18 LOSE IT! VOLUME 31
I have a history
of kidney stones.
My most recent
blood results
indicated that my
kidneys are no
longer in distress and functioning
optimally, but I am still concerned
that eating low-carb is not
advisable for anyone with a
history of kidney problems.The development
of kidney stones is
certainly a concern
if you’re switching
to a diet in which
you’re eating more protein than
you usually would. But eating
low-carb does NOT mean high
protein and therefore should
not place any extra strain on
the kidneys.
As a precaution, it is very
important that you stay well
hydrated (at least 2L of water per
day) and replenish your electrolyte
levels (sodium, potassium,
magnesium and calcium). Being
in a dehydrated state and
possibly hyponatremic (having low
sodium levels) can damage the
kidneys and can result in stone
formation. There is no need to fear
embracing the low-carb lifestyle
as long as you keep your protein
intake to a minimum.and three
other reader
questions for
our clinical
nutritionist,
Ruth Marcus.Since I started
eating low-carb,
my period has
become irregular.
Should I stop
eating this way?When you first
start eating
low-carb, there’s
a possibility you
may see a change
to your menstruation. Studies
show that younger women who eat
severely low-carb for an extended
length of time often end up with
irregular or missed periods.
Severely limiting carbohydrates
may be taxing on the adrenal
system, leading to hormonal‘I have a
history of
kidney
problems – is
the low-carb
lifestyle
advisable?’