Nutrition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 5

Nutrition - Essay Example For example, Dr. Atkins’s diet is taken for this purpose. During the starving like condition, the body burns fat. As carbohydrate level drops, the body turns to protein reserves, which results in nitrogen being released into the blood stream. This causes unnecessary burden on the kidneys as they try to excrete the excess urine, which happens due to the additional sodium loss. Similarly, the fatty acids are released into the blood stream, as fat gets burnt. This puts more pressure on kidneys. If such condition prevails for longer time, Ketosis can occur, causing damage to liver and kidneys. Therefore, many nutritionists are careful in prescribing ketogenic diets, which have low carbohydrates, particularly to pregnant women. However, these conditions can also result in reduced hunger and stable blood sugar level, caused by chain of reactions taking place, as ketones are released. The activity of brain gets improved in regularity and intensity, as can be measured through the electroencephalogram (EEG) test, which shows the brain cells being calmed down in ketosis condition. In addition, ketosis can be responsible for dissolving certain kidney stones, as they tend to sterilize urine against infection. However, there are many adverse affects of ketosis. These include dizziness, lethargy, weakness, diarrhea and nausea, among others. Many people going through ketosis experience mental dullness and fatigue, while feeling sluggish. The body cells form less fat that is necessary for survival, in times of emergency. (Kunin, MD) Human body requires minimum amount of calories for performing normal functions like breathing, chewing food and to keep heart and brain working. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) refers to this amount of energy, as many factors, including age, gender; physical activity and body weight have direct affect on BMR. As exercising increases the muscle power and activity, it results in increased BMR, and the increase can last even up-to one hour