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Low-carb diets are popular, but a study shows a risk of cardiac arrhythmias. The researchers warn about the consequences of a low-carbohydrate diet.
The widespread advice, for Lose weight Simply cutting out carbohydrates could have serious consequences. Scientists have studied the effects of low-carb diets on heart health and found alarming results.
Why the ketogenic diet, which is low in carbohydrates, can be risky
Low-carb diets recommend consuming little (low carb) to no carbohydrates. The The ketogenic diet is the most extreme form of this: carbohydrates are completely eliminated from the diet. Instead, be Vegetablesdairy products, fish and meat are consumed – carbohydrates are therefore replaced by fats and proteins.
The consequences of this diet were examined in 2019 by an international team of researchers led by Nicole Napoli from American College of Cardiology, which specializes in the research and treatment of heart disease. Analysis of the health data of 14,000 people revealed that a low-carbohydrate diet is associated with a high risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
The study participants, who got most of their daily calorie needs from carbohydrates from grains, Fruit and starchy vegetables such as potatoes were noticeably less likely to suffer from atrial fibrillation.
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Optimal for the heart: 45 to 52 percent carbohydrates daily
For their study, the researchers analyzed extensive information from the study participants about their eating habits over a period of 22 years. The test subjects were divided into three groups: low-carb, medium-carb and high-carb. Dr. Xiaodong Zhuang, one of the study authors, said: “Low carbohydrate diets were associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, regardless of the type of protein or fat used to replace the carbohydrates.”
The low-carb group was 18 percent more likely to develop atrial fibrillation than those with a moderate carbohydrate intake. The latter covered 44.8 to 52.4 percent of their daily calorie needs with carbohydrates. Everyone who ate more belonged to the high-carb group: Even compared to this group, the low-carb group had a 16 percent higher risk of atrial fibrillation.
Researchers suspect this is because a low-carb diet promotes inflammation by consuming fewer anti-inflammatory foods such as grains, fruits and vegetables. An anti-inflammatory diet and its positive effect on heart health are increasingly becoming the focus of scientists.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.