Low-Carb Diet: Is It Right for You?

Atkins™, keto, and paleo diets are all the rage, and celebrities swear that they work. What they don’t say is that they have a team of doctors, trainers, and nutritionists at their beck and call, monitoring their health and progress.

If you’re trying to lose weight and get healthier, a low-carb diet could be a step in the right direction, but give yourself the advantage of partnering with Dr. Nirav Naik at New Life Medical. He helps patients throughout Bakersfield, California, hone in on the root cause of weight gain and obesity — it’s different for everyone.

If a low-carb diet suits your needs, he can develop a healthy eating and exercise plan tailored to you. Here’s what you need to know about carbohydrates and low-carb diets to help you determine what’s right for you.

What are carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients your body needs to function properly, along with proteins and fats. Carbs are abundant in bread, pasta, and rice, but you’ll also find them in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.

Carbohydrates are essential because they provide your body with energy. When you consume carbs, your body breaks them down into glucose, a major energy source. This glucose fuels your brain, muscles, and other tissues.

There are two types of carbohydrates:

Simple carbohydrates are sugars like glucose and fructose; they give you a quick supply of energy but also cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels
Complex carbohydrates are in whole grains, vegetables, and legumes; they take longer to digest, so you get longer-lasting energy

Without enough carbohydrates, you may feel tired and irritable and have trouble concentrating.

Your body needs carbs

Despite the popularity of low-carb diets, carbohydrates aren’t the enemy. You need carbs for:

Energy

Carbs fuel your daily activities, from walking and talking to running or lifting weights. Without enough carbs, your energy drops throughout the day.

Brain function

Your brain needs glucose to function, which is why low-carb diets can sometimes lead to brain fog, making it difficult to focus and think clearly.

Nutrition

Cutting excess simple carbs might help you lose weight, but don’t overdo it. You need whole grains, fruits, and vegetables that provide B vitamins, vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber vital for digestion, immune support, and heart health.

The link between carbs and weight gain (or loss)

The relationship is complex, but these are the essentials.

Insulin and blood sugar

When you consume carbs, your blood sugar levels rise and trigger the release of insulin. Insulin helps transport glucose into your cells for energy or storage. High-carb diets can lead to insulin spikes and fat storage.

Carbs and calories

When you take in more calories than you burn, you gain weight. You'll likely gain weight if you consume too many carbs without balancing them with physical activity.

Satiety and cravings

High-fiber foods, like whole grains and vegetables, are carbs that make you feel full and help control cravings. Refined carbs, like sugary snacks, lead to quick energy crashes and hunger.

What is a low-carb diet, and who should try it?

There are many variations, but they all limit your carbohydrate intake and focus on protein and fat as primary energy sources. If you’re thinking about starting a low-carb diet, consider the pros and cons.

Benefits of a low-carb diet

Weight loss: Low-carb diets minimize insulin spikes and promote fat burning
Blood sugar control: Low-carb diets can stabilize blood sugar levels and are well-suited for people with diabetes or insulin resistance
Improved metabolic health: Some studies suggest that low-carb diets can improve cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation

Risks of a low-carb diet

While low-carb diets have benefits, they’re not suitable for everyone. Potential risks include nutrient deficiencies, digestive issues, and low energy levels.

Professional medical weight loss vs. low-carb diets

Dr. Naik specializes in professional medical weight loss, customizing every aspect of your diet, exercise, and health management for maximum benefit.

When you follow an online diet, you’re on your own and left to guess how many carbs (and other nutrients) your body needs to lose weight and protect your health.

At New Life Medical, we take the guesswork out of losing weight. We analyze your metabolism, habits, and health to tailor a program just for you, and we stick by you every step of the way.

Our medical weight loss program addresses more than just dietary changes — we also help you change behavioral, psychological, and lifestyle factors to help you lose weight faster and keep it off. If Dr. Naik determines you’re a good candidate for weight loss surgery, he can perform the procedure that best suits you.

If you’re looking for the best way to lose weight successfully, call New Life Medical to schedule an appointment with weight loss specialist Dr. Naik.