Low carbohydrate diets are becoming increasingly popular as a way to lose weight. The basis of the diet is to reduce the amount of carbohydrates that you consume and replace them with protein-based foods. For most people, this will be a completely different way of eating from what they are used to and so your body will take some time to adjust. Some of the most common side effects that are experienced by people who start a low carb diet are discussed below.
Dehydration
A low carbohydrate diet can have a diuretic effect on the body which means that the body will start to excrete more fluid. This means that you can become dehydrated if you do not consume enough water. This is one of the most common side effects that people experience when they switch to a low carb diet, but it is something that can be eased by making sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day.
Constipation Or Diarrhea
When you are following a low carbohydrate diet, there is a chance that you may also be inadvertently consuming less fiber. This can lead to a number of problems with your gut including constipation and diarrhea. This occurs because there are fewer bacteria in your stomach to fight off these conditions. You can make vegetables a big part of your low carbohydrate diet and this will help provide you with all the fiber that you need. Click here for more information about this subject.
Headaches
Low carb diets can be associated with severe headaches in some people and these can occur for a number of reasons. They may be linked to dehydration as described above and so you should ensure that you are drinking at least two liters of water a day. Another factor that may contribute to headaches is that you will be cutting down on a number of things that you may be withdraw from, namely caffeine and sugar. It is sometimes suggested that you start to reduce the amount of sugar and caffeine that you consume before you start the low carb diet properly so that your body can adjust to the withdrawal process gradually.
Fatigue
One of the main reasons why people may experience fatigue on a low carb diet is that they may also be reducing their calorie intake at the same time. If the body thinks that it is not getting enough energy from the food that is being consumed then it will try and preserve as much energy as it can and this can lead to feelings of tiredness. Fatigue is also a side effect of an underactive thyroid and a low carb diet can also contribute to this as the production of insulin, which helps the thyroid work, can slow down on a low carb diet.
It is important to remember that these side effects are not experienced by everyone who follows a low carb diet. It is very rare that any of the side effects described above would cause you serious problems. Your body will adapt to the new way of eating over time. If you do have any concerns, then it may be a good idea to consult your doctor before beginning any new diet.
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