The Keto Diet is popular, but this does not mean it is the best option. When you consider some unsafe Keto Diet facts, you can decide if this diet is right or wrong for you. As always, consult your doctor before making any radical changes.
The #1 Problem With Diets
There is one issue the Keto Diet has in common with other diets. You hear all about it for a period of time because it is trendy. Diet fads that are extremely popular promise fast results. With this particular diet, you may have heard you can lose more than 20 pounds within 3 weeks.
Even if you achieve these results, the weight loss may not last very long. Fad diets do not help you learn new eating habits to keep weight off on a long-term basis. You would be disappointed to regain the weight, but the need to diet again is unsafe. If you establish the pattern of yo-yo dieting, it can be dangerous to your health. This is one of the most important reasons to avoid trendy diets.
Low Blood Sugar
This low-carb diet relies on fat for energy. Your body may have trouble adjusting to this change. While some people adjust easier than others, low blood sugar can cause numerous problems. You may be bothered by headaches, fatigue, nausea, hunger, and food cravings.
Gastrointestinal Issues
The Keto diet may not provide enough fiber for gastrointestinal health. While it is possible to obtain fiber from some foods that are allowed, fiber-rich favorites are not included in the diet. Without enough fiber, you may experience constipation, diarrhea, or both.
These issues are more than inconvenient. If they persist, they can be harmful to your digestive system and your general health. Persistent diarrhea can also cause dehydration.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Similar to any diet that restricts the types of foods you can eat, you may develop nutritional deficiencies with the Keto diet. If you eliminate many dairy products and fruits from your diet, and greatly restrict your intake of carbohydrates and protein, you will be missing essential nutrients that you should be consuming every day.
One option is to balance the lack of nutrition with dietary supplements. However, while quality supplements may be good for you, they do not replace whole foods.
Acidosis
The Keto Diet causes blood to become more acidic. Your body may not easily adjust to this change. This can result in bone deterioration or kidney stones. This is one reason to not try the Keto Diet without your doctor’s advice. Your physician should check your blood regularly if you are on this diet.
“Keto Flu”
Your body’s inability to quickly adjust to radical dietary changes can produce symptoms that are similar to the flu. The symptoms can last for days or weeks.
Poor sleep habits, dizziness, difficulty with physical activity, lightheadedness, and fatigue may be present. While these symptoms are not necessarily dangerous, illness can affect your everyday life. If you develop these symptoms you will not feel like working, meeting your other responsibilities, or having fun.
Electrolyte Imbalance
To stay hydrated while on the Keto Diet, you must drink plenty of water. When the fluids are flushed from your body, it can disrupt the electrolyte balances in your body.
If you lose essential electrolytes, complications can range from bothersome to serious. An irregular heartbeat, cognitive issues, muscle cramps, body temperature issues, and fatigue can occur. You should not attempt to avoid these problems by drinking less water. Without proper hydration, you have an increased risk of developing kidney stones.
Reduced Brain Health
Your brain needs carbohydrates to stay healthy and to function. A low-carb diet may result in confusion, memory loss, cognitive issues, and headaches. Individuals who are already prone to anxiety or depression may find these problems worsen from the Keto Diet.
Weight Loss Is Water Weight
You may lose weight rapidly with the Keto Diet, and the scale may show the difference. However, many pounds you lose at the start of the diet is only water weight. It is not the body fat that you actually want to lose. (NOTE: this is true for all diet beginnings)
It is not helpful to lose water weight. You may be fooled into thinking the diet is working, and that the fat is disappearing. You will be disappointed when the weight returns.
Increased Health Risks
Fat increases health risks, especially the fats you may eat on the Keto Diet. Red meat, butter, and full-fat dairy products should only be consumed in moderation when you are concerned about your health. While the Keto Diet is often presented as a healthy diet, consider some unsafe Keto Diet facts. From heart disease to cancer, a high-fat diet is not good for you.
Conclusion
We are not here to push a diet on anyone. Our purpose is to give you more information past the ‘hype’ on a diet. You and your doctor will make the final decision. But without all the information, the decision could be flawed.
When you want to lose weight, keep it off, and have good health on a long-term basis, develop a balanced diet that is high in nutritional value. Instead of a trendy diet like Keto, simply decrease your calorie intake and exercise every day. You can have the results you want when you avoid fad diets and make smarter choices.
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