what happens when we dont eat carbohydrate?

Question

this is for a peice of work im doing thanks.

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

You will lose your whole muscle on your physique and be skinny and fat at the same time, when you consider that your body composition loses carbohydrate. Carbs store glycogen (muscle mass) for energy and are significant to preserving lean mass. It is the protein that repairs this tissue. So if you do not eat carbs you will be unhealhy. Aim to consume good carbohydrate like whole grain bread, rice and pasta and legumes and sparce on fruit considering if eaten too much it may possibly make you attain just a little bit extra. Consume more often than not carbs for your food plan. A part of meat should be a deck of cards and carbs will have to be 2 decks. Excellent fats should also be eaten during the day too. So fairly no matter what 50% of cals must be carb 35% cals protein and 15% excellent fats - nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil, stuff like that.

Answer 3

Your body begins to burn fat for energy. This produces byproducts called ketones, which could be dangerous for someone with inadequate renal function. Thus the injunction to always check with your doctor before starting any diet.
However, there are no diets that propose eating NO carbohydrates-this is the misinterpretation of people who have not done their research. The Atkin's and South Beach diets both focus on eliminating simple carbohydrates-sugar, starchy vegetables and processed grain products. Complex carbohydrates such as vegetables and whole grains are allowed. Even in the initial induction phase of Atkin's you eat 3 cups of vegetables a day-unless, as I said, you're a moron who didn't bother to educate yourself.
As for cultures whose diet mainly consists of game animals, they have alternate ways of getting the nutrients they lack, although GI disorders can be prevalent-lack of fiber.

Answer 4

If your body does not get carbohydrates you do not retain the energy levels you had and eventually without proper energy the body will mass store protien in the form of fat which can put you at risk for heart failure. This is one of the reasons the Atkins and South Beach Diets are so dangerous if used long term.

Answer 5

Eventually your brain stops being able to function. Carbs are Nature's gift - carbohydrates are fuel for the human machine!

Answer 6

not great but it can be done, the innuit used to live on a diet of fish whale blubber so there would be very little carbohydrate.

you body starts using fats as its primary energy source. . your brain needs sugars to work efficiently. Dont think its very healthy.

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Answer 7

Cutting out Carbs is basically what the controversial Atkins diet is all about. Yes you lose weight. (What do you expect if you cut out bread and potatos etc) But it can have more detromental effects on your body.

Answer 8

Your body becomes unbalanced. Bodies need a balance of carbs, proteins and fats.

Kim at: http://www.peaceful-organic-planet.com

Answer 9

Carbohydrates give you energy, the body needs them....

Answer 10

I don't really know the answer actually, but I do know that a girl who went on the Atkin's diet and had virtually no carbs in her system died. So the result can't be good.