Disadvantages of the Atkins diet:

- If the Atkins diet is followed for a long time with too much carb restriction this can be harmful as the high content of lipids can increase your triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels greatly in the blood leading to atherosclerosis and heart disease which is contradictory to the purpose of the diet.
- Electrolyte imbalance is one of the main issuesif you don’t consume the right types of foods that are rich in potassium as ketosis is known to cause diuresis which means you lose water which takes with its electrolytes making you at risk of getting
- Many people suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies as they approach the diet in a non-nutritionally balanced way and they require additional supplementation and a wider variety of fruits and vegetables to get more antioxidants vitamin B12 and fibers.
- The big amount of proteins in this diet and purines can lead to hyperuricemia and gout precipitating bone pain and inflammation.
- Hypercalcemia can also lead to kidney stone formation.
- Diabetics on insulin secretagogueslike sulfonamides could suffer from hypoglycemic episodes if they lower the carbs content too much in their
- Much of the fiber content from starchy food is restricted leaving behind insoluble fibers which absorb more water to be processed which leadsto constipation frequently and this can be avoided by regularly exercising and adding more foods with fiber content in them.
- The high protein content in the diet is not suitable for many people like those suffering from liver and kidney diseases as they can increase the damage in these organs reaching up to kidney and liver failure.
- In the induction phase,many people reported symptoms of flu-like headache, fatigue, lightheadedness, and diarrhea which is known as the keto flu but it usually resolves in about 7 to 10 days especially if your original diet was highly dependent on carbs as the main source of
- Keto breathewhich is a distinct smell or odor in the mouth that is very similar to nail polish remover or a fruity apple-like smell from ketone utilization. which necessitates keeping good oral hygiene throughout the diet.
Back to Top