We’re all being told that obesity is a big problem in America, and urged to do something to lose the spare tire around our middle. One popular way to do this is with a variety of low carb/high protein diets. They can lose weight fast, and maintain it fairly easily. Is this the answer to all our weight challenges?
Not necessary.
The American Heart Association and most doctors do not favor this type of diet because of the lack of essential nutrients in many protein sources. This is not the only drawback that can be applied to this type of diet. Unless properly planned, these diets tend to be high in fat, cholesterol and purines. These substances can wreak havoc on your body.
Before delving into the drawbacks of a high protein diet, let me point out that not all low carb diets are bad. If your doctor and nutritionist have put you on a low-carb diet and are monitoring it properly, that’s probably a good thing. You can find out from the information below why they insist on certain supplements and tests. Here are some of the pitfalls that can happen without proper monitoring.
gout: This is a very painful condition, possibly one of the most painful diseases on the planet. You go to bed fine and wake up in the middle of the night groggy. The sheet is too heavy for the affected joint, usually the right big toe is the first to flinch. Walking is almost impossible.
Gout occurs when an excessive amount of uric acid circulates in the bloodstream, the acid turns into crystals, and gets deposited in your joints and causes pain, redness, and swelling. Uric acid results when large amounts of purines are consumed. Purines are found in most, if not all, proteins, both plant and animal.
When planning a low-carb diet, it’s important to find out which proteins contain the least amount of purines. Skip those high in the substance, especially organ meats from all animals and many processed foods.
high cholesterol: High-protein diets can be very high in fat and cholesterol. This can lead to heart disease, including heart attack and stroke. Unless you have regular blood tests, you may not find out about the problem until it is too late. Choosing your proteins carefully can help prevent this problem. Plant proteins are naturally cholesterol-free, and many of the animal proteins are lower cholesterol cuts.
kidney diseaseGout: Gout is an early warning sign that your kidneys are working too hard. The kidneys are responsible for removing waste products, including uric acid. Ignoring this warning sign could put you at risk of a decline in kidney function.
scarcity problem: feeling tired? bleeding nose? Having a little constipation problem? You may be suffering from a lack of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet. You see, they all contain carbs, and a high protein diet usually steers clear of them. However, you need them.
These carbs are not bad carbs. In fact, consuming them in the right amounts can actually benefit both your weight loss goals and your overall health. They contain vitamins, minerals and the all-important fiber, which moves what you eat through your lower digestive tract.
High protein diets must be done correctly if you want to be successful. You’ll need the help and guidance of both a doctor and a nutritionist to find the right combination for your goals. Following a diet from a book ignores the individual factors that make us all unique, and they can hurt you. Weight control isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal.
Source by Mary Bodel
