What happens to our body when we don't have enough carbohydrates??

Question

I need to know the reaction in the body to not having enough carbohydrates.

Answer 1

True, you don't need carbohydrates if you want to live. . . for at least a while anyway.

Your brain unfortunately likes to exclusively use glucose (from carbohydrates) as an energy source. Unlike other organs, it cannot fully utilize fats and proteins as an alternative energy source.

Once you have depleted your carbohydrate reserves (glycogen), which sometimes can be as quickly as an overnight fast, your brain will start to look for alternative sources of fuel - either from glucose formed by new synthesis (ok for a while) or eventually from the breakdown of fat into what are called ketone bodies (this will happen in the liver).

Unfortunately the catabolism or breakdown of ketone bodies for energy is incomplete, and over time the buildup of ketone bodies will lead to ketoacidosis or ketosis - a situation where the elevated amounts of ketone bodies in the blood. If this continues for long term, a slew of problems may start to develop eventually leading to symptoms of starvation or diabetes.

This is why high protein high fat diets must be done carefully with a full understanding of the diet involved. Most of these diets may call for the absence of all carbs early for a short time, with then a reintroduction of "good carbs" - high in fiber and complex nature.

Personally, I would try to avoid it unless you're really in a situation where the benefits of weight loss are going to offset any risks from the diet.

Answer 2

We need carbs to live. When we go without carbs, our organs are starved of the energy they need to simply live. We can't get our energy from fat stores, that isn't usable energy. Our muscles undergo Ketosis, and the proteins in the muscles get used up, but they cannot be used the way our body needs. If you are trying to cut back on carbs, replace simple carbs (table sugar, white bread, pasta, etc.) for complex carbs (fruits, veggies, whole grains). That way your body can still function, without the more fattening simple carbs. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Your body enters a state of ketosis. This is an abnormality of the body's metabolic process, resulting in an increase of ketones in the blood, which can increase the risk of developing kidney stones The body cannot fully metabolize fat due to a lack of carbohydrates in your system.

Answer 4

Carbs is our bodies favourite form of energy, it is also our brains ONLY form of energy. If you cut back to much on carbs your body isn't likely to eat muscle (that only happens if you dont eat enough calories in total) but you will feel tired and have little energy.

People on low carb diets also complain of headaches (probably due from lack of fuel for the brain) and sleeplessness

Answer 5

Lack of energy, the shakes, headaches, hunger.

Answer 6

depends on your daily routine...mostly your body will burn its fat reserves..if your getting protein and vitamins you dont need that much carbs really....good carbs that i allow myself to have come from whole grains, fruit and veggies...so dont cut out all carbs..eat good and exercise..and you cant go wrong

Answer 7

they talk about something called ketosis.

We supposedly don't really need carbs to live though.

Answer 8

well if ur diabetic ur blood sugar gets low and u die

Answer 9

Do we get less enegetic?

Answer 10

Well you will start feeling sick and dissy and probably fant.