carbs necessary?
Replies
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carbs are your fuel, they are good for you and you need them.0
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your body can not survive without sugar
Yet it is a scientific fact that you do not need to eat carbs to create that glucose in your body.
I'm not saying that you shouldn't eat any carbs - I eat plenty in the form of fruits and vegetables, personally. But the fact is that they are not necessary for survival, even in the very long term.
I have found personally that while eating low carb, I feel fine with day to day activities, but doing endurance bike riding, I need more simple carbs and eat dates if I want keep my energy higher and make my riding feel easier. I know some people don't need this, but it's easier for me. That is not to say that I need them to survive the activity, just to make it feel easier to me.
Additionally - if you're used to eating a ton of simple carbs, you're going to crave them for a while. Eventually that goes away and you don't crave them anymore. So the initial cravings if you're cutting back on sugar are not a biological need. It's more like cutting out caffeine. If you're used to it, your body wants it and will crave it until it readjusts. But you don't actually NEED it. (No matter what you coffee drinkers think!)0 -
You're basing that on what?your body can not survive without sugar
Let's look at what the Institute of Medicine has to say about it:
"The lower limit of dietary carbohydrate compatible with life apparently is zero, provided that adequate amounts of protein and fat are consumed," according to the "Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids," published by the Institute of Medicine in 2005.
This may be true in theory, but have you ever looked into what it actually takes to accomplish a 0 carb diet without severe side effects (like scurvy)? It's almost impossible to exist in good health without at least some carb intake due to the fact that carbs are required to fully break down fat into fatty acids and many of the nutrients we need to be healthy are only fat soluble (so you need full fat breakdown to use them). A successful 0 carb diet isn't just cutting out all carbs and calling it a day -- you have to eat pretty much all protein and every part of the animal, including all of the internal organs (http://www.marksdailyapple.com/zero-carb-diet/#axzz2afJ5NsqU). If you would like to read the information on both sides of the argument, wikipedia is a pretty good source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No-carbohydrate_diet.
O.P., how much did you cut down your carb intake? If you are still getting more than 50g/ day, you probably aren't in ketosis and so what you are experiencing is likely not an effect of your body changing over into another way to produce energy (which is notorious for making people feel bad for a few weeks). Also, are you eating at a calorie deficit? This effects whether your body is burning mostly glycogen (which is what your body produces from your carb intake and what you burn first and generally produces a less stable energy level) or is also using fat stores (which tend to produce a more stable energy level). It sounds like what may be happening is that you are not eating at much of a deficit and you are maybe eating the bulk of your carbs and sugar in the morning. So, later in the day your body runs out of glycogen stores and your body sort of crashes while it starts turning to other options to produce energy. Or possibly that you are eating a very carb heavy lunch and your body crashes after it runs out of glycogen from the meal. Do either of these sound like they may be the case? If so, I would suggest that you spread out what carbs and sugar you are eating to be even throughout the day and see if that helps. Make sure to include some healthy snacks between meals. Some other things that can affect your energy level this way -- dehydration (drink more water), eating too many simple carbs and not enough complex ones (so make sure you are mixing plenty of fresh fruit and veggie and complex grains in with your other carbs), and excessive caffeine in the morning (if you drink a pot of coffee first thing in the morning, considering cutting back to a few cups throughout the day).
I hope this helps and good luck!0 -
So, that statement is completely correct and factual. The human body can survive just fine on protein and fat, with zero carbohydrate intake. If you eat that diet, your body will produce ketones and glucose from the protein and fat and you will survive just fine. You might not enjoy a diet without fruits, vegetables and nuts in it, but they are not required to survive. Given that, why is it not responsible to make that statement?Carbs are not required to survive.
The bolded statement is very irresponsible to spread around. Especially in a fitness & nutrition forum.
From the stand point of brain function, you are correct. Without heavy supplements you will not be able to meet nutrional needs on a 0 carb Keto diet. Which will lead to many other complications health wise. Tell me you're hitting your micro needs with just protein/fat and no supplements.0 -
OP, my best suggestion is to read up on the function of carbohydrates and determine for yourself if you think they are essential. Here is a good and easy to follow overview: http://www.sparknotes.com/health/carbohydrates/section2.rhtml0
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Your body doesn't ''need'' carbs.
I function very well without them, and have been for a while now. I only have carbs once a week, the rest I have fruits, vegetables, meat and nuts. That's about it.
If you feel dizzy in the afternoon maybe you could eat a bit more in the morning. I know I need to eat more in that window, or else I feel a tad weird. So I eat a good breakfast, have my nuts and a good Lunch. I eat a little less in the afternoon and so on.
But that's just me
Well, fruits and veggies have carbs, so technically, you aren't surviving without them
Your brain requires carbs. The cells within in the brain need carbs to function. It is clear those who say they are doing great without carbs don't realize or care what damage they could be doing to their bodies.0 -
I don't recommend not eating carbs.0
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The body needs glucose. Carbs are one source.Your body doesn't ''need'' carbs.
I function very well without them, and have been for a while now. I only have carbs once a week, the rest I have fruits, vegetables, meat and nuts. That's about it.
If you feel dizzy in the afternoon maybe you could eat a bit more in the morning. I know I need to eat more in that window, or else I feel a tad weird. So I eat a good breakfast, have my nuts and a good Lunch. I eat a little less in the afternoon and so on.
But that's just me
Well, fruits and veggies have carbs, so technically, you aren't surviving without them
Your brain requires carbs. The cells within in the brain need carbs to function. It is clear those who say they are doing great without carbs don't realize or care what damage they could be doing to their bodies.0 -
You're basing that on what?your body can not survive without sugar
Let's look at what the Institute of Medicine has to say about it:
"The lower limit of dietary carbohydrate compatible with life apparently is zero, provided that adequate amounts of protein and fat are consumed," according to the "Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids," published by the Institute of Medicine in 2005.
Nah State still looks down when you tell them you want your patients to have no carbs then they slap some stupid fine on the facility. Crazy gestapo government.
Eat da carbs OP your brain will thank you. 125-150g and you'll feel as pretty as pie.
PS-you cant produce ketones from protein0 -
Carbohydrates are brain food and quick energy sources. There are necessary. Period. But choosing carbohydrates that are going to work for you and satisfy your body's needs are important. Try carrots and hummus with some alomonds for extra protein, fiber, and good fats. Or berries & citrus with unsweetened greek yogurt or string cheese to get you through the slump.
Carbohydrates are absolutely unnecessary. The glucose that the brain requires can quite easily be synthesized by gluconeogenesis and protein digestion, assuming adequate amounts of protein are taken in.0 -
You need carbs...0
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So, that statement is completely correct and factual. The human body can survive just fine on protein and fat, with zero carbohydrate intake. If you eat that diet, your body will produce ketones and glucose from the protein and fat and you will survive just fine. You might not enjoy a diet without fruits, vegetables and nuts in it, but they are not required to survive. Given that, why is it not responsible to make that statement?Carbs are not required to survive.
The bolded statement is very irresponsible to spread around. Especially in a fitness & nutrition forum.
From the stand point of brain function, you are correct. Without heavy supplements you will not be able to meet nutrional needs on a 0 carb Keto diet. Which will lead to many other complications health wise. Tell me you're hitting your micro needs with just protein/fat and no supplements.
Is this going to be one of those things where supplementation extends to cover things like "salting your food"?0 -
Since last week I've changed my diet a little, trying to eat more "fresh" foods such as fruits and vegetables.
So, the question is, is it just a coincidence that I'm craving carbs or does my body really need the carbs?
I was doing it and got so cranky. My daughter (30) reminded me that carbs are the brain's only food.0 -
Your body doesn't ''need'' carbs.
I function very well without them, and have been for a while now. I only have carbs once a week, the rest I have fruits, vegetables, meat and nuts. That's about it.
If you feel dizzy in the afternoon maybe you could eat a bit more in the morning. I know I need to eat more in that window, or else I feel a tad weird. So I eat a good breakfast, have my nuts and a good Lunch. I eat a little less in the afternoon and so on.
But that's just me
Well, fruits and veggies have carbs, so technically, you aren't surviving without them
Your brain requires carbs. The cells within in the brain need carbs to function. It is clear those who say they are doing great without carbs don't realize or care what damage they could be doing to their bodies.
Worth mentioning again, your brain does not require dietary carbohydrate intake. Your brain requires glucose -- which it can get quite easily from protein digestion.0 -
You're not crashing because of low carbs... You're crashing because of low CALORIES! Today you consumed about 300 calories before your binge in the afternoon. Yesterday you only ate a total of 650 all day. EAT! Having over 1000 calories "left over" at the end of the day is NOT a good thing.
This ^^.0 -
Since last week I've changed my diet a little, trying to eat more "fresh" foods such as fruits and vegetables. I wouldn't say that I'm on a low carb diet, but I've just been choosing to eat healthier things rather than use up my calories on enriched carb stuff.
The problem I'm running into is I'm crashing around 2:00 p.m. and craving bread or crackers or something like that. I've been eating a couple crackers when I feel this way to perk me up. But today I crashed big time, totally tired and sleepy and ended up eating a bunch of pita chips with hummus. Now I feel guilty and this has me re-thinking my eating habits.
So, the question is, is it just a coincidence that I'm craving carbs or does my body really need the carbs?
Anyway, to get back on track and actually answer the question that was asked --
A lot of this depends on the carbohydrate level you're eating at. If you're within the 20-30g net carb range, you're likely going to be bordering on being in a state of ketosis. For the first week or two, your body is not efficiently utilizing ketones for energy -- so it's common to have lethargy and an energy drop until your body gets used to "the new normal". It's referred to as keto flu.
Once you get past that, it's been my experience that my energy levels are higher than they were while eating carbs, and I don't get the same post-meal lethargy that I got when I was eating carb-heavy meals.
Eating low carb can be perfectly safe and healthy, and many people who do it experience good results. As with anything, your mileage may vary. Feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions.0 -
Carbohydrates are brain food and quick energy sources. There are necessary. Period. But choosing carbohydrates that are going to work for you and satisfy your body's needs are important. Try carrots and hummus with some alomonds for extra protein, fiber, and good fats. Or berries & citrus with unsweetened greek yogurt or string cheese to get you through the slump.
Carbohydrates are absolutely unnecessary. The glucose that the brain requires can quite easily be synthesized by gluconeogenesis and protein digestion, assuming adequate amounts of protein are taken in.
False.0 -
Carbohydrates are brain food and quick energy sources. There are necessary. Period. But choosing carbohydrates that are going to work for you and satisfy your body's needs are important. Try carrots and hummus with some alomonds for extra protein, fiber, and good fats. Or berries & citrus with unsweetened greek yogurt or string cheese to get you through the slump.
Carbohydrates are absolutely unnecessary. The glucose that the brain requires can quite easily be synthesized by gluconeogenesis and protein digestion, assuming adequate amounts of protein are taken in.
False.
You're wrong.0 -
I wonder if there's some research into the lean mass of low carbers, moderate carbers, and high carbers. If you are relaying on the energy costly gluconeogenisis of protein how much of that is body protein vs. dietary protein. I guess you would have to add people on high protein vs recommended protein diets.0
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THIS. Carbs are not required to survive. I consume between 15-50g carbs per day, and I've never felt better. My body is running off of ketones and excess glucose from protein for energy.
Definitely THIS! Today I had 35g of carbs and still manage to cycle 40 minutes, swim for 45 and do my weight training session.
On Keto, feeling awesome at 21 net carbs and busting my butt physically 13+ hrs daily. Again, your body can get glucose from protein. Carbs are actually not the body's preferred source of energy, I'll post a link if you need one. Your body digests carb quicker than anything else, the same way it digests harmful toxins.
Also, wheat and sugar have addictive qualities, so you may just think you need those. But as everyone else has said, MOAR food!0 -
I wonder if there's some research into the lean mass of low carbers, moderate carbers, and high carbers. If you are relaying on the energy costly gluconeogenisis of protein how much of that is body protein vs. dietary protein. I guess you would have to add people on high protein vs recommended protein diets.
There's none that I have found addressing this specific thing, though it is a very important consideration and something I'd like to see. People whose goal includes ketosis (the low end of the low carb groups) tend to limit protein because excess protein (and the glucose derived from it) can kick them out of ketosis. There has been some research done in the 70's over ketogenic performance in long-distance bicyclists which showed little difference when compared to standard diets, but that's not exactly the same (I'll see if I can find a cite for that).
One of the issues is that it's very difficult to design and enforce studies on dietary habits among a large enough population to get scientifically significant results. Nutritional science is very hard and expensive to do.0 -
I eat around 200g of carbs a day. My body needs every last one of those carbs. Running 50 miles a week (at around 7.5 min pace) and doing 5 days of strength and HIIT I would DIE on low carb!
I eat whole grains like Ezekiel bread, brown rice, and quinoa along with lots of fruits and veggies. If you're crashing try eating good carbs earlier in the day to avoid the crash. On the other hand, maybe your body is telling you it needs more fuel.0 -
I wonder if there's some research into the lean mass of low carbers, moderate carbers, and high carbers. If you are relaying on the energy costly gluconeogenisis of protein how much of that is body protein vs. dietary protein. I guess you would have to add people on high protein vs recommended protein diets.
There's none that I have found addressing this specific thing, though it is a very important consideration and something I'd like to see. People whose goal includes ketosis (the low end of the low carb groups) tend to limit protein because excess protein (and the glucose derived from it) can kick them out of ketosis. There has been some research done in the 70's over ketogenic performance in long-distance bicyclists which showed little difference when compared to standard diets, but that's not exactly the same (I'll see if I can find a cite for that).
One of the issues is that it's very difficult to design and enforce studies on dietary habits among a large enough population to get scientifically significant results. Nutritional science is very hard and expensive to do.
Tell me about it...the last "science" where your best guess is acceptable evidence. Sigh
All I find is a few rat studies and I'm not motivated enough to search more.0 -
if you are crashing your body is trying to tell you something..so eat some more carbs..as long as you come in under or at your calorie goal and hit your macros you will be fine.
carbs do not equal fat...0 -
could be a couple things, your body is used to them and so it needs time to adjust, or you need more carbs, are you hitting or around your carb macro? cause you do need carbs and while veggies and stuff have them a lot of them don't have very much. So make sure you get enough. Try eating more like whole grain, slow release, carbs for better energy, like brown rice I find if I have that at a meal I can go for hours without feeling that same crash0
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CALORIES are necessary. EAT! If your diary is accurate, your intake is terribly low. Stop dieting and aim instead for a long-term, sustainable healthful lifestyle. :flowerforyou:0
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Carbohydrates are brain food and quick energy sources. There are necessary. Period. But choosing carbohydrates that are going to work for you and satisfy your body's needs are important. Try carrots and hummus with some alomonds for extra protein, fiber, and good fats. Or berries & citrus with unsweetened greek yogurt or string cheese to get you through the slump.
Carbohydrates are absolutely unnecessary. The glucose that the brain requires can quite easily be synthesized by gluconeogenesis and protein digestion, assuming adequate amounts of protein are taken in.
Telling others that carbs are "absolutely unnecessary" is spreading misinformation and can be dangerous if a person is inclined to read a message board and take what they read to an extreme. Carbs have vital functions beyond just providing an energy source. Try replacing those other functions and see how it works out for you.
Also, just FYI, there is some evidence that keto diets can cause bad side effects (like kidney stones) in some people. The controlled groups that have been studied are mostly the children in the epilepsy treatment groups and there has been evidence of these side effects in a significant number of kids. As for adults -- well, the truth is that people say there is no evidence of side effects because no one has ever done a controlled study to find out. So low carb at your own risk.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19049581
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/220045250 -
So, that statement is completely correct and factual. The human body can survive just fine on protein and fat, with zero carbohydrate intake. If you eat that diet, your body will produce ketones and glucose from the protein and fat and you will survive just fine. You might not enjoy a diet without fruits, vegetables and nuts in it, but they are not required to survive. Given that, why is it not responsible to make that statement?Carbs are not required to survive.
The bolded statement is very irresponsible to spread around. Especially in a fitness & nutrition forum.
how would one get vitamins like C?0 -
You're not crashing because of low carbs... You're crashing because of low CALORIES! Today you consumed about 300 calories before your binge in the afternoon. Yesterday you only ate a total of 650 all day. EAT! Having over 1000 calories "left over" at the end of the day is NOT a good thing.
AGREE!!! And OP if you are going to decrease your carbs, you should increase your protein and fat or you will be crashing all the time.0 -
carbs do not equal fat...
I wish more people would realize this!
Would love if all these people who claim the body doesn't need carbs to go without one single carb for a whole month and then report back to us.0
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