1. What's the Deal?
Many people who are trying to lose weight opt for low carb diets. They consist of little to no starchy grains or grains with high fiber and a low glycemic index. As you change your eating habits, you drop weight because your body is getting off its dependence on sugars and your blood sugar level becomes steady. There is a mix of good and bad side effects associated with a low carb diet. They don't usually have a profound effect on your health, but if you're taking medications for a health condition, you're more likely to experience an issue. Remember to talk to your doctor before starting any diet, including one that's low in carbohydrates. He can monitor your health and make any necessary changes to your medications.
2. Medication Switcharoo
It's common for your blood sugar levels to lower or become more even when you're eating low carb foods. So, if you're a diabetic, this needs to be taken quite seriously, especially if you are taking medication or insulin shots. By eating low carb you're stabilizing you're blood sugar levels diets, so your doctor may need to change your medicine to make up for these changes to your system. Likewise, if you have high blood pressure or digestive issues and are on medication for it, your doctor needs to make adjustments, too.
3. Ow! My Head Hurts!
Low carb diets can cause some noticeable side effects, especially in the first few days or week. Because you're cutting out simple sugars from your diet, your system will notice. You may have headaches, dizziness, nausea, feel tired, unenergetic or irritable. Think about it--how many times did you crave sugar? Well, now you're not eating much sugar, so your body goes through a withdrawal of sorts. You may experience big-time sugar cravings and constipation. To get through this period of time, drink plenty of water. It helps stabilize your body and alleviate the headaches and dizziness.
4. That Time of the Month
Women who eat low carb leave themselves open to a pool of different side effects. During the first week or two, you can add a strange menstrual cycle to the headache and dizziness. It's caused by your body adjusting to your new eating plan. The oddities last for only a short period of time before things go back to normal. Stick with it because if you stay on the low carb diet, your menstrual flow will actually become lighter. You'll also have less pain and cramping while eating low carb.
5. Yes! Down Some Pounds!
If you stick it out until you're through the negative side effects of the first week or so, you'll start to notice the positive side effects. You'll notice weight start dropping off. At first, it's mostly water weight, but fat soon follows. Your sugar and starch cravings will lessen, you'll become more energetic and you'll feel less gassy and bloated. Your blood sugar will level out, as will your blood pressure and you'll have improved bowel movements. The key to making this a long-term way of life is to mix up your low carb foods to keep yourself interested and on plan.
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