A low-carb diet typically involves limiting the intake of foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, rice, sugar, and some fruits. Instead, people on a low-carb diet focus on eating more protein and healthy fats, such as meats, fish, eggs, nuts, and low-carb vegetables.
The basic idea behind the low-carb diet is that by reducing the intake of carbohydrates, the body is forced to burn stored fat for energy instead of glucose (carbohydrates) which results in weight loss. Additionally, low-carb diets can help to lower blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and decrease inflammation.
There are different variations of low-carb diets, such as the ketogenic diet and the Atkin’s diet. The ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet that aims to put the body in a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. The Atkins diet is a low-carb, high-protein diet that gradually increases the amount of carbs allowed as the diet progresses.
It’s important to note that low-carb diets may not be suitable for everyone. People with kidney disease, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional before starting a low-carb diet. Additionally, low-carb diets can be hard to stick to long-term, and some people may experience side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, and constipation.
It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a low-carb diet, to ensure it is suitable for you and to get personalized guidance.
