The Atkins diet is not recommended for women experiencing menopause because of calcium depletion. Because the Atkins diet advocates limiting processed carbohydrates like sugar and flour, the body must derive more of its energy from other sources such as stored fats.
This process of converting stored fats into energy and the digestion of more non-carb sources of food causes more acid to be produced. The increased acid is offset by calcium. When there is insufficient calcium in the food ingested, the body will get the calcium from alternate sources--such as the bones. Therefore, people on the Atkins diet generally need to increase their calcium intake naturally or via supplements.
The reason why the Atkins diet is not recommended for women experiencing menopause is because they are already experiencing the same calcium loss--without being on the diet. Menopause causes extreme hormone deficiencies and imbalances that cause the blood to be acidic, just as it becomes after being on the Atkins diet.
Osteoporosis is a prime concern for women because of menopause. The acidic blood caused by the hormone imbalances is counteracted by calcium that must be leached from the bones as there are insufficient amounts in the diet.
So, because both menopause and the Atkins diet lead to extreme calcium loss that must be offset in most cases by supplements, they are not recommended in conjunction with one another. However, some physicians may be able to prescribe specialized diets and calcium supplements that can accommodate the extreme calcium loss.
Many women may not want to take any more supplements, vitamins, or any other form of medication but still want to enjoy all the proven benefits of the Atkins diet. It is possible to increase calcium consumption naturally by eating more cheese or butter. You can also eat leafy green vegetables also after the Induction phase is over and you are allowed to bring more carbs to the dinner table. Spinach, cabbage, chicola and even kale.
The acidic nature of the blood is offset by calcium, just as it is when on the Atkins diet. However, unlike the increased acidity of menopause which is caused by hormone imbalances, the Atkins diet causes acidic blood and urine due to increased digestive functioning and fat burning. The result is the same in both cases, however--calcium ends up being leached from the bones. These effects can be offset with increased calcium intake through alternative sources, such as supplements or green leafy vegetables after the Induction phase.
Note: The Author is not a doctor. Please consult a doctor before starting any new diet plan.
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