If the sudden loss of life of cricketer Shane Warne despatched shockwaves across the globe, the following revelation that the spin bowler was on a “fluid-only” weight-reduction plan for 2 weeks prior has sounded the alarm on the hazards of utmost weight-reduction plan for coronary heart well being.
Key factors:
- Well being specialists warning in opposition to prolonged “fluid-only” diets such because the one Shane Warne was on previous to his loss of life
- They are saying such diets can dilute the physique’s electrolytes, risking coronary heart issues
- There will also be dangers when resuming regular consuming after a weight-reduction plan
After Warne’s death from a suspected heart attack in Thailand, his supervisor James Erskine stated the cricket legend had not too long ago completed a “ridiculous weight-reduction plan” the place he consumed solely “black and inexperienced juices” for 2 weeks.
Nicole Bando, an accredited dietitian based mostly in Melbourne, stated so-called “detox” or “juice” diets have been probably harmful as a result of they contain the elimination of complete meals teams, together with vital vitamins, from an individual’s weight-reduction plan.
“In case you do [a juice diet] for 5 or extra days, it could actually really result in a dilution in electrolytes — that are the salts in our blood,” she stated.
“These embody potassium which is concerned in conducting electrical energy, and subsequently the operate of the center.”
Professor Garry Jennings, chief well being advisor on the Coronary heart Basis of Australia, stated such diets launched the potential for coronary heart issues.
Individuals with different underlying situations — equivalent to diabetes, kidney and liver issues — are additionally vulnerable to “extreme penalties”, Professor Jennings added.
“What can occur [with extreme dieting] is that if the center shouldn’t be bathed in the best combination of electrolytes and dietary chemical substances, then your coronary heart will get extra irritable.
“So if you happen to have been to have a coronary heart assault, it is more likely to result in one thing extra critical, equivalent to cardiac arrest.”
One other concern with excessive diets, Ms Bando stated, is what occurs once they “finish”.
“If you reintroduce regular meals you’ll be able to really trigger an extra imbalance of electrolytes,” she stated, referring to a phenomenon often known as “re-feeding syndrome”.
“When regular consuming is resumed, it could actually trigger the degrees of those salts to drop as a result of they’re getting used within the metabolism of the meals.”
On the intense finish, she stated, this may result in coronary heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) in addition to seizure, coma and loss of life. Much less extreme signs embody complications, fatigue and nausea.
One among Warne’s mates yesterday revealed the cricket legend had eaten Vegemite on toast just hours before his death.
These drawn to fad weight-reduction plan due to the promise of weight reduction, Ms Bando stated, can be higher off specializing in a “balanced” strategy to vitamin.
“The load loss that happens is normally short-lasting. After which when folks revert to their ordinary diets, they have an inclination to regain the load.”
Professor Jennings agrees.
“In case you take a look at any suggestion from any authority around the globe, it is a few balanced weight-reduction plan with all the primary meals teams,” he stated.