Dangers and complications associated with low carbohydrate, high protein and high fat diets may not be of initial importance to the dieter, but may result in serious short or long term physical problems. Listed below are a few common side effects of this diet, and potential health hazards. Symptoms like nausea, vomiting and headaches are common among these dieters, which may lead to an increase in water loss and electrolyte imbalances. Severe dehydration can lead to organ failure and even coma if left untreated. When uric acid crystals accumulate, the result can be a quite painful condition called gout.
Crystals often accumulate in joints and cause severe pain with movement.
For the dieter this is bad news, because a decrease in physical activity can hinder weight loss and may even result in weight gain. This disease occurs over time, so dieters may not even consider this a potentially deadly risk. For the patient already diagnosed with CAD, the ketogenic state achieved from this diet may lead to irregular heart rhythms called arrhythmias, causing heart failure and possibly death. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies could be a problem because these diets promote a decreased intake of fresh fruits, vegetables and grains. Vitamin and minerals play an important role in bone formation, wound healing, metabolism and immune function.