Low-carbohydrate diets are designed to help people lose weight by limiting or restricting the amount of carbohydrates in their diets and increasing the amount of fats and proteins. Low-carb diets were popularized in the 1990's, and have become one of the most popular types of diets around. Before starting any diet, it is important to know the possible dangers and side effects that the diet offers.
Cognitive Difficulties
Carbohydrates are the main source of fuel for the human brain, and restricting carbohydrates deprives the brain of energy. When the brain lacks energy, it causes memory problems, decreases intellectual performance and reduces cognitive processing.
Temper
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology performed a study that shows the brain only produces serotonin after a person consumes carbohydrates. Serotonin controls and regulates a person's emotions and moods. When there is a shortage of serotonin it can lead to depression and mood swings.
Fatigue
According to the Mayo Clinic, when carbohydrates are taken out of a diet, the body begins to burn glycogen, which contains a large amount of water. When glycogen burns, it releases water and increases urination, which causes weight loss. When glycogen begins to deplete, it creates fatigue in the body.
Imbalanced Diet
When you limit your diet of carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, it can lead to a fiber deficiency in the body. When a diet lacks fiber and important nutrients, it can increase the chances of cancer in the digestive track.
Fats
Low-carb diets are high in protein and as a result have an unhealthy amount of saturated fat in them. A high level of saturated fat consumption over a long period of time will lead to strokes, heart disease, cancers, arthritis and kidney stones.
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