“Ketogenic” is a term related to a low-carb diet. Many people willing to lose weight resort to this diet for its efficiency. The diet focuses on cutting down carbohydrates, focusing mainly on proteins and fats. It forces the body to use a different kind of fuel by eliminating carbs that are easy to digest like sugar, bread, et cetera. The fat in the diet supplies around 90% of the calorie required by an adult.
The diet is known for altering energy metabolism in the body, switching up the levels of ketones. This causes a shift in the body’s metabolism and changes are seen in the neurotransmitters as well. Research has found that a keto diet poses numerous risks since it often contains high saturated fat. The consumption of these types of fats should be limited to 7% of the daily caloric consumption. Moreover, a keto diet also results in nutrient deficiency since the diet does not include eating a variety of vegetables. It also causes other issues like liver and kidney problems, constipation, et cetera.
One of the most imminent threats is on the patients with Type 1 Diabetes and can often become life-threatening for them. The diet alters the level of insulin, making it too low causing diabetic ketoacidosis. This condition occurs when the body breaks down fats at a faster rate- leading to dehydration, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and gastrointestinal stress.
Dr. Whitney Lindsenmeyer of St. Louis University, who is a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrients and Dietetics, says many people try the keto diet without consulting a physician, which is a major cause for concern. She mainly advises this diet to patients with epilepsy and patients recommended keto diet generally spends 3-4 days in the hospital to manage symptoms that may occur. It is a diet that should only be followed after proper consultation.
Subarna Basu
Yorumlar