Low-Carb Health Problem – New Scientific Review Explodes Low-Carb Myth

In a paper appearing in the current issue of Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Shane Bilsborough, M.Sc., and Timothy Crowe, Ph.D., expose the dark side of the low-carb diet craze. This extensive review of the scientific literature is titled, Low-carbohydrate diets: what are the potential short and long-term health implications

The Australian authors state, Complications such as heart arrhythmias, cardiac contractile function impairment, sudden death, osteoporosis, kidney damage, increased cancer risk, impairment of physical activity and lipid abnormalities can all be linked to long-term restriction of carbohydrates in the diet. Short-term hazards of following a high-fat, low-carb diet include impotence and cardiac arrest due to electrolyte depletion.

With new products such as Subway’s low-carb wrap, fast-food chains are cashing in on the latest diet fads, while deliberately ignoring serious potential damage to consumers’ health, says Kim Seidl, M.S., R.D., PCRM staff dietitian. This new scientific review contains a healthy dose of reality and is just what the doctor ordered to counteract the low-carb craze.

Both the United States and Australia are experiencing obesity epidemics, and people are turning to fad diets in ever-increasing numbers. Despite anecdotal accounts of phenomenal weight loss, scientific studies show that the weight loss on low-carb diets is about the same as on other popular diets. Far from being the culprit in the obesity epidemic, carbohydrate-rich foods, such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and rice are among the most healthful and slimming foods that nature provides.

Low-carbohydrate diets typically exclude many foods that we know are beneficial for our health and which can help prevent disease, says Shane Bilsborough, lead author of the scientific review. Severely restricting carbohydrates throws the body into ‘starvation mode’ which can have serious effects on the heart.

There is a growing concern now among doctors that cardiac problems seen on low-carbohydrate diets are the reason for sudden death seen in otherwise healthy dieters who cut out carbohydrates from their diets. In a scientifically documented case in the United States, a 16-year-old girl who was on the Atkins diet died of a cardiac arrhythmia.

About The Author:

Haley Corda is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.atkins-diet-plan-n-recipes.com. Information about the Atkins diet plan and low carb cooking for long term weight loss.