Atkins Diet Tips

The Atkins diet experienced a re-birth in the 1990’s. With the freedom that it gives participants to eat basically anything they want while still being able to lose measurable amounts of weight, Atkins is an extremely popular diet amongst the overweight. Often, people tend to stay away from diets because they consider them to be extremely restrictive. About the only thing that Atkins restricts is the consumption of carbohydrates. Studies have shown that Atkins does more than just help individuals lose weight though, it may in fact also help lower the levels of triglycerides and increase the levels of HDL cholesterol in the body.

Despite the benefits, there are problems and issues associated with the Atkins diet, as there are with any diet. Most opponents of the Atkins diet argue that it is impossible to lose weight on a diet that does not regulate the number of calories being consumed. Additionally, health experts point out that diets that are high in fat often result in increased cases of diarrhea and heart disease.

In terms of the Atkins diet in particular, opponents state that very process that Atkins tries to induce in order to encourage weight loss, a process known as ketosis, can actually cause kidney damage in Atkins dieters. An increased level of ketones in the body can lead to a condition known as metabolic acidosis, a process that can cause everything from low blood phosphate levels, and the reabsorption of calcium from the bone, as well as an increased risk of forming kidney stones and an increased risk of osteoporosis.

One final health concern that experts have in relation to the Atkins diet is in terms of carbohydrate consumption. Though it is true that the body typically metabolizes carbohydrates in order to obtain energy, there are certain processes in the body that actually require carbohydrates. The brain for example, needs sugars in order to function properly. Diets that limit the consumption of carbohydrates also cause individuals to suffer from fatigue, depression, and dehydration.

Additionally, personal accounts taken from Atkins dieters point to many other health problems associated with the low-carb diet. The most common problem reported directly by Atkins dieters was constipation. In fact, many of the participants often had to resort to using laxatives in order to encourage bowel movements. Since low carb diets often deprive individuals of the fiber-rich vegetables that encourage regularity, it is not difficult to see why constipation would be so greatly associated with a low-carb diet.

Another common problem associated with the Atkins diet, and low-carb diets in general is a loss of energy. Since carbohydrates, in particular glucose, are in fact the main source of energy for many of the body’s function, it is natural that low-carb dieters will experience energy loss as a side effect of the diet. Though the body is able to use other nutrients as sources of energy, these energy substitutes often take longer to metabolize than glucose does. In other cases, the alternatives simply are not good overall substitutes for glucose.

Other annoying problems associated with low-carb diets include bad breath, which results from high levels of ketones. Problems with concentration also become common in low-carb diets because carbohydrates contain glucose, which is the ultimate fuel for brain function. Kidney function is also associated with low-carb diets because of the increased levels of ketones. Heart disease, gout and osteoporosis are also major problems associated with low-carb diets.

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