I've been doing a very low-carbohydrate (20 to 40 grams per day) diet for two weeks. At times, especially while driving or working, I feel foggy, or like I would if I had a hangover. Is this normal?

While it is important to rule out any other health-related reasons, what you are experiencing is likely related to your very limited carbohydrate intake. Hopefully it will be a sign that encourages you to modify this drastic way of eating. Carbohydrates from your diet are broken down into glucose and utilized for energy. Since your brain and muscles function most efficiently on glucose, you are basically starving your body of the fuel it needs to function properly. Forcing your body to use an alternative route for energy is not what it was designed to do. Although this drastic way of eating initially sheds the pounds for many people, you ultimately starve your body of vital nutrients, not to mention a long list of vitamins and minerals. Through the past year, we've answered several questions regarding the use of high protein diets. You might find some of those responses helpful too.

True weight loss occurs when you reduce your overall caloric intake and increase the calories your body burns through exercise. Too many calories worth of anything- whether it's carbohydrate, protein or fat, lead to weight gain.

Consider following a calorie-controlled diet that includes all foods in moderation.

Take care,

Lisa Tartamella

-- Lisa Tartamella, M.S., R.D., CD-N, manages ambulatory nutrition services at Yale-New Haven Hospital's Centers of Nutrition, where she provides nutrition and wellness counseling to both adult and pediatric patients.

First published December 1, 2004
Last updated January 23, 2008
Copyright © 2004 Consumer Health Interactive