Low carbohydrate diets have been controversial for decades. We’ve seen diets like Atkins gain some popularity and then fail, and we’ve seen a lot of heat on the keto diet where going low carb is eliminating all carbohydrates with that one. Some people have said that these are the diets that raise cholesterol and cause heart disease due to their fat content when they are going low carb, but there are plenty of scientific studies out there. That shows that low-carb diets do prove their worth.
When you are dealing with thyroid disorders or diabetes, a low-carb diet can be a great idea. Not only would you be able to help yourself to stop gaining a lot of weight, which happens with thyroid disorders, but you’ll be able to knock out that tiredness that’s striking you down. So what are the reasons that you should choose to go low carb with the help of your healthcare provider?
- Low-carb diets work to reduce your appetite. Hunger is one of the worst side effects of dieting, and when you are dealing with a health condition to do with your thyroid, for example, you might find yourself hungrier than usual and gaining weight. Low-carb diets are often high in protein, which means your appetite is quenched. Low-carb eating leads to an automatic reduction in your appetite, and when you eat more protein and more fat, you end up eating far fewer calories, but you are satisfied for longer.
- Loss is a good side effect. We all know that while bread and pasta should not be demonized, it often is because these are more filling foods and less nutritionally dense than, say, meat or vegetables. Going low carb and focusing on those meat and vegetables can help you to lose weight faster because you are not holding on to sugars from the carbohydrates. Low-carb diets also act to get rid of excess water from your body and lower your interest in insulin levels. Rapid weight loss is a good side effect of low carb.
- Not all fat is equal. Low-carb diets are very effective at reducing harmful abdominal fat, and given that the greater proportion of fat loss comes from your abdomen, you have to consider that low-carb could be the best option. Where your fat is stored determines how it affects your health and your risks of disease and if you are going on a low-carb diet, you can expect to lose the gut.
- Your triglycerides will drop drastically. Triglycerides are fat molecules that circulate your bloodstream, but if you are going low carb, you might find that the levels of these will drop very quickly. Carb consumption can elevate your triglycerides, especially if you are sedentary in your movement.
Going low carb may be a new concept for you, but speak to your doctor before you do anything. If you are dealing with a health condition like diabetes, then they’ll be able to refer you to a dietitian who can give you the best advice for your health going forward.
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