Health Benefits Of A Low-Carbohydrate Diet
If you are struggling with obesity, a low-carbohydrate diet may boost your metabolism so that you lose weight faster. Low-carb diets are higher in protein, and while consuming more protein helps burn fat, it may not be recommended for those with renal disease or a type of painful arthritis known as gout. Here are some health benefits of a low-carbohydrate that you should know about so that you can determine if it's right for you:
Reduces Blood Lipids
High blood fats can raise your risk for developing blocked arteries, heart attack, and stroke. Triglycerides are a type of blood lipid that are thought to heighten the risk for heart attack, especially when critically high.
They are often dependent on diet -- however, a hereditary condition known as familial hyperlipidemia can also cause high triglycerides even when a healthy diet is consumed. One of the primary risk factors for high triglycerides is carbohydrate consumption, especially carbohydrates high in a sugar known as fructose. Excessive alcohol intake may also raise your triglyceride levels. When people curb their carb intake, they usually experience a sharp decline in blood triglycerides. A low-carbohydrate diet may also lower your total cholesterol levels.
Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
Low-carbohydrate diets are especially beneficial to those with diabetes. Consuming fewer carbohydrates reduces both insulin levels and blood glucose levels, and when some diabetics adopt a low-carb diet, they can eventually decrease their insulin dosages by almost half. In fact, many people with diabetes mellitus may eventually be able to stop taking all of their diabetes medication when they follow a low-carb diet.
Eating fewer carbs also helps you lose resistant belly fat, which is thought to raise the risk for metabolic syndrome, diabetes, kidney problems, and heart disease. While a low-carbohydrate diet can help stabilize blood sugar levels, talk to your doctor before making any dietary changes. Your doctor may need to adjust your medications so that you do not experience hypoglycemia. Not only can eating fewer carbs regulate your blood sugar levels, it may even help reverse diabetes.
If you need help losing weight, talk to your doctor. He or she can refer you to a weight loss center specializing in weight loss plans specific to your individual needs and health status. You may enjoy more success if you participate in a weight loss program through a weight management clinic, as you will be required to weigh in periodically.
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