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.
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:
Without enough carbohydrates, you may feel tired and irritable and have trouble concentrating.
Despite the popularity of low-carb diets, carbohydrates aren’t the enemy. You need carbs for:
Carbs fuel your daily activities, from walking and talking to running or lifting weights. Without enough carbs, your energy drops throughout the day.
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.
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 relationship is complex, but these are the essentials.
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.
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.
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.
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.
While low-carb diets have benefits, they’re not suitable for everyone. Potential risks include nutrient deficiencies, digestive issues, and low energy levels.
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.
