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Weight gain is one of the biggest problems in the midst of changing lifestyle and busy life. Diet and fitness-conscious people as well as gym-goers must be well aware of the keto diet. It is currently being used for a quick weight-loss technique along with exercise. However, the keto diet is not all healthy as it can also have some serious side effects.
What is Keto Diet and is it Worth the Hype?
The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that is designed to help the body enter a state of ketosis, in which it begins to burn fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. In order to enter ketosis, the keto diet typically involves reducing your intake of carbohydrates to less than 50 grams per day, while increasing your intake of healthy fats. This can be achieved by eating a diet that is rich in fatty meats, eggs, nuts, and dairy products, and avoiding foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, and sugary drinks. Other foods that may be included in a keto diet include low-carbohydrate vegetables, such as leafy greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers, as well as small amounts of berries, which are relatively low in carbohydrates.
In general, the keto diet involves avoiding foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, and sugary drinks. It's important to note that the specific foods that are included in a keto diet may vary depending on an individual's needs and preferences. It's always a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional before starting any new diet to get the best weight loss treatment in Bangalore.
Does Keto Diet Work? Is it Deserving of the Hype?
The keto diet has been shown to be effective for weight loss and may have other health benefits, such as reducing the risk of certain diseases. However, it can be difficult to follow and may not provide all the nutrients your body needs, so it is important to talk to your doctor before starting the diet. It has now been proved in many studies that the keto diet is only a temporary solution to lose weight. No one should include it in their lifestyle forever. A ketogenic diet should not be mistaken for a balanced diet, as this diet may not be suitable for everyone.
In the below video, Dr. Randeep Wadhawan, HOD and Consultant - GI, Minimal Access & Bariatric Surgery, Manipal Hospitals, Delhi talks about obesity, shares its causes, and explains the treatments. Watch the video to know more.
Why Keto Could be a Bad Idea for Your Weight Loss?
The ketogenic diet, or keto diet for short, is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that has been shown to offer several health benefits, including weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity. However, like any dietary plan, the keto diet has its potential risks and drawbacks. Some of the potential risks of the keto diet include:
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Increases the Risk of Heart Problems
The popular ketogenic diet poses a risk to cardiovascular health. A recent study has highlighted this issue. In a ketogenic diet, it is encouraged to consume foods that raise heart risk. Researchers claimed in the study that the keto diet's high fat intake may be harmful to the heart. Additionally, some studies claim that the ketogenic diet makes the arteries stiff. This diet is blamed for heart disease by health professionals.
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Weight Regain
According to health experts, keto diets should not be followed for a long time. Staying on it is good only for 30 to 90 days. After this, it is right to stay on a balanced diet. The major problem with the keto diet is that most people tend to put the weight back on after quitting because they start consuming carbs. That's why many people try to lose weight with a balanced diet instead of the keto diet. This reduced weight is permanent.
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Less Muscle Mass
One of the reasons for quick weight loss from the keto diet is that it causes a lot of damage to the muscles. Due to the burning of fat, muscle mass is also burnt. This makes you slim quickly. If you are eating too much fat instead of protein, then this diet will reduce weight. But a significant portion of the total weight loss will also come from muscle since muscle burns more calories than fat. When a person comes off a ketogenic diet, he or she will likely regain most of the original weight. But it has more fat gain than lean muscles.
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Unpleasant Side Effects
It can cause unwanted side effects. Some people may experience side effects such as bad breath, constipation, and reduced physical performance when they first start the keto diet. These side effects are typically temporary and can be managed by making adjustments to the diet.
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Nutrient Deficiency
Because the keto diet is very low in carbohydrates, it may not provide all the nutrients that your body needs, such as fiber and certain vitamins and minerals. It can result in weakness and other complications.
To know more consult with the best dietician in Bangalore.
Who Should Stay Away from Keto Diet?
There are certain groups of people who may want to avoid the keto diet, or at least talk to a healthcare professional before starting it. These groups include:
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People with Kidney Disease
The keto diet is high in fat, which can put extra strain on the kidneys. For this reason, people with kidney disease may want to avoid the keto diet or at least talk to their doctor before starting it.
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People with Pancreatitis
The keto diet may worsen pancreatitis, a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. So, people with pancreatitis should avoid the keto diet.
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Women who are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
The keto diet may not provide all the nutrients that a growing baby needs, and it may also interfere with the production of breast milk. Therefore, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid the keto diet.
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Children and Adolescents
The keto diet may not provide all the nutrients that growing children and teenagers need, and it may also interfere with their growth and development. So, children and adolescents should avoid the keto diet.
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People with Liver Disease
The keto diet may worsen the liver disease, as the liver is responsible for breaking down fats. For this reason, people with liver disease should avoid the keto diet.
You can check our simple weight loss tips to know the best way to shed that extra fat.
FAQs
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What are the negatives of the Keto Diet?
Regular use of the keto diet can result in the deficiency of vital nutrients and constipation. In addition to that, there are other short-term side effects such as fatigue, headache, brain fog, and upset stomach.
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Who should not do Keto?
The keto diet may not be suitable for people with certain health conditions, such as kidney disease, pancreatitis, or liver disease. It may also not be suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or for children and adolescents.
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How long should a person stay on a Keto Diet?
A person should not continue to be on a keto diet for more than 6 months.
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Can the Keto Diet cause Blood Clots?
A keto diet is sometimes associated with an increase in the “bad” cholesterol that can build up in blood vessels and lead to clots, known as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).
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Is the Keto Diet hard on your Heart?
According to a recent study, a keto diet can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Department of Nutrition And Dietetics
Manipal Hospitals
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