The keto diet, characterized by a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, has been called a miracle diet because it can help people lose weight and prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Others claim that this method could also help treat diabetes.
How Keto Diet Works
Ketosis requires people to avoid refined grains, sweets, bread, and starchy vegetables and fruits. Because they contain carbs, most people have to change their eating habits significantly.
The keto diet aims to maintain a high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carbohydrate eating pattern. It is very different from other recommended diets because it severely limits the amount of carbs people consume.
Carb Restrictions
Without enough carbs, the body can’t produce enough energy to meet its needs. This causes the body to convert fat into ketones, the primary energy source for the body. They also provide the body with other energy-producing substances, such as fuel for the heart and other muscles. Hence the name of the eating pattern.
A diet that’s considered a partial fast is known as a ketogenic diet. It helps maintain a low-carbohydrate but high-fat eating pattern. During starvation, the body can’t generate enough energy to fuel its various organs. The body can use ketones as an alternative fuel source, and the keto diet helps keep lean muscle mass.
Is the Diet Safe?
Both short and long-term health risks associated with the keto diet can be unpredictable. For instance, people who follow the diet may experience flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, dizziness, and upset stomach. They may also cut back on certain types of fruits and vegetables, which can increase their risk of constipation.
Individuals who follow the keto diet are also at risk of developing various long-term health issues, such as liver disease and kidney stones. People must avoid certain fruits and vegetables to limit their consumption of carbs.
The high-fat content of the keto diet is also controversial. A number of studies have shown that diets high in saturated fat can increase the risk of various chronic health issues. More research is needed on the long-term effects of this diet on cardiovascular health.
What Does Science Say?
For over a hundred years, people have been using the keto diet to treat epilepsy, a type of disorder that causes seizures. More recent studies suggest that the keto diet could be used as an alternative treatment for diabetes and obesity.
Although numerous studies have shown that the keto diet can improve the effectiveness of certain medications, more research is needed to confirm the safety of this eating method. In addition, studies on the long-term impacts of diet are also required.
Although the keto diet is very restrictive, it can be used as a treatment for epilepsy by working with a healthcare team. With that in mind, the jury is still out regarding its effects on weight loss.