The diet we choose is tailored to the goals we want to achieve. Most diets are designed either to lose weight or to normalize he alth indicators in general. Among the most popular diets in the modern way of eating to achieve good he alth indicators and a normal weight are the keto diet, low-carbohydrate diet, intermittent fasting or fasting, high-protein diets, the Atkins diet.
These diets give good results in achieving the dream weight in a shorter time. If followed under medical supervision, they could also give good results in the normalization of some he alth indicators, especially the control of the risk of diabetes, since most of them exclude carbohydrates or allow them in small quantities.
However, these diets have one negative side that can be more dangerous during the hot summer months and that is dehydration.
What are the diets that can cause dehydration and why?
High Protein Diets
High-protein diets, such as the Dukan diet or the paleo diet, are popular methods of weight loss without starvation. However, they may bring more risks than he alth benefits. This is due to the large amount of protein ingested. Amino acids, to which proteins are broken down, release nitrogen. The large amounts of nitrogen excreted in the body bind to the fluids and water in the body, thus putting you at risk of dehydration.
Ketogenic Diet
Carbohydrates are highly restricted in the ketogenic diet. The emphasis in this diet is on protein and fat. When you drastically reduce carbohydrates in your diet, it can also significantly limit your water intake, because in addition to drinking glasses, water is also taken in through fruits and vegetables. With a very limited intake of fruits and vegetables, the level of fluids in the body can drop, especially in the summer heat.
Intermittent fasting (fasting)
In intermittent fasting, feeding occurs at intervals of several hours, usually 4 to 6 hours, and during the remaining hours of the day one fasts. It is allowed to drink water during the fasting period, but the problem comes from the fact that some people forget to drink fluids. For some, drinking water on an empty stomach is unpleasant. Therefore, they prefer to drink at the times when they are allowed to eat. This poses a risk of dehydration.
The risk of dehydration is even greater with dry fasting. This type of diet requires restriction not only of food, but also of fluid intake during the fasting period. This option is very restrictive and poses he alth risks.
The Atkins Diet
The Atkins diet is a popular low-carb diet. This poses a risk of dehydration. One reason is the elimination of entire food groups, such as starchy vegetables and most fruits. They are sources of fluids, fiber and carbohydrates. In the summer, fruits and vegetables rich in liquids are especially recommended in the fight against dehydration. They also supply valuable vitamins and minerals.
