In low-carb diets the proportion of carbohydrates is reduced depending on the version of the diet. While in the Atkins diet almost entirely on carbohydrates are omitted is the beginning, other concepts like the glycemic index diet or the Logi-method focus on the use of carbohydrates with a low glycemic index because these do not increase the blood sugar levels so quickly. The main components of a low-carb diet are vegetables, meat , fish and dairy products. The variety of low-carb diets is great. Some important representatives are LCHF (Low-Carb High-Fat), South Beach diet and the Strunz diet.
The principle of a low-carbohydrate diet based on the fact that the body must attack the body fat reserves at a low intake of carbohydrates to provide sufficient energy. Because the glucose which is otherwise used for many processes as an energy source is not sufficiently available, the body produces ketones as an alternative derived from fat cells.
Although low-carb diets often lead to successful weight loss, there may be some side effects. The high fat intake may represent an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Also, deficiency symptoms may occur more frequently. The body is in the so-called ketosis during prolonged low-carbohydrate diet. Metabolically conditioned, this can lead to bad breath, body odor, fatigue and headaches. In addition, the long-term effect of such a diet is questionable. If the diet is changes again, it can quickly lead to a yo-yo effect.