Supporters of the Atkins Diet claim that a low carbohydrate diet is a safe and effective method for losing weight. This article evaluates the low carbohydrate diet and specifically the claims made about ketosis.

The Low Carb-Ketosis Link

By severely limiting carbohydrates in your diet, the main energy source used by your body, glucose, drops to low levels. In return, insulin levels also drop. With low glucose and low insulin levels, the body turns to alternative sources of energy.

Because of a significant change in your body’s chemistry when on the Atkins Diet, certain metabolic pathways are turned “on” that are normally not “on” or run at very low levels. One such pathway involves the breakdown of fat, called Beta-Oxidation of Fats.

Now, normally fats are broken down to produce energy when your body senses a need. But in the context of a low Carb diet, the normal breakdown pathway of fats is altered and an alternative pathway kicks in. This alternative pathway produces what are called ketone bodies.

Ketosis is the term used to describe when ketone bodies are circulating in your bloodstream. The ketone bodies can be used as alternative sources of energy by, most importantly, your brain.

In case you might be curious, the three ketone bodies produced by this alternative pathway for breaking down fat are acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone. These ketone bodies are formed in your liver and then are transported to other tissues, mainly the brain. In your brain, they are converted back to a form that can provide direct energy during times of starvation.

Here is the whole process…

1. Atkins Diet lowers glucose and insulin (the body’s main energy source)

2. Alternative pathways are turned “on” to provide energy

3. One alternative pathway breaks down fat and produces ketone bodies

4. Ketone bodies represent the state called ketosis

5. The brain uses ketone bodies as an alternative source of energy

So, the Atkins Diet (and any low Carb diet) produces a low energy state (low glucose) that causes the breakdown fat using an alternative pathway that leads to the development of ketosis.

So far it sounds pretty good. By limiting Carbs in your diet, you can essentially force your body into breaking down stored fat, the very thing you need to get rid of to lose weight.

But there are problems…

Atkins Diet and Toxicity

Ketone bodies are toxic. Many supporters of low Carb diets claim that ketosis is safe. They state that they are natural byproducts of fat breakdown and even babies have high levels of circulating ketone bodies.

First, they are not natural by-products of fat metabolism. The normal beta-oxidation of fats does produce ketone bodies but these are incorporated into the normal cycle of energy production, called the Krebs cycle. When ketone bodies are circulating in your bloodstream, it signals an abnormal physiologic state, called starvation. They are not incorporated into the normal energy cycle, the Krebs cycle, and spill into the bloodstream.

Just because your body has the ability to transport ketone bodies to certain tissues and then use them for energy, does not make it a normal process. It is an alternative pathway that turns “on” only when your body is faced with depleted levels of the main energy source, glucose.

Secondly, babies are not small adults. A baby’s liver and brain tissue are made up of different chemicals and pathways, specifically geared to handle the high fat diet coming from mother’s milk. These pathways change as a baby grows and starts to eat other foods. Eventually, the normal adult pathways are set up and the infantile chemistry used as evidence to support the safety of ketosis, stop working.

But this is not even related to the fact that ketone bodies are toxic. In medicine, the three ketone bodies mentioned above are classified as toxic acidic chemicals. At high levels, they can cause your blood to become too acidic, a disease state called ketoacidosis.

Granted, this is rare because most of the ketone bodies will be used by the brain as an energy source. Ketoacidosis is usually seen in type 1 diabetics. It is a medical emergency.

So, is ketosis dangerous to your body? Yes and no. Yes, ketosis represents a state of starvation. Losing weight when the body thinks you’re starving is the best way to guarantee weight regain. The weight will come back and come back as fat. No, ketosis will not cause ketoacidosis in non-diabetics. And as long as you have a large storage of fat, your brain will not starve for energy.

The Final Verdict

1. As an alternative physiologic state, ketosis is not dangerous, assuming the levels of ketone bodies do not increase to acidic levels.

2. As a diet plan, ketogenic diets are not recommended because of the state of starvation they create. Your metabolism will eventually slow down setting you up for weight regain in the near the future.

3. Ketogenic diets, like the Atkins Diet, may also be dangerous not because they cause ketosis, but because they promote high protein and fat intake. High protein diets, unless you’re body building, increases urea production and can damage the kidneys. Supporters claim that this just doesn’t happen, reporting that no kidney damage has occurred to the millions of dieters on Atkins Diet or other ketogenic diets.

   However, it is well known that microscopic damage can occur to the kidneys effecting their ability to filter the blood. But clinical signs of this damage may take several years to manifest. Chronic renal insufficiency is a concern for ketogenic dieters, which may cause problems in the years to come.

Conclusion

Atkins Diet and other ketogenic diets (low Carb) can be safe and effective in causing weight loss. However, I recommend keeping ketosis to a minimum and keep your carbohydrate intake above 50 grams a day. Don’t follow the suggestions for reaching an “induction” phase. It’s not necessary to turn “on” the alternative pathways described above and burn fat.

Remember, healthy weight loss is to burn fat and fat only. But it also involves keeping your rate of weight loss around 2-3 pounds/week. The induction phase promoted by the Atkins Diet can result in a rate of weight loss far greater than 2-3 pounds/week. It may sound good to you now, but how does gaining it all back as fat sound? Because that will happen if you lose weight too fast.

For more information on ways to experience healthy weight loss, visit

Diet Basics.

To Healthy Living!

Dr. Michael A. Smith
Chief Medical Consultant
Diet Basics Website

Dr. Smith is the Chief Medical Consultant to Diet Basics, a content rich weight loss site dedicated to all dieters fighting to lose weight. Please visit his site at…Diet Basics

One visit and you’ll be convinced that Dr. Smith and Diet Basics is your on-line resource for healthy weight loss!

Low carb diets, which are also known as low carbohydrate diets, are diet programs that are designed to promote weight loss while at the same time attempting to restrict the consumption of carbohydrates. The idea behind a low carb diet is that the consumption of carbohydrates is linked to obesity and increased insulin levels. Some nutritionists share various opinions regarding the validity and safety of a low carb diet, while others rely on the seemingly strong evidence that lends truth to the claim that a low carb diet can actually promote weight loss.

A low carb diet is specifically geared toward eliminating or reducing the foods that contain sugar, grains and starches. Because each of these products are categorized as carbohydrates, they are replaced with various other foods containing increased levels of fat and protein. Many dieters include vegetables as part of a healthy diet and even though they too are considered to be carbohydrates, vegetables are thought to be healthier than grains.

There are two sides to the low carb theory, however, with individuals who oppose and those who agree with the approach. Specifically, those opposed to the use of a low carb diet may recognize the risks and possible side effects, including headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizziness and/or dehydration. By lowering or eliminating dietary fiber altogether, many believe that constipation may also occur as a result of the fiber absence. In addition, some believe that the replacement of cholesterol and foods high in saturated fat my increase the risk of developing heart disease. There are also some concerns that kidney problems may ensue as a result of the organs becoming overworked, but there are no scientific studies to support this theory as of yet.

Large food producers have certainly felt the effects of low carb diet foods, with both good and bad results depending on the company. For instance, pasta makers are said to have suffered a reduction in the demand for their products. One famous doughnut producer confirmed that the company’s earnings were less than usual and believed that to be associated with low carb diets. On the other hand, some companies watched their profits soar as they successfully marketed low carb food products worldwide.

This article is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is not to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or a nutritionist’s recommendation. Prior to beginning any dietary program, including a low carb diet, individuals should consult a physician for proper diagnosis and/or an appropriate path toward weight loss.

Want to learn more about low carb? Make sure you visit our site at: http://www.best-low-carb-guide.info for access to additional low carb tips and information.

Carbohydrate blockers seem to have come and gone with the low carb craze. Basic carbohydrate blockers are available everywhere. CortiCarb3000 was introduced last year with little fan fare or marketing. Dynamic Nutritional Research seemed to have known something many did not.

Weight gain can stem from multiple sources. Studies have shown that diets high in carbohydrates and fat are not ideal. A reasonable, sound diet combined with exercise is the best option. Gone are the days when one could expect the miracle pill to solve the battle of the bulge. A realistic approach has risen the forefront of logical thinking. When evaluating supplements in the carbohydrate-blocking category, I looked for products claiming to provide multiple benefits. Dynamic Nutritional Research claims that they have created a true supplement that can be incorporated into a positive lifestyle program.

CortiCarb can be taken to inhibit the carbohydrate overload often associated with desserts, pastas, and breads. CortiCarb3000 is also designed to fight and offset the affects of stress, which can include binge eating. The overproduction of the stress hormone has been associated with weight gain and manufacturers have dramatically presented this to the public over the last year. Finally, CortiCarb3000 naturally boosts your metabolism as well.

This is where CortiCarb3000 sets itself apart from traditional carbohydrate blockers. Let’s look at the ingredients in this formula. CortiCarb3000 contains White Kidney Bean Extract, which has been shown to safely inhibit the absorption of carbohydrates. Their website lists clinical studies supporting these mechanisms of action to further boost the foundation of their product.

CortiCarb3000 also contains St. Johns Wort and Valerian Root powder, 2 proven ingredients over the ages, which reduce the affects of stress and provide a lasting sense of calm. CortiCarb3000 claims to be so effective because it also includes Green Tea Extract, which boosts your metabolism and helps you burn more calories. This precise combination of ingredients provides the consumer with a supplement to control carbohydrate intake, control the affects of stress, and increase the rate by which you burn calories, all of without the jittery feeling of some other diet aids. CortiCarb3000 has proven to be more than just a carbohydrate blocker. CortiCarb3000 did not get caught up in hype. Dynamic Nutritional Research does not claim to control Cortisol. CortiCarb3000 includes stress-relieving ingredients, which have stood the test of time and produce calming affects. CortiCarb3000 appears to be a quality supplement, which adds additional benefits to a rather outdated category.

Penelope Marsh offers opinion and review on many “fad” supplements and contributes to various health forums when asked for expert review. Ms. Marsh’s editorials can be found in many of the most popular and respected health and fitness journals.