The ketogenic diet has emerged as the latest trend in weight-loss plans. Doctors say the keto diet can help treat epilepsy; it's unclear why, but something about being in a ketogenic state appears to reduce the frequency of seizures. Animal studies have also indicated that the diet may have anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and cancer-fighting properties.
However, as a general weight-loss plan, keto is more contentious. Some health professionals strongly advise against it, citing unpleasant side effects, health risks, and the diet's unsustainable nature.
Before you try the ketogenic diet to lose weight, here are a few things you should know about it. Yes, you may lose weight, but you should also be aware of the following side effects or complications.
1. The “keto flu”
Some people report feeling sick when they begin ketosis. Vomiting, gastrointestinal distress, extreme fatigue, and lethargy are all possible. This is known as the keto flu, and it usually passes after a few days.
These symptoms are experienced by approximately 25% of people who try a keto diet, with fatigue being the most common. This occurs when your body runs out of sugar to burn for energy and must resort to burning fat. By drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of sleep, you may be able to reduce the effects of keto flu.
2. Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be caused by a lack of fiber in the keto diet, which can occur when someone drastically reduces carbs without supplementing with other fiber-rich foods, such as vegetables. It can also be caused by an intolerance to dairy or artificial sweeteners, which you may be eating more of now that you've switched to a high-fat, low-carb diet.
3. Reduced athletic performance
After four days on a ketogenic diet, participants performed worse on high-intensity cycling and running tasks than those who had spent four days on a high-carb diet, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. According to Weiss, when the body is in ketosis, it becomes more acidic, which may limit its ability to perform at peak levels.
4. Ketoacidosis
If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you should avoid the keto diet unless you have the permission and close supervision of your doctor. Ketosis can be beneficial for people with hyperglycemia, but you must be very aware of your blood sugar levels and check them several times per day.
This is because ketosis can lead to a dangerous condition known as ketoacidosis in people with diabetes. This happens when the body stores too many ketones (acids produced as a byproduct of fat metabolism) and the blood becomes too acidic, causing damage to the liver, kidneys, and brain. It can be fatal if left untreated.
5. Weight regain supervision of new york city heart doctors cardiologist
Because the keto diet is so restrictive, health experts say it's not a good long-term plan. However, most people will regain much of the weight they lost as soon as they resume carbohydrate consumption. Weight fluctuations like this can contribute to disordered eating or worsen an already unhealthy relationship with food.
6. Less muscle mass, decreased metabolism
Another consequence of keto-related weight changes can be a loss of muscle mass, especially if you’re eating much more fat than protein.“You’ll lose weight, but it might actually be a lot of muscle, and because muscle burns more calories than fat, that will affect your metabolism.
7. Increased risk of heart disease and diabetes
When done correctly, the keto diet includes plenty of vegetables and lean animal protein sources. In other words, it is not an excuse to eat butter and bacon, though some people may try.
That is why many health experts are concerned about people who follow the ketogenic diet, particularly those who do so without the supervision of New York city heart doctors and nutritionists. High-fat diets like this one, according to doctors, may raise cholesterol levels and, according to some studies, may increase the risk of diabetes. It's even been dubbed a "cardiologist's nightmare" by some.
I am Amelia Grant, a journalist, and blogger. I think that information is a great force that is able to change people’s lives for the better. That is why I feel a strong intention to share useful and important things about health self-care, wellness, and other advice that may be helpful for people. Being an enthusiast of a healthy lifestyle that keeps improving my life, I wish the same for everyone.
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