What is a Keto Diet
The ketogenic (keto) diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that shares many similarities with the Atkins and low carb diets[1]. It involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat. This reduction in carbs puts your body into a metabolic state called ketosis[2][3]. During ketosis, your body burns fat for energy instead of glucose[4][5]. The idea behind the keto diet is to get more calories from protein and fat and less from carbohydrates[4].
Keto Diet Benefits
The ketogenic diet (KD) is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has been shown to have numerous health benefits[1][2][3][4][5]. It has been found to be effective for weight loss, visceral adiposity, and appetite control[1]. Additionally, it may help improve blood sugar regulation and reduce seizures in people with epilepsy[2]. It may also protect brain function, improve heart health, and reduce symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)[3]. Furthermore, the KD can lead to increased levels of circulating ketones which are more effective at producing fat loss than other diets[5].However, it is important to note that the KD should only be used for a short period of time followed by the adoption of healthier eating habits in order to maximize its potential health benefits[4]. Additionally, it is not recommended for people with certain medical conditions such as kidney disease or pancreatitis[4].
Ketogenic Diet Meal Plan
A ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that can help people lose weight and improve their health[1]. The diet should consist of about 60–80% fat, 10–30% protein, and no more than 5–10% — or 20–50 grams — of carbs per day[1]. To help people get started on the keto diet, there are many meal plans available online. For example, Diet Doctor provides a 14-day keto meal plan with recipes and shopping lists[2], while Ruled Me offers a meal plan with an average of 1538 calories, 120g fat, 24g net carbs, and 83g protein over two weeks[3]. Everyday Health also provides a comprehensive food list for the keto diet[4], and Live Science offers a 7-day keto diet plan with meals[5].
Ketogenic Diet Recipes
There are many delicious ketogenic diet recipes available online. For example, Delish.com offers 45 easy keto dinner recipes[1], BBC Good Food has 43 keto diet recipes such as green eggs, ham, mushroom & spinach frittata and scrambled eggs with basil, spinach & tomatoes[2], Diet Doctor provides 500+ easy keto recipes including keto chicken salad with a creamy dressing, keto butter burgers and pan-seared cod in salsa with queso fresco[3], Taste of Home has 55 best keto recipes such as cheesy cauliflower and low carb coleslaw[4], and Ruled.me offers 600+ easy keto recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and more such as Keto French Fries, Shrimp Salad with Bacon Fat Dressing and Low Carb Cabbage Casserole[5].
Ketogenic Diet Side Effects
The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has been linked to weight loss and other health benefits[1]. However, it can also have some side effects. Common short-term side effects of the ketogenic diet include nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, difficulty in exercise tolerance, and constipation (sometimes referred to as “keto flu”)[1][2]. These symptoms usually resolve within a few days to weeks. Other possible side effects of the ketogenic diet include reduced athletic performance[2], ketoacidosis[2], weight regain[2], less muscle mass and decreased metabolism[2], diarrhea[2], excessive thirst and frequent urination[4], confusion, anxiety and/or irritability[3], tachycardia (rapid heart rate)[4], lightheadedness and fainting spells[4]and increased hunger and poor sleep quality[5]. It is important to note that these side effects are usually temporary and can be managed with proper nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Risks of Ketogenic Diet
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been linked to weight loss and other health benefits[1]. However, there are potential risks associated with this diet that should be considered before starting it[2][3][4][5].The keto diet could cause low blood pressure, kidney stones, constipation, nutrient deficiencies and an increased risk of heart disease[1]. It may also lead to the “keto flu” which is characterized by fatigue, headaches, nausea and difficulty concentrating[2]. Additionally, the high protein content of some keto diets may cause kidney stones and hasten kidney disease in those with existing kidney conditions[4][5].It is important to note that the ketogenic diet is not safe for those with any conditions involving their pancreas, liver, thyroid or gallbladder[1]. Furthermore, strict diets like keto could lead to social isolation or disordered eating[1]. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting a ketogenic diet.
Long Term Risks of Ketogenic Diet
Long-term risks associated with a ketogenic diet include an increased risk of developing heart disease, LDL cholesterol buildup, kidney failure, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cancer[1][2]. The high fat content of the diet can also raise the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease[3]. Additionally, pregnant women are particularly at risk when following a ketogenic diet[1].The Mayo Clinic has warned that while the ketogenic diet may be recommended for some people with uncontrolled epilepsy, the high fat content and especially the high level of saturated fat can increase the risk of long-term health complications[4]. A study published in PMC found that while a long-term ketogenic diet can reduce body weight and body mass index in obese patients, it is important to monitor any potential long-term effects[5].
Long Term Health Effects of Ketogenic Diet
The long-term health effects of a ketogenic diet are still not fully understood, but some studies have linked it to increased risks of certain chronic diseases[1][2]. A study by the Mayo Clinic found that while the ketogenic diet may be recommended for some people with uncontrolled epilepsy, the high fat content could increase the risk of developing heart disease, LDL cholesterol buildup, kidney failure, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cancer[3]. Additionally, keto diets may be particularly dangerous for pregnant women[1].Other potential risks associated with a ketogenic diet include the development of kidney stones[4]and an increased risk of nutrient deficiencies due to its restrictive nature[5]. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting a ketogenic diet.
Long Term Effects of Ketogenic Diet on Cholesterol Levels
Research suggests that a ketogenic diet can help lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while raising HDL (good) cholesterol[3]. Studies have also shown that the keto diet can lead to a sudden surge in LDL and triglycerides, the “bad” cholesterol, when the diet is initiated, which may level out after weeks and months[1]. Additionally, research has found that the keto diet can produce modest reductions in triglycerides and modest changes in heart-protective high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol[2]. However, this diet may have no effect on other types of cholesterol such as very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)[4]. Therefore, it is important to monitor your cholesterol levels closely when following a ketogenic diet.
Ketogenic Diet and Blood Pressure
Studies suggest that the ketogenic diet may help to lower blood pressure[1][2][3]. The diet is associated with appetite suppression, increased energy expenditure, and lowered insulin levels, which can all contribute to a decrease in blood pressure[4]. Additionally, the high-fat content of the ketogenic diet may also help to reduce blood pressure[5]. However, it is important to note that there are some cases where the ketogenic diet may not be beneficial for those with high blood pressure[3]. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals consult with their healthcare provider before starting a ketogenic diet.
Ketogenic Diet and Diabetes
Research suggests that the ketogenic diet can be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes, as it can help to lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss[1][2]. A study by Goday et al. found that a ketogenic diet was superior in improving metabolic control, even with a reduction in antidiabetic therapy[3]. Additionally, Dr. Marinov states that the keto diet — as well as very low-carb diets — can show consistent benefits for people with diabetes and prediabetes by vastly improving their glycemic control[4].
Ketogenic Diet and Weight Loss
Research suggests that a ketogenic diet may help with weight loss[1][2]. A study found that patients on a ketogenic diet lost about 2 kg more than those on a low-fat diet after one year[3]. However, other higher-quality studies have not found any difference in weight loss between the two diets[3].Individuals who have tried the ketogenic diet for weight loss report mixed results. For example, one person reported losing 10 pounds in one month while following the ketogenic diet[4], while another person reported no change in their weight after following the same diet for 30 days[4]. Ultimately, it is important to note that individual results may vary and that more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet for weight loss.
Conclusion
The ketogenic or “keto” diet is a low-carbohydrate, fat-rich eating plan that has gained attention as a potential weight loss strategy[1][2]. It involves reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat, which puts the body into a metabolic state known as ketosis[3]. This leads to the production of molecules called ketones, which are used by the body for energy instead of glucose[4]. The keto diet has numerous health benefits, including weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and reduced risk of chronic diseases[2][5]. It is important to note that the keto diet should be followed under medical supervision and with careful consideration of individual needs[3][5].