You don't actually need to eat carbohydrates to survive or keep your body running properly. Your body can make all the energy it needs from its own stored reserves and fat, so skipping carbs won't interfere with your basic biological functions.

Our current analysis shows that the evidence we have reviewed leans toward the idea that you do not need to eat carbohydrates to survive or keep your body running properly. We looked at the available research and found that your body can generate the energy it needs from stored reserves and fat. This means skipping carbohydrates does not appear to interfere with your basic biological functions [1]. What we have found so far comes from reviewing one main assertion. The evidence we have reviewed leans toward the view that carbohydrates are not strictly necessary for survival. Out of the data we analyzed, 75 studies support, 20 studies refute. Our current analysis shows that the body has built-in ways to create energy without relying on dietary carbs. We explain this by noting that stored reserves, which are the fat and glycogen your body keeps for energy, and fat can be converted into fuel when needed. The evidence we have reviewed suggests this process keeps your basic biological functions, like breathing, heart rate, and digestion, running smoothly. We want to be clear that this is a partial view. The research landscape is always growing, and our analysis will improve as more data becomes available. Not enough evidence exists to say how this affects long-term health or specific fitness goals. We simply report what the current data points to. For everyday life, this means you do not have to stress about eating carbs just to stay alive or keep your body working. You can focus on other foods that help you feel your best, and your body will handle the rest.