The original theory behind low-carb diets is based on the association of carbohydrate intake and blood glucose levels. It has long been determined that a high intake of foods that are rich in carbohydrates directly increases the blood sugar levels of an individual. In this setting, the hormones that are secreted by the individual are also increased and the uncontrolled and unmonitored carbohydrate intake may thus result in medical conditions such as diabetes and obesity (AMA 63). There are two major protein hormones that are responsible in controlling the blood sugar levels in the body.
Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and this protein is responsible is dissociating complex sugars into simple sugars that may be readily assimilated by the body as energy resource. The other hormone is glucagon, which is known to perform the opposite effect on carbohydrates, thus increasing the amount of glucose in the blood. Low-carb diet therefore decrease the amount of carbohydrate intake, resulting in a decrease in the amount of insulin production in the body.
On the other hand, the amount of proteins, or ketosis, is thus promoted by low-carb diets. There are certain instances when ketosis is not appropriate to the proper functioning of the body, especially when an individual is diagnosed with a medical disorder than can not accept bodily settings with high protein content circulating in the body. Such results arising from low-carb diets thus make this dietary regimen very controversial and several advocacy groups have either supported or condemned low-carb diets because of the varying results in the human body.
Works cited
American Diabetes Association. “Nutrition Recommendations And Interventions For Diabetes. ” Diabetes Care, 31(2008): S61-S78. Evangeliou A, Vlachonikolis I, Mihailidou H, Spilioti M, Skarpalezou A, Makaronas N, Prokopiou A, Christodoulou P, Liapi-Adamidou G, Helidonis E, Sbyrakis S, Smeitink J. (2003). “Application Of A Ketogenic Diet In Children With Autistic Behavior: Pilot Study. ” Journal of Child Neurology, 18(2003):113-118.