Is the Atkins Diet a Con?
Is the Atkins Diet a Con?
The Atkins diet is one of the most controversial available. No, Dr. Atkins did not die due to his diet; he slipped on ice. But do not use the Atkins diet without a knowledgeable doctor monitoring your results. There can be serious side effects to a high-protein low carb diet.
The Atkins Diet provides a weight loss program for those who wish to drop a few pounds or even more. It consists of eating foods high in protein and low in carbohydrates. But, is it healthy?
Low carbohydrate diets make the weight loss diet about eliminating certain foods and increasing intake of others. If you choose this diet, you'll avoid all foods with carbohydrates. That means you stop eating starches and sugars such as fruit, certain vegetables, beans, bread, rice, cereals, pasta and other grain products. This leaves foods high in protein such as meat, cheese and non-starchy vegetables. As the diet progresses, the restrictions on starchy foods relax a bit but still are limited.
Atkins diet foods include bacon, eggs, cheeseburgers (no bun), green salads (no dressing), seafood and steaks. These foods are high in saturated fat and cholesterol and low in fiber. They do not provide the required minimum intake of calcium, iron, vitamins A and C, folate or thiamine. Restricting these nutrients may lead you to several serious consequences including potential cardiac, renal, bone and liver abnormalities.
The diet's appeal is based on a seemingly dramatic weight loss over a year. However, studies indicate that the weight loss is not significantly different from other diets. Further, the lack of a balanced food intake may also harm your body. Although many Americans have jumped on the Atkins bandwagon hoping the diet will help them shed unwanted pounds, many doctors agree that this is simply a con designed to sell books and products. It will not, they concur, effectively lower weight with a healthy outcome.
Numerous health concerns arise from extended use of these diets. 1. Colon Cancer. Increased intake of meat is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer, a common cancer found in America.
2. Heart Disease. The abnormally high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol in Atkins diets are known to be a risk factor in heart disease.
3. Kidney Disease. High protein diets are also a contributing factor for increasing the risk of kidney problems.
4. Diabetes. The elimination of sugars and fruits may cause complications with diabetes.
5. Osteoporosis. The thinning of bones called osteoporosis is also a concern for those who are on the Atkins Diet.
6. Side Effects. Constipation, headaches, bad breath, muscle cramps, diarrhea and weakness are all side effects commonly found in people who use this weight loss diet.
7. Other Health Problems. While obesity is a concern, those who have severe weight problems also usually have additional health concerns. The Atkins diet can exacerbate these issues turning minor problems into serious ones.
The Atkins diet has sold millions of dollars worth of products including books, videos and food products. It is lucrative industry preying on the fears of those who feel they need to lose weight. Because of this, features are promoted in the products without addressing any additional health concerns. It poses potentially serious health problems for those who have decided to reduce or completely cut out necessary foods. Check with your physician about the type of weight loss program best for you.
Many have had great success with the Atkins diet. Those who have had the greatest results have worked closely with a trained dietician who understands individual needs. Not having professional advice for this diet is like swimming the English channel without support. You might make it, but you'll be one of the few.