Fad diets come and go, but there are some that truly stand the test of time. The ketogenic diet is one of them. This trendy low-carbohydrate diet has been around since the 1920s and it continues to be a popular option today as new research emerges about its many health benefits.
The ketogenic diet is a specialized diet that allows the body to enter a metabolic state known as ketosis. Ketosis is a state in which the body uses fat for fuel, instead of carbohydrates. This may help to reduce the risk of chronic disease, like diabetes and heart disease.
While there is no doubt that the ketogenic diet can help people lose weight, it is important to understand how the body functions in this state. Despite its popularity, there are several health issues that may be caused by a ketogenic diet, especially in the long-term. In this article, we will discuss these issues along with some of the possible solutions.
The Ketogenic Diet May Increase Cholesterol
When you eat a lot of carbohydrates, your body will produce more insulin. This is a hormone that enables the body to store excess sugars as fat. When you enter a metabolic state of ketosis, this insulin levels may rise, causing the liver to store more fats. High cholesterol is a known side effect of the ketogenic diet and there is even evidence that suggests that people on the diet have an increased risk of heart disease.
There is no denying that the ketogenic diet can cause cholesterol to rise. However, recent studies show that there are options other than the standard American diet that can help lower cholesterol. For example, the autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet can help to restore healthy fats to the diet and lower cholesterol. One of the best things about this diet is that it allows people to get the nutrients they need while avoiding some of the common pitfalls that come with a fad diet.
The Ketogenic Diet May Raise Blood Pressure
Another potential issue that may arise from the ketogenic diet is an increase in blood pressure. Diets that drastically reduce the amount of carbohydrates in the diet may cause this problem. If you are already taking medication for high blood pressure, then you should not go on a ketogenic diet as it may increase your need for medication.
There are ways to minimize the adverse effects of the ketogenic diet on blood pressure. For example, you can take salt capsules to reduce the blood pressure rise. Another option is to gradually change your diet to one based more on vegetables and lean protein, instead of carbohydrates. The ketogenic diet is rich in carbohydrates, so it is important to monitor your blood pressure while you are on this diet. If you want to try the ketogenic diet and want to make sure that it does not cause your blood pressure to rise, then talk to your doctor first.
The Ketogenic Diet May Increase Your Risk Of Bone Loss
The ketogenic diet has also been shown to increase the risk of bone loss. After analyzing 19 studies, the research team from the London School of Medicine and Dentistry found that people following a low-carbohydrate diet had double the risk of bone loss as those who ate more carbs. This means that those on a ketogenic diet may lose bone faster than those who do not follow this particular diet style.
It is important to monitor your calcium levels while on the ketogenic diet as this nutrient is necessary for strong bones. If you do not have adequate amounts of calcium in your diet, then you may lose some of your bone mass. This would not be desirable as you may then be at risk of osteoporosis. The good news is that there are several options other than the ketogenic diet that can help prevent this from happening.
The first step is to increase your consumption of dairy products and vegetables. These foods are rich in calcium and can help to restore it to the bone. Second, you can take supplements to get the nutrients you need. Finally, you can get some exposure to sunlight as this will enable your body to absorb more calcium from food sources. The bottom line is that while the ketogenic diet may affect your bone health in the short-term, it does not have to be a problem as there are options available that can help prevent this issue.
The Ketogenic Diet May Affect Your Mental Health
There is also some evidence that the ketogenic diet may affect your mental health. This diet limits the amount of carbohydrates you consume, which in turn may cause you to feel happier. However, this does not mean that the ketogenic diet is good for your mental health. There is no denying that it can improve your outlook on life and make you feel more relaxed and content. It is important to keep in mind that what you put into your body has an effect on your mental health. This is why it is important to eat healthy foods and avoid harmful substances like drugs and alcohol.
If you want to try the ketogenic diet and do not want to worry about any side effects, then consult your doctor first and make sure that he approves of your embarking on this diet style. In most cases, your doctor will recommend a ketogenic diet to patients with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol levels that are not controlled by medication. If your doctor recommends this diet, then it may be a good choice for you.