Carbs Are Necessary, Believe It or Not
By Tom Herrin
Most people have heard a lot of hype about carbs and the ideas about cutting them out of a diet. In their stead, many people are advocating taking in more fats and proteins. The intent is to change the way the body uses these for energy and burn stored fat. It sounds good, and it can work to some extent, but people need to understand that carbs still have an important role in their health. All of the macronutrients have a place. Knowing how much of each is required, and what kind, is a pretty big part of the whole picture.
Some Carbs Can Be Harmful
Carbs have gotten a really bad reputation. Much of this is due to the fact that bad ones can have a pretty devastating effect on the body. It is likely that much of the current health concern around the country has ties to these carbs. Those with diabetes which are considered to be more of an adult onset type may have benefited from watching these closer. Many of the packaged foods available are full of carbs from sugars. They are readily available and often picked up as a quick snack. It has been recommended that women limit their intake of these kinds of carbs to 100 per day and that men limit theirs to 150.
Good Carbs Have a Significant Place in Health
People must have some carbs. Many of the current diet trends make an effort to cut out carbs and replace them with something else like more fats or proteins. While this may be good for a while, the muscles need carbs to function well and provide energy. If they fail to have enough, the body may begin to use muscle in its place. This can reduce lean muscle in the body, which is no good.
Be in Tune
We all have different needs. While each of our bodies is unique, we still all have many basic needs in common. I try my best to maintain that balance. I can tell when I achieve that right level by the way I feel. Too much of anything can make me feel bad, but when I have a good balance, I feel well. We can all make it work for us. Learning the most we can about what works best for us can bring us the health we desire.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in St. Louis, Mo.