There is no debating the fact that weight gain is an epidemic in this country-the solution to this epidemic, however, is being debated every day. Low-carb diets are a popular weight loss option that can be healthy or unhealthy, depending on the foods that make up the rest of your diet. There are a few other health risks that may help you determine if a low-carb diet is right for you.

The Benefits of a Low-Carb Diet

The largest positive aspect of a low-carb diet is the removal of sugar and other simple carbs from the diet. Sugary foods tend to have a lot of calories and not much else nutritional value; their elimination will lead to quick weight loss. White breads and other bakeries are made from processed flour that has been stripped of its nutritional value.

The intent of the low-carb diet is to keep insulin levels low, and if strictly adhered to, sends the body into ketosis. This means that your body is running out of stored glucose for energy and now has to burn the stored fat.

When the target weight has been achieved, low-carb dieters usually start increasing their carb intake. This should be done with whole grain breads and fruits, which are healthy carbs.

Healthy Low-Carb Diets

A healthy low-carb diet is dependent on the foods you choose to make up your diet. Healthy foods include:

• Fish
• Lean, preferably organic meats
• Greens and green vegetables
• Healthy nuts and seeds like walnuts and pumpkin seeds
• Plenty of water
• Herbal teas

This kind of diet would be high in nutritional value and without chemicals and food additives.

Unhealthy Low-Carb Diets

• Processed meats
• Processed cheeses
• Pork rinds
• Diet sodas
• Artificially sweetened snacks marketed as “low-carb”

These foods are usually full of additives like sodium nitrite and don’t provide much nutritional value. Artificial sweeteners can have negative effects elsewhere in the body, like abdominal gas and cramps. Carefully inspect the labels of so-called “low-carb” snacks, because they may not be as low-carb as their marketing makes you think.

Risks of Low-Carb Diets

There are some health concerns that may suggest low-carb diets are not so good for you. These include:

• Kidney trouble, as a high-protein diet can be hard on them, especially for people with kidney diseases
• Acidic nature of high-protein diet could cause body imbalances and lost calcium in the bones. Therefore it may be prudent for those on low-carb diets to take calcium and magnesium supplements.
• Vitamin C Deficiency. A diet without fruits can cause a vitamin C deficiency, which can lead to myriad health problems. Low-carb vegetables like tomatoes and peppers contain vitamin C, but consider adding a supplement too.
• Dehydration. Low carb diets may cause you to lose water weight, so drink plenty of water every day.
• Symptoms. The first few days on this diet can cause people to experience symptoms similar to dehydration, including headaches, fatigue, nausea, feeling lightheaded, and generally feeling sick. They usually subside within a week however.
• Irregular Bowel Movements. Low carb diets also tend to be low in fiber, leading to irregular bowel movements or constipation. A fiber supplement is recommended on this diet.

Along with exercise, a low-carb diet may be the right option for you to lose the weight.

Get a jump start on your personal weight loss program today.

Sources:
http://nutrition.about.com/od/diets/a/lowcarbdianafaq.htm