The Atkins diet requires a severe restriction of carbohydrates and allows high levels of fats such as cheese, cream, full-fat mayonnaise, red meats and avocados. Because of the low amounts of carbohydrates allowed, the people who embark on this diet plan begin to experience side effects that can be traced to low levels of minerals needed by the body. Another significant effect can be the increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to the high amounts of saturated fats required by this diet
Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
People on the Akins diet eat a high level of fats every day, and these fats include saturated fats. The amounts of fats allowed on this diet include 85 to 115 grams of cheese, butter and oils, 2 to 3 tbsp. of cream and 2 tbsp. of sour cream per day. When eating chicken, dieters are not required to remove the skin and when they eat red meat, they don't have to skim or cut off the fat.
This high level of saturated fat eventually increases the dieter's risk of cardiovascular disease. According to Weight Loss Resources dietician, Juliette Kellow, the levels of saturated fats in this diet conflict with recommendations of health professionals.
Cramps
As dieters on the Atkins diet begin to lose weight, they lose necessary minerals like potassium, calcium and magnesium, according to Dr. Sarah Brewer, writing for the iVillage website. The loss of these vital minerals can cause leg cramps. Dieters considering this diet should speak with their physicians before they actually start the diet in order to ensure they are otherwise in good health and can withstand the effects of the Atkins diet.
Bad Breath
Persons on a low-carbohydrate diet break down higher amounts of fat because the body starts to use the fuel from body stores for energy, says Dr. Brewer. As this happens, ketones are released, giving an unusual odor to the dieter's breath, which is described as similar to pear drops. This can be dealt with by drinking water and using breath freshener containing xylitol.
Constipation
The Atkins diet contains little fiber or roughage and this leads to the constipation side effect, according to Dr. Brewer. The beneficial bacteria in the intestines need fiber in order to promote the normal bowel movements.
People on the Atkins diet should start eating a yogurt with probiotic cultures as well as their full allowance of vegetables and fruits. In addition, dieters should drink water throughout the day in order to allow the normal functioning of their bowels.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Symptoms can include headaches, feeling faint, headaches and heart palpitations. Dieters who have previously eaten wheat, sugar, caffeine and other foods that quickly affect blood sugar experience withdrawal from these foods and substances. The symptoms should last no longer than three days; if they last longer or are severe, the dieter should stop the Atkins diet.
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