The Primal Diet Primer You Need

8. Potential Side Effects

Although the primal diet emphasizes healthful foods, some people experience adverse reactions to changing their diets. As their bodies adjust to a drastically decreased supply of carbohydrates, they may experience the symptoms of a low-carb flu such as fatigue or irritability. These effects usually last for a few weeks, and they may be averted by gradually eliminating carbs rather than quitting cold turkey. Ketosis is a metabolic state in which the body burns fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. One of its unpleasant byproducts is acetone, a culprit behind halitosis. Chewing on mint or cilantro can help offset bad breath. Another side effect that concerns some people is elevated LDL cholesterol levels. However, there is significant evidence that this condition does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.