The Perils of Following an Extreme Calorie Restriction
Has the idea of eating just 350 calories a day ever crossed your mind? While it might sound like a quick fix, there are severe consequences that can arise from such a drastic calorie intake. Here, we dive into the effects of calorie restriction and why it should be avoided.
The Immediate Effects: Hunger and Impaired Functioning
On a one-off occasion, following a strict calorie restriction of 350 calories could lead to intense hunger. However, if prolonged, the effects can be highly detrimental to your health. The body, needing food and adequate nutrition for proper functioning, will go into starvation mode. This survival mechanism slows down your metabolism and digestive processes, holding on to any food intake as it fears the next meal may be delayed.
Long-Term Consequences: From Fat to Muscle Loss
As your daily calorie intake drops, the body begins to break down fat stores. Your brain, a vital organ made up of 60% fat, is not immune to this process. As your body starts consuming its fat stores, including your brain, this can lead to cognitive decline and issues such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, irritability, mood swings, and impeded rational thinking. Over time, your body will also begin to consume muscle tissue, contributing to muscle wastage. The heart, being a muscle, is not spared; leading to serious health issues like heart palpitations, heart attacks, heart failure, and organ failure.
Nutritional Deficiencies and Electrolyte Imbalances
A severe calorie deficit can result in severe deficiencies in vital minerals and nutrients. Calcium deficiency, for instance, can lead to weakened bones, a condition known as osteopenia, and may eventually progress to osteoporosis. Additionally, electrolyte imbalances can occur, which can be life-threatening, as seen in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.
Physical and Mental Fatigue
The combination of severe nutrient deficiency and physical strain can make you feel extremely tired and weak. Simple tasks that once required minimal effort become daunting due to a lack of energy. Interestingly, despite this fatigue, many individuals may experience difficulty sleeping or face insomnia.
Impact on Physical Appearance and Health Indicators
Your hair may start falling out, nails become weak and brittle, and skin becomes dry and flaky. These changes are a direct result of the body’s struggle to maintain proper function under such harsh conditions. Your blood pressure could also drop, leading to dizziness and fainting, especially when standing.
Mental Health Implications
Mental health is significantly impacted by extreme calorie restriction. One may experience heightened anxiety, depression, and difficulty managing moods. The constant stress and struggle can contribute to a decline in overall mental well-being.
Risk of Developing an Eating Disorder
Trial and error with extreme calorie restriction can set the stage for the development of eating disorders like anorexia. Given my personal experience with anorexia for an extended period, I can assure you that it is not a way to live. It feels more like a mere existence, one that is both miserable and life-threatening.
My journey to recovery was a long and challenging one. I nearly lost my life due to anorexia multiple times, the most recent being a critical event just a few months ago. Severely restricting my food intake and over-exercising led to dangerously low blood sugar levels (a healthy blood sugar should be between 5.4 to 6.9, mine was 1), causing multiple seizures and a series of serious health issues, including heart failure and pulmonary edema. I spent considerable time in intensive care, with the doctors emphasizing just how close I came to death. This illness not only destroyed my life but also the lives of those around me, including my loved ones who watched helplessly as I slowly killed myself.
Seeking Help
I urge you to seek help if you are struggling with extreme calorie restriction. Start by visiting your local doctor or GP, who can assess your physical health and refer you to specialists. If it's challenging to articulate your feelings verbally, consider writing them down and sharing them with your healthcare provider. Remember, any form of help is valuable in this situation.
If you need someone to talk to, I am here to provide support. I understand the difficulty in opening up, but please consider reaching out. You do not have to go through this alone.
Conclusion
The risks associated with an extremely low calorie intake are stark and real. It is crucial to address any concerns with your health and seek assistance to ensure a healthier, happier life.