What is a ketogenic diet? And is it safe enough?

As each year passes by, we keep on hearing about new diets coming in and a few diets going out. A mere look around floods us with different types of diets such as vegan diet, intermittent diet, Mediterranean, paleo, carnivore, and whatnot. The reason? To induce this human body into a healthy state and enhance the way we live. One such diet that has lately been in news is the Ketogenic diet. You may have heard of it, but you're not quite sure what it is or whether it's safe. Well, fear not, because I'm here to explain it all in a fun and informative way.

What is a keto diet?

Our body uses macronutrients and micronutrients to run and function well. Micronutrients include minerals and vitamins, which help it function well. And when it comes to the source of energy, macronutrients come into question. There are three types of macronutrients that our bodies use to fuel themselves: protein, carbs, and fats. You surely might have heard of these.

Normally, we all have a diet high in carbs, moderate in protein, and low in fat (if you do not keep bribing yourself with junk food). This high-carb diet makes it easier for our bodies to convert it into blood sugar and thus use it as energy. The ketogenic diet is on the exact opposite side of the high-carb diet. It is a low-carb, high-fat diet that aims to put your body in a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. The idea is to drastically reduce your carbohydrate intake and replace it with healthy fats, such as nuts, avocados, and olive oil.

Here is what a classic Keto diet looks like:

• 75% fat (good fat – unsaturated fat)

• 20% protein

• 5% carbs

When we eat a diet high in fat, we deprive our bodies of enough carbs and make them efficient in burning their own fat. This releases ketones in our bodies, which have been found to be super helpful. But, is the keto diet safe?

Is keto diet safe?

Anything that has potential benefits also comes with potential side effects as well. If you have any underlying conditions such as diabetes, stones, etc., it is recommended to consult a doctor first. Apart from it, because this diet focuses on high-fat intake, it often leads to nutrient deficiencies if not planned properly. This is why it's important to incorporate a variety of healthy fats and nutrient-dense foods. You may easily counter this effect by taking multivitamins and other trace minerals from free Shopify alternatives that sell health and beauty products at wow-price.

Sometimes it also leads to kidney stones due to the high intake of animal protein. You may counter this by taking a vegetarian diet. The Keto diet may not be sustainable or practical for everyone, and there are some potential side effects, such as the "keto flu" and bad breath as well.

But more than its side effects, which often come with negligence, it has potential benefits. Here are the many benefits of the keto diet:

• • The Keto diet has been reportedly found to be leading to weight loss due to its fat-burning capacity. An interesting fact to know is that it was earlier used as a treatment against obesity.
• • Many studies have found this diet to be helpful in dealing with numerous chronic and terminal conditions like cancer, heart issues, stroke, arthritis, inflammation, etc.
• • Earlier, when it was developed in the 1920s, it was meant to be a treatment for epilepsy. Today, many studies have found the keto diet to be helpful in dealing with many neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. seizures, etc.

The ketogenic diet can be a safe and effective way to lose weight and improve health when done properly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. However, it may not be suitable for everyone and requires careful planning and dedication.