Share:
Low Carb Diet Less-known health hazards due to carbohydrates
When you lose weight, most of the ghosts are different. Although many people think that it is especially effective when you eat as little fat as possible, more and more people are counting on "low carb". The reduction of carbohydrates is controversial. The ketogenic diet has an impact on health.
Low carb is trendy
Diets, such as those by Atkins, are in vogue. Much meat, eggs, milk and cheese and hardly any carbohydrates: A diet according to the so-called low-carb principle. When asked whether less fat or less carbohydrates is apt to lose weight quickly, scientific research has consistently shown that low-carb performs better than low-fat. It is clear that you can achieve a rapid weight loss by eliminating carbohydrates. It is controversial, however, whether it is also healthy to delete bread, noodles and rice from the diet and to put on fat or proteins.
A protein-rich diet usually helps you lose weight fast. But the low carb diet is controversial because of possible side effects. (Image: Syda Productions / fotolia.com) Advantages and disadvantages for the health
For example, US scientists in the journal "Cell Metabolism" reported that especially people under the age of 65, who rely on a protein-rich diet, would be at greater risk of dying of cancer. On the other hand, low-carb diets help to better control type 2 diabetes, a recent study showed. In a message from the dpa news agency, experts explain what to consider in a ketogenic diet:
Favorable effects on serious illnesses
Carbohydrates are considered the number one source of energy for the human organism and especially for the brain. In a ketogenic diet, the daily intake of carbohydrates is reduced to a minimum of just about 20 to 50 grams. Instead, high-fat foods are on the menu, from sausages and meats to cream, eggs and cheese to nuts.
The low-carbohydrate diet is said to not only lead to weight loss, but also have beneficial effects on serious illnesses. However, there is no clear scientific evidence for this.
"From a medical point of view, a ketogenic diet is recommended only for pediatric epilepsy," said Professor Georg Wechsler, President of the Federal Association of German Nutritionists (BDEM). From the perspective of the specialist in internal medicine from Munich, the ketogenic diet has "many disadvantages and side effects".
Body reverses metabolism
The basic idea behind this diet is that the body changes its metabolism due to the reduction in carbohydrate intake and seeks new sources of energy - fat. He attacks the body depots and also uses the fats that are supplied through the food. The ketones formed supply the organism with energy.
Since the carbohydrates are dispensed with, it usually comes through the high-fat diet not to gain weight. Due to the high proportion of protein and vegetables often occurs a weight loss effect.
Ketogenic diet in epilepsy
"Since the 1920s, it has been known that a ketogenic diet reduces seizure readiness in epilepsy," said Margret Morlo of the Federation of Nutrition and Dietetics (VFED). According to the expert, a ketogenic diet has been developed in US clinics specifically for children suffering from epilepsy. The small patients must therefore take 90 percent of the energy in the form of fat, vitamins and minerals are given as a supplement.
"At each meal, depending on tolerability, the ratio of 4: 1 or 3: 1 - fat to protein and carbohydrates - must be complied with," says Morlo. However, this diet does not work for all epilepsy sufferers. In some of the children, the insufficient amount of protein in the diet can inhibit growth and physical development.
Only under medical supervision
"Not least because of this, a ketogenic diet, if any, should always be carried out under strict medical supervision," Wechsler pointed out. Due to a high-fat diet, there is a risk that it will lead to deposits on the vessels. This can lead to stroke or heart attack.
In addition, the urinary acid production increases with the ketogenic diet: "There is an increased risk of developing gout." People who eat ketogenically should therefore have their uric acid regularly checked.
Effect on the course of a cancer
Some proponents of the ketogenic diet believe that the low-carbohydrate and high-fat diet could have a positive effect on the progression of a cancer. According to the special diet to ensure that the growth of cancer cells can be inhibited. "So far, however, there are no universally valid scientific findings," explained Wechsler.
The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) comments similarly: "There are currently only a few studies on cancer patients. No tumor regression, life extension, improvement in response to therapy, or fewer side effects from the ketogenic diet were found, "said DGE spokeswoman Antje Gahl. The experts therefore advise against a ketogenic diet in the context of cancer treatment.
Controversial because of possible side effects
According to Wechsler, it is currently being discussed in medical circles whether a ketogenic diet could possibly positively influence diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer's. "Again, there is currently no clear scientific evidence," said the nutritionist, who calls the ketogenic diet an outsider diet.
According to Morlo, "at the beginning of this diet, more fat is burned than with any other reduction diet." But the diet is controversial because of their possible side effects and because of their imbalance. People who are overweight should prefer to change their diet and lifestyle, step by step, together with specialists. "Success may not be that fast, but it has no side effects for the participants," says Morlo. (Ad)