What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
HCG Diet & Urinary Problems
The HCG diet is a fad diet that requires you to consume about 500 calories per day along with taking human chorionic gonadotropin, also known as the pregnancy hormone. Proponents claim that you can lose, on average, 1 pound per day on the HCG diet. Data to support this claim are lacking. The HCG diet has the potential to compromise your kidney function, which can cause urinary problems. Consult your doctor before starting the HCG diet.
Ketosis
Most healthcare professionals believe that the HCG diet is ineffective for weight loss. Any weight reduction that you might experience is more than likely the result of consuming very low calories. A 500-calorie diet fails to provide enough carbohydrates, which can result in ketosis, according to a July 2010 article in "The Seattle Times." Ketosis occurs when your body runs out of stored energy and uses fat for fuel. Over an extended period, ketosis can impact your kidney function.
- Most healthcare professionals believe that the HCG diet is ineffective for weight loss.
- Ketosis occurs when your body runs out of stored energy and uses fat for fuel.
Kidney Problems
HCG Pregnyl & Weight Loss
Learn More
Some people following the HCG diet have reported experiencing kidney stones and kidney pain. Your kidneys act as your body's filtration system, removing waste and extra water from your blood. Your kidneys filter about 200 quarts of blood each day, which is excreted as urine. Problems with your kidneys can result in urinary problems. You might experience excess urination or the urge to urinate, yet only a small amount is excreted.
- Some people following the HCG diet have reported experiencing kidney stones and kidney pain.
- You might experience excess urination or the urge to urinate, yet only a small amount is excreted.
Tests
Consult your doctor and discontinue the HCG diet if you experience urinary problems. Your doctor can perform urine and blood tests to help determine the cause. A urinary tract infection, kidney stones and bladder issues are potential culprits. If your urinary issues started after beginning the HCG diet, then there might be a connection.
- Consult your doctor and discontinue the HCG diet if you experience urinary problems.
- If your urinary issues started after beginning the HCG diet, then there might be a connection.
Considerations
What Is Low TSH?
Learn More
It is best to avoid the HCG diet if you have an existing urinary problem, since it has the capacity to complicate your condition. In addition, the HCG diet increases your risk for gallstones, electrolyte imbalance and irregular heartbeat. Electrolytes help maintain the fluid balance in your body. The HCG diet is considered controversial, and The American Society of Bariatric Physicians discourages its use 1.
- It is best to avoid the HCG diet if you have an existing urinary problem, since it has the capacity to complicate your condition.
Related Articles
HCG Pregnyl & Weight Loss
Learn More
What Is Low TSH?
Learn More
Causes of a Urine Odor During Pregnancy
Learn More
What Is an HCG 5000 Injection Used For?
Learn More
What Are the Consequences of an Untreated UTI?
Learn More
Whey Protein Supplements & Urinary Irritation
Learn More
How Does Adipex Affect a Woman's Libido?
Learn More
Does Cranberry Juice Prevent Kidney Stones?
Learn More
Symptoms of an Endometrial Ablation Infection
Learn More
What Are the Causes of Painful Ejaculation?
Learn More
References
Writer Bio
Janet Renee is a clinical dietitian with a special interest in weight management, sports dietetics, medical nutrition therapy and diet trends. She earned her Master of Science in nutrition from the University of Chicago and has contributed to health and wellness magazines, including Prevention, Self, Shape and Cooking Light.