German nutritionist Gabriela Kaufman said the total elimination of carbohydrates in order to lose weight and enjoyment of fitness has side effects that threaten health.
She explained that carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body; the body derives its energy from the glucose found in carbohydrates. In the absence of it, the body turns to burn fat to convert it into energy, a process that is difficult and time-consuming, causing a constant feeling of tiredness, exhaustion and poor concentration.
The process of converting fat to energy is accompanied by an increase in production of what is known as «ketones», which causes the emission of foul odor from the mouth.
In addition, the complete elimination of carbohydrates deprive the body of the dietary fiber important for digestion, and then suffer from digestive problems such as abdominal pain and constipation.
Kaufman stressed the importance of dieting and moderate intake of carbohydrates, warning that she would be given up without consulting a doctor or nutritionist.