Dangerous Diets Can Send You to the ER

Published on 26 Jan at 9:47 pm

Dangerous Diets Can Send You to the ER

We’ve all heard how important maintaining a healthy weight is for our well-being. However, how we achieve and maintain this ideal weight is as important as how much we weigh. Unfortunately, dangerous diets can send you to the ER.

In our quest to lose those extra pounds, many of us resort to extreme or fad diets that promise to shed pounds, increase our energy, and prolong our life. Sadly, most of these fashionable diets do not have a scientific basis and often cut out essential food groups that our bodies need to function correctly.

Depriving your body of certain nutrients can have dire consequences for your health. In some extreme cases, it can land you in the emergency room.

At Supreme Care ER in Houston, the finest emergency room in Cypress Texas, we’re happy to provide you with the emergency care that you need in the event of a medical emergency. We’re fast and remain open 24 hours year-round. Remember, dangerous diets can send you to the ER so why take the risk? Get to know about the dangers of fad diets as well as the warning signs to visit the nearest ER.

The Dangers of Fad Diets and Unhealthy Fasting

The internet is full of diet gurus who claim they’ve found the ultimate secret to losing weight. However, many of these self-proclaimed experts are charlatans trying to make money without regard for their client’s health.

Many of these diet plans we see advertised advocate for an extreme calorie deficit which can deprive your system of essential nutrients. When our bodies don’t receive the proper nutrition, it can spell disaster for our health. These are some of the symptoms and conditions we can develop by not getting adequate nutrition:

Lack of energy and constantly feeling tired
Gallbladder disease
Loss of muscle mass and the development of muscle atrophy
Constipation
Skin conditions, including dry skin and rashes
Changes in mood – irritability, anxiety, or depression
Hair loss or thinning hair
Metabolic acidosis (Our body fluids contain too much acid) – this can lead to kidney stones, kidney failure, bone disease
Decreased sex drive
Dehydration
Insulin resistance – a precursor to Type 2 Diabetes
Weakened immune system

Warning Signs of a Dangerous Diet

There are signs that you are following a diet that is not right for you, such as

Feeling hungry – a healthy, balanced diet should never leave you feeling hungry
Lack of energy – Deficiencies in certain nutrients push the body to work harder and may result in extreme fatigue
Mouth sores and wounds – recurring mouth sores and wounds could signal you are not getting enough vitamin C and B from your diet
Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet – Tingling in your extremities can signify a vitamin B deficiency. Vitamin B6 and B12 help care for your nervous system and help relieve anxiety, depression, and
Changes in Mood – Changes in your emotional state can also signify a vitamin deficiency. Vitamin B6 and B12 help care for your nervous system and help relieve anxiety, depression, and hormonal imbalances

When to Go to the ER

If you are trying to lose weight by following a restrictive diet and develop any of the following symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention:

Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
Chest Pain
Trouble Breathing
Trouble Urinating
Vomiting that lasts for more than one day
Feeling confused or disoriented
Dizziness, feeling faint, or loss of consciousness
Abdominal pain
Fever higher than 103 F
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in arms or legs

At Supreme Care ER, we encourage patients to maintain a healthy weight to avoid potential illness and chronic conditions. If you are trying to lose weight, we urge you to consult your doctor before starting any new diet or exercise routine. Your doctor can recommend a diet plan that is right for you.

But if you should have a doubt as to whether or not you are experiencing a medical emergency, you can count on Supreme Care ER to help!