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Verified By Apollo Doctors May 28, 2023
We all know how important it is to maintain the right weight and BMI (Body Mass Index). However, most of us juggle work and home, finding no time for a healthy diet or exercise. In such circumstances, a low-carb diet can be a helpful weight loss strategy.
As the name suggests, a low-carb diet involves limiting the intake of carbohydrates and focuses on incorporating more proteins and fat. In this process, the person restricts the use of starchy vegetables, grains, and sugary fruits.
Before understanding how a low-carb diet helps to reduce weight, let us first understand carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates are of 4 types:
Our body takes more time to digest complex carbohydrates. During the process, these carbs break into simple sugar, i.e., glucose, which is released into the blood and is called ‘blood glucose.’ It is the insulin that helps glucose to enter the cells and provide energy. The liver and muscles contain the remaining glucose, and the rest is stored as fat.
When one restricts carbohydrates in the diet, the body uses this stored fat for energy, hence resulting in weight loss.
A low-carb diet thus helps with weight maintenance and weight loss. The quantum of weight loss depends on the carbohydrate deficit implemented.
Apart from weight loss, a low-carb diet keeps blood sugar and blood pressure in check. Also, it increases the levels of HDL (high-density lipoproteins), i.e., good cholesterol, and also decreases triglycerides.
There are many variations of the low-carb diet.
Most people opt for the typical low-carb diet where they focus on reducing the intake of carbohydrates. A person who follows a regular low-carb diet consumes high protein to compensate for the lost calories.
This diet focuses on very low carbohydrate intake and taking food with high fat content. So, meat, fish, nuts, vegetables, berries, etc., will form an essential part of your diet.
Here too, the person focuses on taking a meagre amount of carbohydrates and increasing the fat levels in the food. The extremely low levels of carbohydrates force the body into ‘ketosis’. In this diet, a large amount of fat is released into the liver where it turns into ketones that become the source of energy.
A Paleo diet refers to eating food available in the Paleolithic era. Hence, the diet revolves around food available before the agricultural and industrial revolutions. The key foods include fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, nuts, etc. Dairy, legumes, grains, etc., are eliminated in this diet.
The Atkins diet follows a strict food plan that avoids high-carb foods and increases the proteins and fat. The diet plan is in 4 phases, starting with an intake of 20 gms of carbohydrates and eventually adding more once you start reducing weight.
The eco-Atkins is the vegan version of the Atkins diet. The diet involves plant food intake.
As the name suggests, carbohydrates are eliminated . In this diet type, people eat meat, fish, animal fats, etc., to meet calorie requirements.
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes reducing carbohydrates. It mainly focuses on high-fat food rather than lean meat. So, fatty fish will be included in this diet.
A low-carb diet is a recommended process to achieve various health benefits. You can opt for it in the following conditions:
When the body does not receive a requisite amount of carbs, it burns stored fat. The fat is mostly visceral fat from the belly.
High intake of carbs triggers the triglycerides levels. These are the fat molecules that circulate in the bloodstream and may lead to blockage. When the carbohydrate levels decrease, triglycerides also diminish, contributing to heart health.
HDL or good cholesterol can increase when you take a low-carb diet.
A low-carb diet can lower blood sugar and insulin levels. It is beneficial for patients of type 2 diabetes.
High blood pressure is a reason for many ailments. You may control surges with a planned low- carb diet.
If you do not suffer from any disease, it is okay to go for a low-carb diet. However, if you take regular medication for ailments like diabetes or high blood pressure, it may be beneficial to first contact your doctor.
If you are thinking to go on a low-carb diet,
Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment
In the initial phases of carbs reduction, you may face a few side effects, such as:
Also, opting for a low-carb diet for a long duration may cause deficits in the vitamins and minerals levels in your body. Hence, it is recommended to pursue a low-carb diet for not more than 6 months if in perfect health. Visit the doctor in case the body shows any abnormal reactions.
Your body may also present with some severe conditions if the low-carb diet is continued for a long time. These include:
A low carb diet means increasing the intake of protein, which can strain the kidneys. It may thus adversely affect your health.
A high protein diet will lead to more calcium accumulation. This may create kidney stones.
Few proteins and dairy products may increase fat levels, and there are chances for a rise in cholesterol levels. This may lead to heart diseases.
A low-carb diet is a way to lose weight. However, it is always a better idea to visit a doctor or nutritionist before going on any diet as they are the expert who can provide you with a proper diet plan.
Q1. How Many Calories Should I Eat a Day To Lose 1 kg of weight?
A1. You can reduce anywhere between 500 to 700 calories to lose 1 kg.
Q2. Is There a Chance That I will Not Lose Weight Even After Opting for a Low-carb Diet?
A2. Taking too many nuts and lots of dairy products, less sleep, etc., may be reasons for your inability to lose weight even with a carb reduction.
Q3. How Important is Exercising While on a Low-carb diet?
A3. Exercising is an integral element of a healthier self. You must opt for moderate exercise during low-carb phases.
At Apollo, we believe that easily accessible, reliable health information can make managing health conditions an empowering experience. Apollo Hospitals Online Health Library team consists of medical experts who create curated peer-reviewed medical content that is regularly updated and is easy-to-understand.
October 25, 2024
