South Beach Diet Complications

The South Beach Diet is a ketogenic diet, meaning that it focuses on the restriction of carbohydrates. According to Dr. Arthur Agatston, author of "The South Beach Diet," a diet high in proteins and low in carbohydrates may be an effective solution for weight loss. Although the South Beach Diet offers an alternative to other diets, which focus on counting calories and restricting serving sizes, this diet may cause several complications. Check with your doctor before adopting the South Beach Diet. You should only follow this diet, or any other weight loss plan, under the supervision of a nutritionist or physician.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by inflexibility of arterial walls. This inflexibility is typically caused by the accumulation of fatty plaque on the inside of your arteries, as well as the accumulation of calcium deposits, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. According to Dr. Joel Fuhrman, author of "Eat to Live," a diet high in proteins may contribute heavily to the development of atherosclerosis. This condition may lead to heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias and strokes. In some cases, atherosclerosis may block arteries completely, which can cause irreversible heart muscle damage or death.

Ketosis

Because the South Beach Diet focuses on a diet heavy in animal fats and proteins, as well as limited carbohydrate intake, it may lead to ketosis, according to Fuhrman. Ketosis is the presence of excess ketones, which are chemicals produced by your body during the metabolism of fats. These chemicals can build up in your bloodstream when your body cannot completely break down the fats in foods because of a lack of carbohydrates and other necessary nutrients. Ketosis may cause chronic bad breath, but it is not typically life-threatening. This condition may also contribute to other symptoms, such as mood changes, dehydration, nausea, dizziness and muscle weakness, according to MayoClinic.com.

Lack of Convenience

The South Beach Diet is primarily designed for people who cook at home with fresh ingredients, such as meats, dairy products, nuts, seeds and raw vegetables. The restrictions of this diet, particularly during the induction phase, may make dining at a restaurant difficult. Although fast food restaurants typically make nutrition guides available, restaurants rarely provide ingredient lists. Also, purchasing ready-to-heat convenience meals and packaged snacks may be a challenge while you are following this diet, because these foods often contain white flour and other ingredients that are not permitted under the South Beach Diet.