low carbohydrate diet

[woodpam]

I've just started a low carbohydrate diet which is a big change for me, it's day 2 and I have a headache, feel slightly spaced out and a bit shaky. Why? I've investigated a number of web sites and can not find out how long these side effects (if that's what they are) will last. Any help available from those people who have tried this before? I normally do a fair amount of exercise but don't feel well enough to do any at the moment. Will this change as I get used to the diet?

[coemgen]

I presume this is "The Atkins Diet" ? If so I have heard that it is quite normal to feel ill, due to the fact that you are starving your body of essential carbohydrates. I am a bit confused as to why you started a diet without all the knowledge available as to what would happen. Here is a website that may answer your question. http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/logout/news_f
eatures/lowcarbdiet.htm

[Hamish]

I understand from a book on surviving in desolate places that a diet high in protine and fat, but low in carbohydrates results in a build up of ketones which are not good for you. The are formed as the body tries to digest the fats you have already in your body. I think there may be an aspect of vitamin deplertion due to the lack of carbohydrates.

hope this helps

[darth vader]

I'm not sure whether ketone buildup is bad for you, but it makes your breath smell that's for sure! check out http://atkinscenter.com/ for info on high protein low carb diet info.

[darth vader]

info on info? what am i saying?

[woodpam]

I'm not doing anything as extreme as the Atkins diet, just cutting out potatoes, sugar, bread, rice and noodles. I did this before with no ill effects (including smelly breath!), presumably because the carbohydrates in the fruit & veg were enough. I just find that lately I crave for sweet and startchy things all the time and wanted to cut them out for a bit to see if this helped. I wouldn't be sorry if I lost some weight too! Thanks for the useful advice and links.