A low or no-carb diet works differently for everyone, as for many people carbohydrates can cause immense weight gain, and its reduction works wonders. However, reducing carbs from your body is not a permanent solution, and according to health experts, should be eaten in moderation as they are very beneficial for the body. Read on to know the horrendous side effects of a low or no-carb diet, and how it would make you feel weak and unwell.
Updated Jul 25, 2023 | 09:49 AM IST
A low-carb diet is generally followed for weight loss and management, lowering your risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
New Delhi: Usually, if you are on a diet, you would restrict yourself from eating carbohydrates, found in a wide variety of both healthy and unhealthy foods like bread, beans, milk, popcorn, potatoes, cookies, spaghetti, soft drinks, and corn.
Signs that you are not eating enough carbs
A few symptoms your body would begin showing if there is a deficiency of carbs include:
Feeling cold all the time
If you are one of those who feel extremely cold and chilly, even in the hot, blazing summer months, there is something wrong with your body.
According to health experts, quitting carbs would start to show the symptoms of hypothyroidism. The main reason why carbs affect thyroid function so directly is because insulin is needed for the conversion of the inactive T4 hormone into the active T3 hormone, and insulin is generally quite low on very low carbohydrate diets.
And when your body falls short of this hormone, you end up feeling cold all the time.
Irregular and painful menstrual cycles
A lack of carbs in the body can cause extremely painful and irregular periods in some women.
According to doctors, carbs help in balancing the hormone levels and prevent estrogen from falling short in the body, which causes heavy bleeding, painful cramps, and irregular periods.
Low energy
Carbs fuel your body like no other, and not eating them would make you tired all the time.
Constipation
Doctors say lack of fibre due to minimal grains and beans, causes your stool to harden and cause gas and bloating as well. Hence, it is important to drink lots of water, take fibre supplements, or increase low-carb, high-fiber foods in your diet.
Bad breath
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is an often-reported side effect of quitting carbs, also causing a foul taste in the mouth.
Doctors say when you are on a low-carb diet, your body switches to ketones for fuel in the absence of preferred glycogen, causing bad breath.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
