The keto diet, aka the ketogenic diet, is a high fat, low-carb, medium supply of protein diet. This diet works on the principle that you should get more protein and fat in than carbs. By doing this, you starve your body of sugars and then your body will break down the fat and protein for energy. This process causes the ketosis effect, but also the weight loss. A form of the keto diet is the Atkins diet.
Helps in weight loss
Your body will burn carbs easier than fat into energy. The keto diet, which is high in protein, does not leave you hungry but speeds up the weight loss.
Reduces acne
A diet high in processed and refined carbs will change your gut bacteria. This sort of diet will also spike your blood sugar levels. Both of these will influence your skin. By changing the amount of carbs you eat, like being on the keto diet, could lead to less acne and a clearer skin.
Could reduce your risk of cancer
A lot of research has been done to investigate the relationship between cancers and diet, and in particularly how the keto diet could help to reduce or prevent some cancers. Some studies have even suggested that chemotherapy patients should go on the keto diet as it reduce oxidative stress in cancer cells which is been spiked by radiation. In addition, other research has indicated that the keto diet could lesson high blood sugar, which is linked to some cancers.
Improves heart health
The keto diet has the principles that healthy fats should be eaten, like avocados. The idea behind this is that then your bad cholesterol will drop, and your good cholesterol will rise. This is good news for your heart health.
Could protect brain functioning
Some studies indicate that the keto diet could offer neuroprotective benefits. These benefits means prevention or treatment for conditions like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, as well as some sleep disorders. Another study indicated if children were on this diet their alertness and cognitive functioning would improve.
Possibly lessens chances for seizures
People with epilepsy could benefits with the keto diet, as they could have fewer seizures. This is since the mixture of fat, protein, and carbs modifies the way the body consumes energy, resulting in ketosis. Ketosis is an elevated level of ketone bodies in the blood.
Helps the health for women with Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder. This condition causes enlarged ovaries with cysts. A diet high in carbohydrate could worsen the condition of females with Polycystic ovarian syndrome. Nevertheless, a keto diet could lead to improved hormonal balance, which could less the effects of this syndrome.
The complications and risks of the keto diet
The benefits of the keto diet could include, fast weight loss, but on the long term, there could be some serious effects on your health. Most of them will be present when you start the keto diet, but the problematic side effects if the diet is followed over a long period.
Nonetheless, here are some of the side effects of this diet include, kidney stone formation, high levels of acid in the blood, severe weight loss or muscle degeneration, as well as constipation, feeling sluggish and having low blood sugar levels.
The bottom line
Firstly, before trying out a new life style diet consult with your doctor. There might be some risks involved and you do not want to complicate your health. People that really should take extra care are those with heart problems, diabetes and hypoglycemia.
With the keto diet, or ketogentic diet, processed and refined carbs should be avoided. What is encouraged is healthy fats and protein.
This diet can lead to a rapid weight loss, but it should not be followed too long as there are health problems that can emerge.
In the long term, it is best to have a diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense, fibrous carbs, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
