The ketogenic diet, or just plain “keto diet”, has become very popular in the last few years as a way to lose weight and change your lifestyle for the better. A low-carb diet, such as the keto diet, is a great way to reduce body fat in significantly overweight people and control blood sugar and insulin levels in diabetics. It has even been shown to manage seizure activity in hard-to-control epileptics. While there are some added benefits to this high fat, high protein, low carbohydrate diet, such as reduced triglycerides, increased good cholesterol (HDL), and reduced body fat, there are also dangers posed by this diet.
The keto diet forces the body into a state of ketosis, a term meaning there are raised levels of ketone bodies in the body tissue. Being in a state of ketosis forces the body to burn fat for energy instead of carbohydrates, which are the body’s usual source of energy. Burning body fat releases ketones in the bloodstream, which then provide fuel for the rest of the body. As a result of being in a state of ketosis, people often find their breath carries an odor, usually metallic or fruity, and they suffer from chronic fatigue and irritability.
On the contrary, many people also find that they have a more stable flow of energy as their blood sugar and insulin levels are being normalized when on the keto diet according to a recentHarvard study. While this is a true side effect of keto, most people often do not eat enough while on this diet and in turn end up hurting themselves by reaching a state of starvation. The keto diet focuses on fats and proteins, both of which are comprised of complex molecules such as lipids and amino acids. Digestion is slower as a result of these complex molecules, which makes the user feel full for extended periods of time. As a result of this, people also often do not receive the proper amount of necessary vitamins and electrolytes and can end up developing irregular heart rhythms.
While the keto diet was formed as a dieting tool to be utilized under the direct supervision of a medical professional, the general public has become aware of the desired side effects (i.e., weight loss) and have taken it upon themselves to follow this diet. This diet can pose threats to healthy adults in more ways than one. The keto diet has been shown to reduce muscle tone and water, especially in the beginning, which also affects the heart muscle and electrolyte balance. Electrolytes are chemicals that conduct electricity in water, and control nerve and muscle function, blood acidity, blood pressure and assists in repairing damaged body tissue.
People who have diabetes often suffer serious consequences when trying to use keto as a guide to regulate their blood sugar due to entering a state of ketoacidosis. When the ketone levels get too high, the user enters a state called ketoacidosis in which the blood becomes too acidic. Directly related to this acidity, the blood can then damage the brain, kidneys and liver. People who are predisposed to kidney and liver diseases or conditions can suffer from this.
The ketogenic diet is a great diet to follow if deemed necessary by a medical professional. However, without proper education on the subject the user can suffer mild to extreme consequences and even cause permanent damage.
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