Low-Fat For Improving Metabolic Syndrome, Term Paper Example

The low-carb diet is an alternative method in losing weight since there are additional health benefits, such as a decrease in diabetes and metabolic syndrome.  The diet essentially limits the intake of carbohydrates to include foods such as grains, fruit, starchy vegetables, and sugar.   Instead, the diet focuses on the increase in foods that contain high protein and fat.  There are numerous types of low-card diets, each restricting a differing number of carbohydrate consumption per day.  (Mayo Clinic, The current paper discusses the health treatment of a low-carb diet, the length of treatment, the different types of low-carb diets, side effects, and the expected outcome of the diet.

The low-carb diet works through the use of lower carbohydrates, which decreases the production of insulin, which further results in the use of fat and protein stores as the main energy source of the body.  Since the body is using fat and protein as the main energy source, fat is burned in the process. Normally, carbohydrates are the main source for energy. There are two types of carbohydrates known as simple and complex carbohydrates. The simple carbohydrates can be found in foods such as sweets, candy, pastries, and soda. These types of carbohydrates are used before protein and fat are used as an energy source.  In addition, simple carbohydrates do not contain minerals and vitamins that are important for the body.  Complex carbohydrates are composed of chains of sugars and can be found in foods such as legumes, wheat, corn, rice, potatoes, and others. These types of complex carbohydrates take longer to break down than simple sugars and therefore provide energy at a slower rate. Both simple and complex carbohydrates are broken down into the molecule glucose. Glucose is an important molecule as it is circulated through the circulatory system and provides energy. In fact, it is the primary source of fuel for the brain. (Brown and Nguyen, 2005)

Most individuals begin a low-carb diet in order to lose weight at a fast rate. Some studies have also shown that low-card diets have been effective as a therapy for patients with diagnosed type 2 diabetes. In a study conducted by Yamada (et al., 2014), patients with type 2 diabetes were restricted to a low-carb diet. The patients were monitored every two months for six months. The effects of glycemic control and metabolism were analyzed.  The results showed that the low-carb diet was effective in lowering levels associated with diabetes.  (Yamada et al., 2014)  Other studies have shown the low-carb diets effects on the condition known as Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic syndrome consists of symptoms that include risks for diabetes and heart disease. In addition, it can increase factors such as blood pressure, obesity, and cholesterol. Research has found that the use of a low-carb diet has been effective for improving the symptoms of metabolic syndrome. (Atkins Nutritionals, 2014)

The normal intake of carbohydrates reported by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences has indicated the minimum amount of carbohydrates for the body per day at 50-100 grams.  (Brown and Nguyen, 2005) On the low-carbohydrate diet, the elimination to 0-15 grams per day is suggested. For instance, the Atkins Diet consists of four different phases. Phase 1 is referred to as the “Induction” phase and lasts two weeks; however, people can remain on this phase longer to lose additional weight faster. During the Induction phase, the net intake of carbs is between 12-15 grams per day.  In addition, there are specific foods that recommended, such as meats, eggs, cheese, and certain vegetables, such as broccoli and asparagus. Individuals are allowed to drink sugar-free drinks, such as tea and soda. Phase 2 occurs after the second week and it is beginning of the addition of different foods containing some carbohydrates, such as nuts, blueberries, strawberries, yogurt, and cottage cheese.  Phase 3, is the addition of more carbohydrates and the nearing the end of your goal weight. Phase 2 can last 2-4 weeks, as needed.  Phase 4 is the lifetime maintenance phase. The first phase is said to lose between 5-15 lbs., after which results vary depending on the person. The overall weight loss depends on the person’s goals. (Atkins, 2014)

The Atkins diet offers a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle of a balanced food management, containing the “better” carbohydrates, with a reduction in the simple sugars and increase in fruit and vegetables.  Atkins also provides their own brand name of products, which help the individual keep track of their carbohydrate intake. These types of products are helpful; however, they are not required. An individual can look at the label of products to obtain the carbohydrate count. It is also worthy to note that the fiber contained in products does not count as a carbohydrate and can be deducted from the net carbohydrates on the label. The problem with the low-carb diet is that people mistake with diet with a rapid weight loss and do not incorporate the correct carbohydrates back into the diet, or lose the weight and begin eating simple sugars again, resulting in weight gain. (Atkins, 2014)

The low-carb diet has been shown to be effective for weight loss, as well as for decreases symptoms of diabetes and metabolic disorder. There are some side effects, however, that patients should understand.  During the low-carb diet, the body is utilizing fat as the energy source resulting in the production of ketone. Ketones are continuously made faster than can be used and build up in the blood resulting in a condition referred to as ketosis. Ketosis can result in kidney failure, kidney stones, gout, and nausea, loss of appetite, bad breath, and possibly brain damage. (Brown and Ngyugen, 2014)

Overall, the low-carb diet focuses primarily on maintaining a high protein and low carb dietary intake.  Different low-carb diets allow different numbers of carbs per day.  The current paper discussed the phases of 12-15 grams of carbs per day in the initial phase of the diet; however, other low-carb diets allow for a higher intake, at 60-130 grams per day. (Mayo Clinic, 2014)  It is therefore important to consult with a doctor, dietician, or alternative medicine physician on the diet that is best suited and less at risk for side effects.

References

Atkins Nutritionals.  (2014).  Atkins Diet Beats Low-Fat for Improving Metabolic Syndrome. Retrieved from: http://www.atkins.com/Science/Articles—Library/Diabetes/Atkins-Diet-Beats-Low-Fat-for-Improving-Metabolic-.aspx

Brown, G. and Nguyen, J.  (2005).  Low-carb Diets: Could They Possibly Be That Good? Extension Service West Virginia University.  Retrieved from: http://www.wvu.edu/~exten/infores/pubs/fypubs/126.wlg.pdf

Mayo Clinic.  (2014).  Low-carb diet: Can it help you lose weight?  Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/weight-loss/in-depth/low-carb-diet/art-20045831

Yamada, Y., Uchida, J., Izumi, H., Tsukamoto, Y., Inoue, G., Watanabe, Y., Irrie, J., Yamada, S. A non-calorie-restricted low-carbohydrate diet is effective as an alternative therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes. Intern Med. 53(1):13-9. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24390522