published in the international journal 'Addiction', concludes that when smokers abstain from smoking, exercise can help them to manage withdrawal symptoms and resist the urge to smoke. [click link for full article]