8 things that happen when you give up carbs

It can lead to depression in the long run!

Carbohydrates are essential macronutrients. Ideally, around 45% to 65% of calories should come from carbohydrates, according to experts. Carbs provide energy, which powers physical activity, brain function and ensures optimum operation of the organs. It is also important for intestinal health and waste elimination. Thanks to the fad diets and weight loss techniques, most adults don't think twice before cutting down on carbohydrates. Cutting out refined grains, whole grains, or carbs in general, can have varied impact on our body. Ms Jaee Khamkar, Nutrition Therapist, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan explains about the wide array of things that happen when you give up carbs.

1. Fatigue: Carbs are such an important source of energy for our body, that eating lesser carbs can really drag you down. Drastically cutting down carbs can lead to fatigue, weakness and even dizziness. Feeling tired from insufficient carb intake, means less energy to remain physically active. Read to know how many carbohydrates do you need daily?

2. Constipation: Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that aids in gastrointestinal health and helps prevent constipation. Eating too few carbs means you are not meeting your daily fibre requirements, this increases the risk of constipation.

3. Mood swings: Carbohydrate exclusion causes our brain to stop regulating serotonin, a hormone present in blood platelets and serum. Low serotonin supply causes mood swings and depression.

4. Weakened immunity: With increased fluid loss and degradation, there is an increase of vitamin-C loss from the body. If chronically dehydrated, it could lead to weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to infections. Here are 5 signs and symptoms that indicate you have a weak immune system.

5. Loss of sodium: Excess of ketone (organic compound) in the blood, caused due to carb restriction, leads to fluid loss and excretion of sodium ions (Na+) from the body. This may lead to muscle cramps, exhaustion and lethargy.

6. Muscle wasting: As the fat reserves and amino acids are getting used up for energy production that carbs are unable to provide due to carb starvation, there will be a loss of muscle mass and impairment of growth, leading to unhealthy and uncontrolled weight loss. Here are 18 causes of muscle weakness you need to know.

7. Ketosis: Ketosis is a normal metabolic process when the body does not have enough carbohydrate for energy, it burns stored fats instead, and this results in a build-up of acid called ketones. This causes headaches, nausea, difficulty focusing mentally and bad breath.

8. Acidosis: Low amount of carbohydrates in the diet is one of the risk factors for acidosis. When our body fluid contains too much acid, it is known as acidosis. This condition may lead to fatigue, confusion, lack of appetite, and increase in heart rate. Also read about sources of carbohydrates you can include in your diet under Rs 50.

Hence, it is imperative that we carefully add sufficient amounts of carbohydrates in our diet to protect ourselves from the deficiency manifestations.

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