When people use the term low-carbohydrate diet it is most commonly associated with the Atkins Diet. Then again, there are many other diets that promote the same basic principles to some varying degree. (E.g. the Zone Diet, the Protein Power Lifeplan, the Go Lower Diet and the South Beach Diet). So what exactly constitutes a low-carbohydrate diet, it is important to note that carbohydrate consumption as defined by medical researchers may be greatly different than the carbohydrate consumption as defined by diet advisors. With the USDA’s estimation that approximately 40 million Americans are switching to a lifestyle that is low carb, it’s time to look at the effect this widespread change in dietary habits has on our health and culture. With over 500 low-carb diets on the market, and so many weight conscious American’s signing up for these latest fad diets, low-carb marketers are turning a healthy profit by targeting these individuals. Meanwhile, the long-term health effects are being debated and some experts are saying that low-carb diets can be risky, and even more so for persons over 40 years of age.

 So, let’s look at the truth about these low- carb diets, do they really work, or are they just another unhealthy fad diet?  Let’s use the most well known low-carb diet, the Adkins diet for our debate.  The creators of this diet believe that sugar from carbohydrates is the responsible party in weight gain.  Their diet is based upon the principle that carbohydrates raise blood sugar, which then triggers insulin production.  The insulin directs blood sugar into the cells which in turn prevents the burning of stored fats.  Therefore, Atkins came to the conclusion that carbohydrates encourage weight gain.

From a health standpoint, the bad news to this is there is the increased risk to the individual’s health.  In order for the body to burn large amounts of fat without sufficient dietary carbohydrates, the body will produce ketones.  These ketones in turn produce many side effects such as headaches, dehydration, and nausea. Over time the long term effects are bone loss, muscle breakdown, kidney disease, and increased risk of heart attack.  After all, Dr. Atkins himself, who lived this low-carb lifestyle, experienced artery blockages which are typical as a result of high-fat, high-cholesterol diets.

It is recommended that you stay clear of Low-carb diets.  They are unsafe and can be detrimental to your healthy wellbeing.  As an alternative it’s best to follow a diet plan that includes healthy, well-balanced eating along with regular exercise.

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