Harmful Effects of the Atkins Diet Essay

Certain types of foods are permitted while on “The Atkins Diet“. Most protein foods that

NEGATIVES: Due to the extra PeakO2, some users may find the taste to be quite strong initially. Newcomers are encouraged to take half a serving at first. Further, experiencing ketosis may not be suitable for everyone.

According to Mark Sisson (2009), longer-term ketosis can result from fasting or staying on a low-carbohydrate diet, and ketosis that’s deliberately induced serves as a medical intervention for epilepsy. In glycolysis, higher levels of insulin block release of fat from adipose tissues and promote storage of body fat, while the body is in ketosis, fat reserves are continually released and consumed as energy (Sisson, 2009, p.47). This is why ketosis is referred to as

Ketosis is a metabolic state where the liver produces organic molecules known as ketone bodies. Technically, the term ketone denotes an organic molecule where a carbon atom, sandwiched between two other carbon atoms, is double-bonded to an oxygen atom (Peter Attia, 2014). To reach this state the body must deplete all glucose stores including those in the liver. This can be accomplished through periods of fasting or through intake of high fat and minimal carbohydrates and sugars. Both sugars and carbohydrates are converted to glucose for the body to burn as energy or ATP. When the body is starved of glucose it must switch gears in order to continue its existence. This switch of gears is what followers of the ketogenic diet call fat assimilation. The human body under the realization that there are no stores of glucose for energy asks the liver to create ketone bodies. Those ketone bodies use lipids or fat for energy. This is the greatest benefit for dieters since the goal for most is to lose weight through fat loss.

“The Atkins Diet,” a high protein, high fat, low-carbohydrate diet was introduced in 1972 by Dr. Robert C. Atkins, MD. Dr. Atkins believed that a diet high in sugar forced the pancreas to produce the hormone insulin, causing the body to store calories as fat. He believed that if we consumed fewer carbohydrates, then our bodies would produce less insulin. By doing so, our bodies would use stored fat for energy, resulting in weight loss. (1)

The diet you've been doing is a popular low carb diet. Most of the food you have been intaking while on the Atkins diet has a high level of protein. As you know, protein is good to build up muscles, but you need other types of nutrients, too. Janine tried to tell you that the high amount of nitrogen from protein can wreck your kidneys, but that isn't really true. You really should be considering a more balanced diet, though. You see, if you don't consume enough carbs then you won't have a supply of energy that your body regularly relies on. When you're out of carbs, your body burns fats. You're skinny, so you won't have much of that to burn. Then you'll start to burn protein as energy, which isn't good for you. It's like your body eating away its own

Nobody knows what kind of impact this diet can have on your body. The body needs carbs for energy, cutting them out can mean a significant decrease in energy. The Atkins diet has been commercialized as having no risk, and is completely healthy. But the diet even caused heart problems in the creator of the diet, Dr. Atkins. Choosing to be on a diet without knowing how it could affect you in the long run is a very risky thing. Even though there have not been any studies on it, it is clear to see that this diet is not doing anything good for the

The Ketogenic Diet switches a body’s main metabolism- from utilizing glucose, to a main fat-based energy source (“Ketogenic Diet” 15). Without the carbohydrates to burn, the body simulates the burning of fat (much like that of a fasting person) that leaves a residue in the form of ketone bodies. The beta-hydroxybutyric acid in the Ketone bodies are "metabolized" by the liver and the brain to be used as an energy source (“Ketogenic Diet,” 16). When the ketone bodies are metabolized by the brain, it slows down the brain activity, which could possibly control the seizures of an epileptic. In comparison to fasting, the ketogenic diet serves as a long lasting fat burner as it switches the metabolism from burning carbs then burning fat, to over burning the little amount of carbohydrates to fat burning (as if the carbohydrates weren’t even there to burn). This is also why the patients who stop the diet after a long period of time still receive the benefits as if they were still on the diet, as the metabolism would still be burning the fat

In the article “How Crash Diets Harm Your Health” by Bryan Miller, a writer for Health.com, highlights how crash diets can lead to severe heart conditions. Isadore Rosenfeld, a cardiologist, professor at Weill Cornell Medical College, and author, describes some of the negative side effects. Rapid weight loss has been shown to “slow your metabolism…deprive your body of essential nutrients…weaken your immune system and increase your risk of dehydration, heart palpitations and cardiac stress” (Miller). In addition to those startling aspects, Linda Bacon, a doctor, professor, and author, points out “long-term calorie-cutting can eventually lead to heart muscle loss” (Miller). She goes into more detail with an explanation of how crash diets can damage blood vessels. When dieters gain and lose weight the “shrinking and growing [of blood vessels] cause micro tears that create a setup for atherosclerosis” (Miller). Though a little less fatal than the aforementioned, crash dieting is also linked to low levels of potassium, magnesium and copper in the body, these are possible causes however, for arrhythmia (Miller). Crash diets have many tremendously adverse effects on the body that are not worth the quick weight loss

According to Mayoclinic (2014) this diet is generally safe however, if one were to severely restrict their carbohydrate intake, ketosis may form. This occurs when there isn’t enough glucose in the body for energy, so the body breaks down stored fat and forms ketones. Side effects include nausea, headache, mental fatigue and bad breath (Mayoclinic,

unneeded insulin due to spikes in glucose. Supporters of both the Atkins and South Beach diets claim that highly refined carbohydrates are the foods to blame, which means dieters on either plan specifically avoid starches, cereals, and most baked goods. Both diet plans instruct the user to replace the void left by the refined carbohydrates with fewer, healthier carbohydrates, such as vegetables. By keeping the body’s glucose level moderately stable, the body does not need to produce unnecessary insulin, which eventually results in weight loss. During the first two weeks of each brand of diet, the restrictions for each method are relatively identical. Although users of either diet plan are not allowed to consume any type of breads, rice, pasta, alcohol, or sugar, they

It allows the person to eat food that normally are not allowed when on a typical diet (I.E bacon, dressing, cheese). Having this ability to eat more could result in easier success in following this diet. Atkins also provides products that follow the diet like snack bars, candy, premade meals, snacks, and recipes to help the person still give into their cravings without the guilt and negative impact on the body. I believe that over time, like with any fad diet, a person might get bored of eating foods that are low carbohydrate and then start to struggle with that. I also think this diet may be hard to follow if the person is unable to cook for themselves or are in a tough situation financially. Atkins requires a lot of cooking and if the person can not cook for themselves it's more costly so if someone does not have these resources like a college student it may be harder to maintain. The biggest issue I have found with this fad diet is accessibility. It is very hard to go to a restaurant and get someone that is low in carbohydrates without making a big deal about the situation. When given the proper tools I do believe the Atkins diet is

In the Atkins diet, it involves eating foods which are high in protein and fat, while limiting

At this point, most women around the globe know about the Atkins Diet. It has been a standout amongst the most exceptionally touted and dubious eating methodologies of our time. The individuals who adore the Atkins Diet have only extraordinary things to say in regards to it. However, the individuals who are opposing are not modest about their disapproval either. The biggest feedback with regards to the Atkins Diet, or low-carb dieting routines would be the nonappearance of whole grains, which are viewed as the foundation to a balanced diet.

If ketones build up in the blood it becomes more acidic and if the levels get to high people can develop diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is extremely dangerous and can lead to a diabetic coma or even death. It is rare in people with type 2 diabetes, but it can occur. Diabetes affect the kidneys as well leading to kidney disease or nephropathy.