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Atkins Diet Pros And Cons
This article will help you to decide whether the Atkins Diet is really for you. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of what is arguably the most popular and successful diet plan ever.
The major problems with the Atkins Diet are toxin release and fatigue and their impact is strongest in the first phase of the diet. These problems disappear later on and in fact those who manage to get through the first phase successfully start to become more energetic than they were before they started the diet. The body stores some toxins in fat cells and when weight loss is rapid, as in the Atkins diet, the system can experience toxic overload. This, and the stress of changing to fat for energy rather than sugar causes the fatigue. As the toxins are released however, they are cleared from the body so this can also be seen as a plus for the Atkins diet as it detoxifies the system. For some people it may be more sensible to skip the first phase, going straight to the second in order to achieve weight loss more gradually.
Another deficiency of Atkins is loss of important vitamins and minerals that would normally be provided by carbohydrate foods. It's therefore essential to take vitamin and mineral supplements when on the Atkins Diet. The Atkins Diet is a high protein and high fat diet. There's some evidence suggesting that too much protein can deplete the body's calcium supply so the Atkins Diet may not be for you if have, or are at risk of, osteoporosis so seek medical advice on this before starting Atkins.
There have been some cases where people on low carb, high protein diets have had impaired kidney function but there's no scientific studies proving that there is a general causal link. If you've a history of low kidney function, diabetes, high blood pressure or are over 65 then you are most at risk from this effect and you should not undertake the Atkins Diet. The diet is also not recommended if you are pregnant. It's been said that the Atkins Diet is boring but there is now a much wider variety of Atkins food options and recipes on the market, see for example www.atkins.com
Note that the Atkins Diet has stood the test of time; it's been around for over 30 years, its safe and it works. A major advantage of the Atkins diet is that it doesn't restrict your calorie intake, rather it specifies the form in which those calories should be ingested. So, you won't go hungry on the Atkins Diet and it can provide the psychological prop of comfort food.
In summary, the weight of evidence shows that the Atkins Diet is safe for the vast majority of people, the diet definitely works. If persisted with it increases your energy levels and you won't go hungry. It's well worth trying.
By John Kirkham
The major problems with the Atkins Diet are toxin release and fatigue and their impact is strongest in the first phase of the diet. These problems disappear later on and in fact those who manage to get through the first phase successfully start to become more energetic than they were before they started the diet. The body stores some toxins in fat cells and when weight loss is rapid, as in the Atkins diet, the system can experience toxic overload. This, and the stress of changing to fat for energy rather than sugar causes the fatigue. As the toxins are released however, they are cleared from the body so this can also be seen as a plus for the Atkins diet as it detoxifies the system. For some people it may be more sensible to skip the first phase, going straight to the second in order to achieve weight loss more gradually.
Another deficiency of Atkins is loss of important vitamins and minerals that would normally be provided by carbohydrate foods. It's therefore essential to take vitamin and mineral supplements when on the Atkins Diet. The Atkins Diet is a high protein and high fat diet. There's some evidence suggesting that too much protein can deplete the body's calcium supply so the Atkins Diet may not be for you if have, or are at risk of, osteoporosis so seek medical advice on this before starting Atkins.
There have been some cases where people on low carb, high protein diets have had impaired kidney function but there's no scientific studies proving that there is a general causal link. If you've a history of low kidney function, diabetes, high blood pressure or are over 65 then you are most at risk from this effect and you should not undertake the Atkins Diet. The diet is also not recommended if you are pregnant. It's been said that the Atkins Diet is boring but there is now a much wider variety of Atkins food options and recipes on the market, see for example www.atkins.com
Note that the Atkins Diet has stood the test of time; it's been around for over 30 years, its safe and it works. A major advantage of the Atkins diet is that it doesn't restrict your calorie intake, rather it specifies the form in which those calories should be ingested. So, you won't go hungry on the Atkins Diet and it can provide the psychological prop of comfort food.
In summary, the weight of evidence shows that the Atkins Diet is safe for the vast majority of people, the diet definitely works. If persisted with it increases your energy levels and you won't go hungry. It's well worth trying.
By John Kirkham
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