The Dukan Diet Side Effects And What You Must Know Before Starting the Diet

The Dukan diet is a protein rich, low carbohydrate diet in four stages. Dieters can expect fast weight loss with little or no food cravings or hunger pangs. The first stage of the Dukan diet, the Attack Phase, lasts for anything up to seven days, depending on the weight loss goals, and consists of protein rich food only. This is the toughest part of the diet and people have noticed increased feelings of tiredness and occasional light headaches. A few people have experienced constipation however this often goes away in the next phase of the diet.

During the second phase of the diet, the Cruise Phase, vegetables are introduced into the menu. If constipation was a problem during the previous phase, dieters are encouraged to increase the amount of vegetables to ease this condition. People report increased energy with tiredness no longer being a problem during this stage. The loss of food cravings and the lack of hunger can be experienced as a wholly unexpected side-effect for the dieter, a lack of appetite. This loss of appetite can be disturbing for people for whom meal times were a big aspect of their pre-diet life. For many dieters, this loss of appetite is a welcome relief but for a few, it can be disheartening. Most people report that these feelings are temporary and the appetite returns, albeit for healthy foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables.

During the last two phases of the diet, the Consolidation Phase and the Stabilization Phase, very few side-effects are noted.

A side-effect people thinking about starting the Dukan diet express most concern about involves kidney problems. Scare-stories in the media, which have increased as this diet has become more popular, have placed undue emphasis on the link between high protein diets and problems like kidney stones. The reason a person could have problems with their kidneys is that when protein is broken down in the body, waste products can be left behind. This waste is linked with problems like kidney stones. However, as long as you drink enough water every day, this waste will be washed clear from your system. How much water you need to drink each day is considered to be two litres. This is true whether you are following the Dukan diet or not. So as long as you drink the normal required daily quantity of water (on its own or mixed in other drinks) you will be fine.

Start the change now. You can follow my progress on the Dukan diet from day one of the attack phase until the end. I have included all my recipes and menu ideas as well as top tips in getting the most out of your Dukan diet experience. If you're ready to lose weight fast without hunger click Dukan diet to begin your journey.