Top 7 Drawbacks of the Paleo Diet

The paleo diet can make you lose weight. However, it has many side effects associated with the significant dietary change that your body is going through. Here are the top 7 drawbacks of the paleo diet that you should be aware of.

7. Hypoglycemia

The paleo is a low-carb diet, which means low blood sugar levels. Type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients who use insulin or other medications should consult their doctors before starting the diet to avoid severe low blood sugar that may lead to hypoglycemia. (1, 2)

6. Low-Carb Flu

Most foods in the paleo diet are low-carb. Your body may need some time to adjust itself to your new dietary plan. Once you start cutting carbs down, you may feel many symptoms including headache, irritability, weakness, cramps, dizziness, nausea, difficulty sleeping, sugar cravings, and poor concentration. (3)

5. Craving Food

Early on the paleo diet, most people crave foods. Studies show that consuming high amounts of proteins makes people last longer without feeling hungry than fats and carbs. (4, 5, 6) This sensation won’t last long.

4. Low Energy Level

The paleo is a low-carb diet so it is somehow like keto. When you reduce your carb intake, your body starts burning fat until it enters ketosis. At this stage, most people feel low. (7, 8, 9)

3. Bad Mouth Breath

The paleo leads to bad mouth breath depending on food choices and other factors. Bad breath has two main reasons; ketones, which come out while exhaling, and increased protein intake that may produce Sulphur burps, which smells eggy. (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)

2. Bowel Habits Changes

Your gastrointestinal tract will take time to adapt to the changes occurring to your foods, which will lead to changes in your bowel habits. The first thing you will notice is bowel discomfort. If these changes persisted and kept being unpleasant, you may need to consult a doctor. (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)

1. High Risk of Cancers and Inflammations

Consuming high amounts of meat daily is risky. Meats contain many carcinogenic compounds such as nitrosamines and heterocyclic amines and heme iron, which can contribute to heart diseases. In addition, many pro-inflammatory compounds such as carnitine, choline, and arachidonic acid can contribute to many inflammations, especially cardiovascular problems. (20, 21, 22, 23)