How You Can Find Out if A Keto Diet is For You

How You Can Find Out if A Keto Diet is For You

Ketosis is a state of the body where carbohydrates are no longer used as your primary energy source. Instead of breaking down glucose, the body switches and begins digesting ketone bodies. Although evidence suggests it can be effective for many issues, it may not always be the right choice. Here are a few things to consider before adopting a ketogenic diet and what to expect if you do.

What Is A Ketogenic Diet

According to the NIH, a ketogenic diet is composed of 55% to 60% fat and less than 10% carbohydrates. Protein may comprise the remaining 30% to 35% of daily caloric intake. So, if somebody were consuming a simple 2,000-calorie diet each day, this would limit carbs to 50g at most.

However, some clinicians refer to anything that triggers ketosis as ketogenic. In other words, if the diet derives most of its energy by breaking down ketone bodies, it would qualify.

Russel Wilder first developed this approach in 1921 while seeking epilepsy treatments. Since then, it has seen much use in cases of pediatric epilepsy. Nevertheless, antiepileptic drug development has lessened its popularity for these purposes.

Are You Trying to Lose Weight

Today, keto-based diets are popular among dieters, especially those trying to lose weight. Significantly reducing carb consumption triggers ketosis, and this state burns lots of fat.

Moreover, research indicates it may be more effective than calorie counting. Since it is such a filling diet, practitioners see fewer missteps among clients. Simply stated, people do not feel compelled to eat as much because they feel less hungry.

Additionally, ketogenic diets often improves biomarker, such as lower lipid profiles. If someone has higher than usual diastolic blood pressure, this diet may help lower it. Furthermore, scientists have seen clear reductions in nominal triglyceride levels, unlike low-fat diets.

A metareview examined 13 studies and discovered keto diets produced better long-term results. Compared to low-fat diets, followers were less likely to regain weight after losing it.

Have You Been Diagnosed With Epilepsy

If you are suffering from epilepsy, consider taking a keto diet quiz. As long as there are no contraindications, sticking to a diet like this may lessen seizure odds.

Nevertheless, keto would not be a suitable replacement for antiepileptic drugs. Regardless, it seems to be particularly effective at reducing pediatric seizure rates.

Do You Have Type II Diabetes

Diabetics struggle with issues involving their metabolism and the breakdown of sugars. Since their insulin function is impaired, lowering carb intake may decrease symptom severity. Also, a ketogenic diet can help patients shed excess fat, which happens to share a link with diabetes. In fact, some evidence suggests this diet can improve insulin sensitivity by 75%.

After seeing a doctor, ask them about your levels of hemoglobin A1C. These tend to represent good measurements of long-term blood sugar management. If elevated, eating a keto diet for 30 days may lower them again.

Are There Any Risks?

Although ketogenic diets are usually well-tolerated, the body may experience side effects. As it adjusts, it is not uncommon to experience the following symptoms:

• Lowered energy levels

• Hunger pangs

• Insomnia

• Upset stomach or nausea

• IBS-like symptoms

• Decreased athletic performance

Even though the side effects may feel uncomfortable, they normally dissipate. Nonetheless, adjusting to them may take a few weeks, but they will lessen over time.

What Are Possible Negative Side Effects?

Unlike side effects, there are some real risks when following a keto diet. However, they are far less common and typically do not pose a threat.

Pay close attention to protein levels in the blood, as they may drop unexpectedly. In addition, the liver may begin storing extra fat, and kidney stones might be more likely. Finally, some keto dieters develop micronutrient deficiencies, which are problematic if left alone.

While taking sodium-glucose cotransporter two inhibitors, it would be best to avoid keto. These increase the risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be life-threatening.

A Simple Guide to the Keto Diet and Whether It Is Right for You

Adopting a ketogenic diet may help you lose weight, and it can improve long-term results too. Even so, it is important to consult with a licensed medical practitioner before doing it. Risks associated with keto diets may be rare, but they are real, so it is best to exercise caution.