A Ketogenic diet is a medical diet used for treating Epilepsy and certain kinds of brain cancers, seizures, etc. But these days it has become a new fad diet for losing weight. It may give you a few kilos of weight loss initially but it comes with adverse effects.
We never get a chance to see what people are going through while on ketogenic diets and what are their medical parameters like nutritional deficiencies etc.
The Keto diet aims to force your body into using a different type of fuel. Instead of relying on sugar (glucose) that comes from carbohydrates such as grains, legumes, the keto diet relies on ketone bodies a type of fuel that the liver produces from stored fat.
Lately, a lot of patients have been asking me about the keto diet for weight loss. So, I thought of putting my knowledge and views on this here.
What is Ketogenic diet?
A ketogenic diet is high in fat, moderate in protein and extremely low in carbohydrates.
As carbohydrates are reduced and fat is increased, the body enters into a metabolic state called ketosis. Then the body starts turning fat into ketones which are molecules that supply energy for the brain.
If you are looking keto diet for weight loss check out these Keto Risks before trying it out.
A ketogenic diet has numerous risks. It's high in saturated fat which increases bad “LDL” cholesterol and linked to heart disease.
First of all, like all fad diets, it is also not a sustainable and practical diet.
Keto diet like other fad diets does not teach behavior modifications which makes it difficult to follow for a long time.
Nutrient Deficiency- if you are not eating a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and grains you may be at risk for deficiencies in micronutrients like selenium, magnesium phosphorus, vitamin B, and C.
Constipation- The keto diet is low in fibrous foods like grains and legumes.
Fuzzy thinking and Mood Swings- The brain needs sugar from healthy carbohydrates to function. Low carbohydrate diets may cause confusion and irritability. This causes neurological impairment in focus and concentration also.
Possibility of kidney stones, weakness, muscle cramps, greying hair, rapid ageing. By product of this diet is acidosis which makes your body acidic and which in turn does not allow your body to lose weight.
Damages Kidneys.
If you have a goal of losing 3 to 4 kgs at the cost of your health then its not a good goal. Create an environment for your body to lose weight, do not force your body.
You have to allow your body to lose weight and not force it to lose weight.
There is nothing wrong with glucose as a source of energy as the brain needs it to function properly. Nature will not create three sources of energy if our body just needs one.
In the end, would say keto diets are good to use for medical conditions and should not be used for weight loss. A balanced diet is the best approach.
Here in FreshLime Wellness, we work on the right Nutrition, right lifestyle and right mindset which creates an environment in the body to lose extra fat and weight for the rest of your life.
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