Carbohydrates are converted to glucose to supply energy for the brain. Where as muscle cells can burn fat, nerve cells can only use glucose for their energy demands.
Without glucose present in the bloodstream, the brain cannot function optimally so the body absorbs muscle tissue to convert it to glucose for the brain.
When carbohydrates are not converted to glucose, the body generates extra ketone bodies. Ketone bodies when mixed with lactic acid (as a result of exercise) can cause acidosis. The symptoms include - yawning,fatigue, struggling to keep eyes open and eventually unconsciousness. The body attempts to remove the ketone bodies via increased urination, so dehydration also occurs.
An athlete needs to eat sufficient carbohydrates so as to not suffer symptoms of ketosis. However, eating too much carbohydrates also results in problems. These include -
1) Sleepiness after eating - caused by excess insulin released in response to consuming more carbohydrates than the body can tolerate. Results in a drop in blood sugar meaning an energy supply loss for muscles and nerves.
2) Bloating after eating - Excessive carbohydrates ferment in the bowels, forming gas.
3) The need to eat every 3 hours or less - This hunger reaction is the body's response to unstable blood sugar levels caused by excess insulin.
4) Feeling angry or depressed - Glucocorticoids, epinephrine and norepinephrine are released to fix the decrease in blood sugar caused by excess insulin. High levels of these hormones stress the adrenal glands which can result in anger and depression.
5) Neck Pains - high levels of insulin decrease the tonus of the Latissimus Dorsi. This muscle is an antagonist of the muscles at the back of the neck. Decreasing the tonus of the Latissimus Dorsi increases the tonus of the neck muscles, resulting in neck pain.
6) Knee Pains - Adrenal gland fatigue is linked with decreased tonus of the sartorius muscle, which is a stabilizer of the knee. This can cause the knee to misalign.
7) Fatigue - Consuming more carbohydrates than the body can handle leads to adrenal gland fatigue. This can affect utilizing fats and protein for energy.
