why they temporarily feel better may actually come from the fact that they are avoiding highly processed foods, extra sugar, and fat. These benefits may come at a cost. Detox diets that severely limit protein or that require fasting can result in fatigue, muscle aches, and irritability. Long-term fasting can result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Colon cleansing, through enemas and colonics, can cause cramping, bloating, nausea and vomiting and even dehydration can be a concern. And if a diet recommends pills, herbs, or supplements, these items are not backed by the FDA and can interact with different medications and can cause issues on their own.
A: When you eat carbohydrate-containing foods such as breads, pasta, rice, fruit, vegetables, and other grains, sugars and starches, your muscles use the sugar inside of these foods for energy. It stores this ready to use energy in your muscles in the form of glycogen (ready to use carbohydrates). But since every ounce of carbohydrates stored in your muscles carries with it three ounces of water, when you eat a high-carbohydrate meal, you will gain weight, but rest assured, this weight gain is only water weight and not actually body fat! And if you run or exercise on a regular basis, often your muscles are low in stored glycogen, so this weight gain actually means that you are fueling yourself properly, not that you are gaining fat. Carbohydrates by themselves are not fattening, but consuming too many calories of ANY kind, whether they are in the form of carbohydrates, protein, or fat, is! ❑
The specifics of detox diets can vary ...
Q: Why do I gain weight when I eat carbohydrates?
Attention: Fellow Runners! Do you have some unusual experiences as a runner, or some thoughts about our sport you would like to share? Don’t keep it to yourself – share with your fellow runners. You can contact the editor at any time to discuss potential contributions: brentmanley@yahoo.com or 901-246-6477. This is your publication. Be an active part of it. — Brent Manley, Editor
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