4 Ways Low-Calorie Diets Can Sabotage Your Health

Your body requires energy to power its basic functions. The calories you eat help fuel it for digestion, breathing and pumping blood, along with the activity you do throughout the day. Did you know that your resting metabolic rate (the amount of energy your body uses at rest) makes up the largest portion of the calories you burn each day? It's important to consume enough calories from food to keep your body functioning normally. If you eat too few calories, you may be putting your health at risk in the following ways.

You Won't Meet Your Nutrient Needs

It's easy to underestimate the significance of something you can't see or feel. However, vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients are important to health.

For example, calcium is important for long-term bone health and immediate bodily functions such as muscle control and circulation. For the first 30 years of life, the body stores excess calcium in bones. After 30, you stop gaining bone mass and rely on existing stockpiles to keep your bones strong for the rest of your life. If you can't meet your calcium needs, your body is forced to "break open the piggy bank" and tap into your bones for this crucial mineral. This process increases your risk for osteoporosis (thinning of the bones and loss of bone density) and hip fractures.

You Slow Your Metabolism

When you're not taking in enough calories, your body slows down your metabolism in an effort to conserve energy. You might feel sluggish and cold and have gastrointestinal abnormalities, such as constipation.

You Lose Your Mental Edge

Your brain needs calories to run, too. If you're hungry all day and running on fumes, you can't work at peak capacity.

You Might Get Gallstones

Rapid weight loss can increase the risk of gallstones, which may cause abdominal pain and require surgery.

When it comes to calories, how do you know what is too low? It depends on a variety of factors, including age, medical status and activity level. Consult a registered dietitian nutritionist who has the expertise to create a nutrition plan tailored to your needs.