For many people, cutting out carbohydrates and eating more vegetables is seen as a shortcut to better health. Social media trends and diet advice often portray rice as unhealthy while promoting vegetable-only meals as a “clean” way to eat. However, doctors are warning that extreme dietary restrictions—especially when followed for long periods—can lead to serious and unexpected health consequences. A recent medical case involving a 56-year-old man highlights why balance matters more than elimination.

The man, a factory worker nearing retirement, decided to completely remove rice from his diet after being told it could raise blood sugar and cause weight gain. Instead, he adopted a strict vegetable-only diet, eating mostly leafy greens, boiled vegetables, and vegetable soups every day. At first, he felt lighter and believed his health was improving. He lost several kilograms within a few months and noticed a drop in his appetite, which he considered a positive sign.

Over time, however, troubling symptoms began to appear. He experienced persistent fatigue, dizziness, muscle weakness, and difficulty concentrating. He also became increasingly sensitive to cold and noticed that his recovery from minor illnesses was slower than before. Believing these symptoms were temporary, he continued his diet for more than a year.

Eventually, the man collapsed at home and was taken to the hospital. Medical tests revealed multiple nutritional deficiencies, including low protein levels, vitamin B12 deficiency, and electrolyte imbalances. His blood sugar levels were unstable, and doctors noted early signs of muscle wasting. The results surprised both the patient and his family, who had assumed that eating only vegetables was the healthiest choice possible.

Doctors explained that while vegetables are essential for good health, they cannot meet all of the body’s nutritional needs on their own—especially when consumed without adequate calories, protein, and complex carbohydrates. Rice, particularly whole or minimally processed varieties, is an important source of energy, B vitamins, and easily digestible carbohydrates for millions of people worldwide. Removing it entirely without proper substitutes can leave the body undernourished.

One of the biggest issues in this case was insufficient protein intake. Vegetables generally contain low amounts of protein compared to grains, legumes, eggs, fish, or meat. Without enough protein, the body begins breaking down muscle tissue to meet its needs, leading to weakness, fatigue, and slower healing. Doctors also noted that the lack of dietary carbohydrates forced the man’s body into a constant energy deficit, increasing stress on vital organs.

Another concern was micronutrient imbalance. Vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and certain amino acids are difficult to obtain in sufficient amounts from vegetables alone. Deficiencies in these nutrients can affect nerve function, red blood cell production, and immune health. In older adults, such deficiencies can be particularly dangerous, increasing the risk of falls, cognitive decline, and heart problems.

Health experts emphasize that the problem was not vegetables themselves, but the extreme nature of the diet. Balanced eating means combining vegetables with appropriate portions of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Rice, when eaten in moderation and paired with vegetables and protein, does not automatically cause disease. In fact, it has been a dietary staple in many of the world’s longest-living populations.

After hospitalization, the man was placed on a carefully supervised nutrition plan. Doctors gradually reintroduced carbohydrates, including rice, along with protein-rich foods such as fish, eggs, tofu, and legumes. Within weeks, his energy levels improved, and follow-up tests showed stabilization of his nutrient levels.

Doctors say this case serves as an important reminder that diet trends are not one-size-fits-all solutions. What works for one person may harm another, especially when age, activity level, and existing health conditions are ignored. Eliminating entire food groups without medical guidance can be risky.

In conclusion, avoiding rice and eating only vegetables may sound healthy in theory, but in practice it can lead to serious health problems when taken to extremes. Nutrition experts agree that long-term health depends on balance, variety, and moderation—not restriction. Before making major dietary changes, especially later in life, consulting a healthcare professional can prevent unintended and potentially dangerous outcomes.