Advantages and Disadvantages of the Ketogenic Diet
Disadvantages of the Ketogenic Diet
The Ketogenic Diet is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate dietary therapy used in conventional medicine mainly to treat hard-to-control epilepsy in children. The diet forces the body to burn fats instead of carbohydrates, thereby creating ketones (molecules that circulate in the blood) as its primary fuel source.
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The ketogenic diet is also being studied for use in cancer and other diseases that benefit from inhibiting glucose uptake by the tumor cell. The diet has been shown to improve weight loss and reduce insulin and blood sugar levels. However, most studies have only been conducted over short periods of time.
Although the ketogenic diet may offer advantages for some people, it can cause side effects in others. These are primarily related to the initial period of adjusting to the new way of eating. Most people experience this as a combination of fatigue, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and constipation.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Ketogenic Diet
Most of these side effects go away within a few days or weeks. A doctor or registered dietitian can help you choose food items that will minimize these initial symptoms.
A ketogenic diet has been shown to decrease the size of fat cells and increase muscle mass. This is especially important for women who have a tendency to carry excess fat. It also can benefit athletes who want to compete in a sport that requires them to cut fat, such as figure competitors or strength-trained athletes. In addition to helping the athlete lose weight, a ketogenic diet can also make it easier for the athlete to maintain healthy cholesterol and blood lipid levels.
The ketogenic diet is not recommended for people with certain medical conditions, including heart disease and high blood pressure. It can also cause changes in the water and mineral balance of the body, so it is important to consult with a registered dietitian or physician with a clinical specialty in nutrition before trying this diet.
It is not appropriate for individuals with a history of eating disorders, gallstones, pancreatic diseases, kidney disease, thyroid problems, and inflammatory bowel disease. The diet is also not advised for pregnant or lactating women.In addition to its metabolic and cardiovascular benefits, a healthy keto diet may also support brain health and cognitive function.
Ketones produced during ketosis are not only used as fuel by the body but also readily cross the blood-brain barrier to provide energy to the brain. Some research suggests that ketones may have neuroprotective properties and could potentially benefit individuals with neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Moreover, many people report improved mental clarity, focus, and mood stability when following a keto diet.
Some research has found that the ketogenic diet may benefit people with neurological conditions such as stroke and Parkinson’s disease. It is also being studied for the treatment of other diseases such as autism and Alzheimer’s disease.
The most common reason for a person to try the ketogenic diet is to lose weight. Several studies show that the diet provides rapid initial weight loss. This is primarily due to reduced carbohydrate intake, which lowers the body’s energy intake and increases feelings of fullness. A loss of water and glycogen stored in the body’s tissues is another factor. Once the ketogenic diet is discontinued, the body immediately regains some of this lost weight.