How to Know When You Need More Carbs
By Rachel Carver
Whether it is keto or some other diet, reducing carbs has become a major part of today's trends. These diets trade bread and bananas for eggs and avocados. However, cutting too many carbs can negatively affect the body in many ways.
Carb needs varies from person to person. Factors such as lifestyle and physical activity determine how many carbs a person might need. Your body will let you know if it is lacking this fuel source.
Why Do We Need Carbs?
First, it is important to note that carbs are not good or bad. Carbs give us the energy we need for daily activities. Carbs are the body's primary fuel source. The brain also relies on carbs for about 90 percent of its energy.
Our body breaks carbs down into sugar. This sugar can become energy straight from our bloodstream or can be stored as glycogen in our muscles and liver to be used to fill future energy needs. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, we need 45-65 percent of our daily calories from carbs to properly fuel our body.
Here are some signs that your body is not getting enough carbs.
Fatigue and Brain Fog
Because the brain needs so many carbs to function properly, physical and mental exhaustion often indicate you need more fuel. People can get headaches and have trouble focusing throughout the day.
Moodiness
Not consuming enough carbs can increase your irritability and affect your overall mood. A lack of carbs can affect the production of serotonin, the body's mood-balancing hormone. This hormone impacts happiness and our overall well-being.
Sub-Par Workouts
If you feel sluggish at the office, chances are you will struggle to finish your evening CrossFit class. High-intense exercises require glucose stored in our bloodstream or muscles for fuel because they cannot produce enough energy from fat and oxygen. According to the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, low-carb diets such as keto significantly impacted the performance of men and women engaging in high-intensity workouts.
You Find Yourself Looking for a Mint
Unfortunately, bad breath is a part of drastically reducing carbs. Without carbs, your body burns fat for fuel. Breaking down fat produces ketones, chemicals that can leave you reaching for a mint or chewing gum.
Head to The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you to learn more about a diet and healthy lifestyle right for you. The Joint's affordable pricing and walk-in visits make care accessible to everyone.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Waco, Tex.