Sure, they are said to be effective in losing weight easy and fast, which is exactly what most of us dream of.
But hey, a report in the Archives of Internal Medicine pointed out that low-carbohydrate, high protein diets are found to increase our cholesterol levels. And we are referring to both LDL (low density lipoprotein, which is also known as "bad" cholesterol) and HDL (high density lipoprotein which is also the "good" cholesterol).
HDL helps the body get rid of bad cholesterol. LDL is said to cause build-up of plague on the artery walls, contributing to risks of cardiovascular diseases.
The findings were from an analysis of the five clinical trials comparing low-fat diets with low-carbohydrate diets. These trials attracted 447 participants whose ages range from 42 to 49 years old. Out of 447 participants, 225 are on low-fat diets while the rest are on low-carbo diets.
Both groups were then tested for their weight loss and blood pressure after six and nine months' period. It was expected that for the first 6 months, the participants on the low-carbo diet had lost more weight. After 12 months, the outcome of weight loss and blood pressure turned out to be the same for both groups.
What raises our concern was that from the results of low-carbo diet group, total cholesterol increased throughout the 12 months period. A low-carbo diet is usually high in fat, resulting in a higher level of cholesterol.
However, the results further show that a higher cholesterol level had led to a concurrent increase in both LDL and HDL. They also had a lower level of triglycerides, a type of fat, which LDL carries in the blood.
So does the beneficial effects of low-carbo diet appear to have on HDL and triglyceride levels cancel out their apparent negative effects on overall and LDL cholesterol levels?
Not necessarily so, as another study published in the Journal of Lipid Research in 2003 showed that high triglyceride levels, high LDL levels and low HDL levels are actually independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
So despite what the low-carbo diet results show, more evidence is needed to support the conclusion as the study had its limits. The researchers in the low-carbo diet report also expressed concern about the effects of the low-carbo diet on cholesterol levels and the cardiovascular system as it contains large amounts of fats and proteins.
This is because you are more likely to consume more foods high in saturated fats when you turned to high-protein diet. This increases your calories as fat provides more calories per gram than carbohydrates. Fat contains nine calories per gram while carbohydrates provide four calories per gram.
As you consume more fats, you are exposing yourself to higher risk of developing coronary heart disease.
Other health problems associated with a diet high in protein include kidney failure, high cholesterol levels, osteroporosis and kidney stones. As a guide, an adult should obtain 50 to 60 percent of their calories from carbohydrates, 10 to 15 percent from protein and 20 to 30 percent from fats.
Therefore, it is not advisable to go long term on low-carbo, high-protein diets.
- When your Pet gets Stung
? If your pet is stung remove the stinger with tweezers, this increases his/her chances of survival with the removal of the venomous stinger.
? The stung area can get some relief with the use baking soda and water solution.
? To reduce the swelling apply ice pack covered with a thin towel over the affected area. Do it within every five minutes.
- For Skin Irritation
? If your pet has suffered insect bites, hot spots or other skin problems you can dab some milk of magnesia to soothe and calm the irritated skin.
? Apply aloe vera gel over the affected area. If you have aloe vera plant you can cut the leaf and use it as a soothing gel.
? Apply organic apple cider vinegar over the irritated skin.
? For hot spots you can use witch hazel for a continuous period of time.
? For itchy skin and paws you can bathe your pet in Epsom salt solution. In 2 cups of warm water mix 1 teaspoon Epsom salt.
? You can make a home-made spray to treat any skin problems. Use 3 capsules of sage, 1/4 teaspoon of Epsom salt and 2 cups of water. Boil this solution and let it cool. After straining, store this solution in spray bottle and keep it in the refrigerator.
- Other Problems
? Emu oil is can be used for many problems such as ringworms, flea bites, bee stings, rashes, hot spots and laceration.
? If your pet has been poisoned notify the vet immediately.
? If the pet has swallowed any toxic substance except for caustic substances, getting him to vomit, this would reduce the danger.
? If the pet has ingested alkaline substance such as cleanser or kerosene, vomiting would not be a good solution. Instead give 3 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice diluted in equal amounts of water.
? If a battery has been ingested which is acidic, 1 tsp milk of magnesia, per 5 Lbs. of pet.
? If your pup has diarrhea and adult dog suffers with soft stool problem you can add canned pumpkin in their diet.
? A very common problem in pets is loss of vision caused mainly due to cataract. A very useful flower called cineraria has been known to reduce the size of cataract as well as minimize its existence. With the help of tincture, dilute 1/2 saline (to be purchased) and 1/2 cineraria to make eye drops. A daily dosage of 2 drops for 3 months can help to solve this problem.
? If your pet has lost his or her sense of smell, a nutritious meal can just be the right motivator. Feed your pet a rich and nutritious diet which improves the keen sense of smell. Warm canned food without salt, but with a dash of garlic powder is a good way to improve that smell.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
Both Laura Ng & Kevin Pederson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Laura Ng has sinced written about articles on various topics from Food And Drink, Types of Cancer and Fitness. Find out how to lose weight effectively in .. Laura Ng's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.
Kevin Pederson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Nutrition, Fibromyalgia and Yoga Practice. Kevin Pederson can guide you about home remedies and provide different ways to prevent these illnesses.. Kevin Pederson's top article generates over 110000 views. to your Favourites.