The South Beach Diet is a weight-loss diet originally created in 2003 by Arthur Agatston, cardiologist and author of the book, "The South Beach Diet: The Delicious, Doctor-Designed, Foolproof Plan for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss." This diet encourages weight loss and promotes a healthy lifestyle by eliminating harmful carbohydrates and incorporating fiber, whole grains and colorful fruits and vegetables into the daily diet in its three phases, according to the MayoClinic.com. The South Beach Diet is a commercialized weight-loss diet, not a medically prescribed diet. Health complications can arise, so it is important to check with a physician before starting this diet.
Muscle Fatigue and Cramps
Muscle fatigue and cramps are common during the first phase of the South Beach Diet, according to the website Cool Running. The first phase of the plan is the most restrictive, while the second phase reintroduces some of the restricted foods back into the diet and the third phase focuses on maintaining the weight. Muscle fatigue can occur as excess fat is broken down and bodily fluids are decreased. Some people report increased fatigue following vigorous physical activity. Decreased salt intake, dehydration, shifts in fluids and/or low potassium, magnesium or calcium levels can cause cramping and tired muscles, according to the South Beach Diet website. Muscle fatigue and cramps can be remedied by increasing fluid intake before, during and after exercising; daily muscle stretches; and increasing consumption of dark leafy greens, beans, legumes and low-fat dairy. In addition, it may be necessary to add extra salt to prepared food during the early stages of the diet to maintain an adequate fluid volume.
Ketoacidosis
People who follow the South Beach Diet are at risk for a condition called ketoacidosis. According to the MayoClinic.com, ketoacidosis typically occurs during the first phase of the diet when carbohydrates are restricted to less than 20g a day. This condition is caused by a sugar or glucose deficiency. When a person has ketoacidosis, his body does not produce enough insulin to convert glucose to energy, according to the MayoClinic.com. When a person does not receive an adequate amount of glucose, the body compensates for the deficiency by breaking down stored fat. Stored fats can cause toxic levels of blood acids called ketones to accumulate in the body. Left untreated, ketoacidosis can result in loss of conscious, coma and possibly death.
Gastrointestinal Problems
A common health complication associated with the South Beach Diet is a range of gastrointestinal problems, according to Diets in Review.com. The limited amount of carbohydrates allowed during the first phase of diet plan can reduce the amount of fiber in the body and cause constipation. In addition, many prepackaged nutritional bars, cereals and snacks used in conjunction with the recommend South Beach Diet plan contain artificial sweeteners that can cause stomach upset, bloating, gas and/or diarrhea.
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