Low carb diets are very popular these days. Many people use these diets to lose weight. Diabetics use these diets to keep their glucose levels normal. However, there are both pros and cons of undertaking low carb diets. Low carb diets are based on the principal of cutting out carbs and replacing them with proteins and fats. These diets can be beneficial or harmful it all depends on how you use them. Consider the following facts.
Diabetics
For diabetic people this type of dieting can be very beneficial. However, diabetics use different standards and limits when low carb dieting. Diabetic men should eat 60 carbs for three meals a day and 15 carbs twice a day for snacks. Women will eat a few less carbs. However, people who are trying to lose weight will eat way less carbs than this. For diabetics this plan will help to maintain normal glucose levels.
As A Way To Lose Weight
For a short while low carb dieting can help an individual lose weight. Many people experience significant weight loss within a few short weeks. However, with the benefits there are side effects. Many dieters find that they experience many more cramps, bad breath, and exhaustion. For dieters with kidney problems low carb dieting should be avoided unless you are instructed to do so by a doctor. This is due to the fact that eating too few carbs and too many proteins can be hard on your kidneys.
Advantages
One advantage of eating less carbs is that you are likely to avoid useless calories from candy, potato chips, and sodas. Eliminating these calories will help you lose weight. However, most dieters know that cutting out empty calories will make you lose weight even if you don't cut carbs all together.
Disadvantages
Many physicians believe there is an increased risk of heart attack in patients who adhere to low carb diets for a long period of time. This may be due to the fact that while low carb dieting many dieters eat large amounts of saturated fat. This can clog the arteries and increase the risk for heart attack. However, it can also be very hard on the heart when you do not eat a properly balanced diet for an extended period of time.
Dieting Carbs versus Normal Carbs
Many dieters limit the amount of carbs they take in to less than 20 grams a day. However, doctors recommend that a normal person can consume 150 carbs per day. At levels less than 150 carbs the brain may not have the amount of carbs necessary support normal brain functions. Since carbs also provide energy for the body and organs eating too few carbs could leave you wiped out or ill.
Before you decide to undertake this diet you should first speak with your doctor. Most doctors believe that eating all food groups in moderation is better than simply cutting out one food type all together.