I have been hearing and seeing a # of people I know who are losing weight by restricting various food groups from their daily diets.
The one theme that I keep hearing about is people reducing or eliminating carbohydrates from their diets. Granted some carbohydrates are better than others. But they are an essential part of our diets and their intake should be modified not eliminated.
The low carbohydrate diet specifically has been known to decrease blood pressure and increase fat loss. but some of the challenges with this diet is the loss of muscle mass which can hamper energy production because protein is the primary fuel that supports muscle. So, if you reduce sugar in your diet you minimize your muscle's ability to produce power because low carbohydrates force the body to use protein as a fuel source. That leads to weight loss, but unfortunately muscle is what is causing the weight loss.
The low carbohydrate diet can also reduce vital nutrients (Na+, Ca+,B Vitamins) and essential mineral salts necessary for health nerve and muscle function.
What are some of the form of carbohydrates that are commonly reduced in the diet?
- Bread, Pasta, Fruits, Whole Grains
Eating a low-carbohydrate diet decreases fiber in your diet that can hamper your digestive system's ability to process and eliminate foods ingested in your body.
Also, the decease in carbohydrates may increase saturated fat and cholesterol, making you susceptible to heart related diseases and dysfunction. So make sure you are aware of oils such as butter, cheese cooking and salad oils and the amount of sea and land animals you consume in relation to their saturated fats.
Carbohydrates from legumes,fruits, grains and vegetables should be a substantial part of your diet. Refined carbohydrates such as table sugar, corn syrup, honey and even sugar substitutes should be minimized or eliminated from your diet.
Summary
A low carbohydrate diet is beneficial in the short run for people looking to lose weight. But over time it can be detrimental to your overall health as it reduces fiber and vital nutrients that your body needs in sufficient quantities so that it functions at it optimum level.
Reducing carbohydrates rather than eliminating them may be the best course of action in helping you minimize extra calories in your diet.
If you ? about this blog feel free to contact me.
Dr. Pigott
