While there seems to be much disparity between low carbohydrate and low fat diet advocates, one thing could be problematic for low carb dieters: a diet with too few carbohydrates may lead to depression.
Low Carbohydrate Diet and Depression
If you're on a diet that restricts carbohydrates, you could suffer from depression. According to Rashid Toufiq in the November 11, 2009 article "Low Carb Diet May Land You in Depression," An Australian study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine reveals that diets that are very low in carbohydrates can cause anxiety, mood swings and depression.
Researchers examined 106 overweight and obese people on low carbohydrate diets and low fat diets for approximately one year. While it was observed that both diets helped people lose weight, the people on the low fat diet showed more improvement psychologically. Overall, people on low fat diets felt better emotionally compared to their low carb dieting counterparts. The researchers concluded that low carbohydrate diets negate any positive psychological or mood effects following weight loss.
Brain Chemistry and Low Carbohydrate Intake
Reducing carbohydrate intake to less than 30 to 40 grams per day has a negative impact on the brain according to renowned clinical nutritionist and director of Health Food Chain in Delhi, Whole Foods, Ishi Khosla who states in Toufiq's article, "'Lots of neurotransmitters are carbohydrate dependent and taking carbs out of food can not only cause depression but also manifest in things like lack of stamina.'" Khosla goes on to state that the brain requires at least 100 grams of carbohydrates every day for optimum mental health.
Oona Mashta states in a November 10, 2000 article "Yo-Yo Diet Dangers," that a direct result of low intake of carbohydrates can affect the production of the brain chemical serotonin. Serotonin improves mood, and low levels of serotonin are known to be a cause of depression.
Atkins' Induction Phase
The induction phase of Atkins requires that dieters consume no more than 20 grams of carbohydrates every day. Yet, the Atkins' Diet Program states that low carbohydrate dieters can stay in phase one, also commonly referred to as the induction phase, as long as necessary without worrying about any health issues.
While the Atkins program advocates the induction phase as the best way to begin a diet and lose weight, The Atkins program also states that it is not necessary for people to start dieting by beginning the induction phase first. People can consume more carbohydrates and still lose weight. It just will not be as quickly or effectively as starting a low carbohydrate diet in the induction phase.
Increase Serotonin Levels with Grains
If you're on a low carbohydrate diet and feel depressed, it might be a good idea to add a few grains to your diet. Carol J.G. Ward states in her article "Grains Can Lift Your Energy, Lift Your Mood," that grains are part of a healthful diet. Consuming carbohydrate-rich foods like grains may help increase serotonin levels thereby increasing the body's mood and comforting response.
Be cautious when opting for a diet too low in carbohydrates. Consider starting a low carbohydrate diet that consists of at least 50 or more complex carbohydrates every day.
Sources:
Mashta, Oona. "Yo-Yo Diet Dangers." The Sunday Mall." November 10, 2000.
Toufiq, Rashid. "Low Carb Diet May Land You in Depression." Hindustan Times. November 11, 2009.
Ward, Carol J. G. "Grains Can Lift Your Energy, Lift Your Mood." The State. March 19, 2001.
Cathy Herold - Cathy Herold lives in southern California. She has a BA in English and minor in African American Studies from UCLA and a master's degree ...
Join the Conversation