Keto Diet: Clogged Arteries And Heart Health Risks?

The ketogenic diet is a popular, low-carb, high-fat diet that is often used for weight loss. The diet involves limiting carbohydrates to 20-50 grams per day and deriving 70-90% of calories from fat. While the keto diet can be effective for weight loss, there are concerns about its impact on heart health and the risk of clogged arteries.

Research suggests that the keto diet may be linked to higher levels of bad LDL cholesterol and a higher risk of cardiovascular events such as clogged arteries, heart attacks, and strokes. One study found that people on a keto-like diet had double the risk of major cardiovascular events compared to those on a standard diet. However, it's important to note that this study has not yet been peer-reviewed.

Another study conducted on mice found that high-protein diets, similar to keto, increased artery-clogging plaque by about 30%. However, this study has not been tested on humans.

While the keto diet may offer some benefits, such as weight loss and improved blood sugar control, it's important to carefully consider the potential risks before starting this diet. It's recommended to consult with a doctor or registered dietitian to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs and health status.

High-protein diets spur unstable plaque

High-protein diets are often associated with weight loss and muscle building. However, a study conducted on mice at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis revealed a concerning downside: high-protein diets can lead to increased plaque buildup in the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. This buildup of unstable plaque makes the arteries more prone to rupturing and blockage, increasing the risk of heart attacks.

The study, led by senior author Babak Razani, MD, PhD, specifically examined the impact of high-protein diets on cardiovascular health. Mice were fed a high-fat diet, with some receiving additional protein to simulate a high-protein intake. The results showed that the mice on the high-fat, high-protein diet developed about 30% more plaque in their arteries compared to those on a high-fat, normal-protein diet. Interestingly, the mice consuming more protein did not gain weight, indicating that weight loss is not always indicative of improved health.

The study delved into the composition of plaque, which includes a mixture of fat, cholesterol, calcium deposits, and dead cells. Immune cells called macrophages are typically responsible for cleaning up plaque in the arteries. However, the high-protein diet overwhelmed these cells, leading to their death and contributing to increased plaque complexity. This buildup of dead cells within the plaque makes it unstable and vulnerable to rupture, creating a dangerous environment for heart health.

To understand the underlying mechanism, researchers traced the path of protein after digestion. They found that excess amino acids from high-protein diets activate a protein called mTOR in macrophages. This activation disrupts the macrophages' ability to perform their housecleaning tasks, leading to a chain of events that results in cell death. Specifically, amino acids like leucine and arginine, commonly found in red meat, were more potent in activating mTOR and derailing the macrophages.

While the study provides valuable insights into the cardiovascular risks associated with high-protein diets, it also highlights potential avenues for treating heart disease. By targeting the pathways involved in plaque buildup and instability, researchers may be able to develop strategies to reduce the harmful effects of high-protein diets on cardiovascular health.

The keto diet may lower bad cholesterol

The keto diet, a popular low-carb, high-fat diet, has been touted by some as a quick way to lose weight. However, there are concerns about its impact on heart health due to its high-fat content. So, can keto cause clogged arteries?

Research suggests that a keto diet may be linked to higher levels of "bad" cholesterol, which can increase the risk of clogged arteries and other cardiovascular issues. However, it's important to note that the impact of keto on cholesterol levels is complex and may vary from person to person.

A 2017 study found that the keto diet resulted in lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. This is significant because LDL cholesterol is known to build up inside the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart and brain. By lowering LDL cholesterol, the keto diet may help reduce the risk of clogged arteries and other cardiovascular problems.

Additionally, the keto diet can also help lower elevated blood sugar, which is linked to artery-damaging inflammation. This means that keto may have a positive impact on heart health by reducing inflammation and improving insulin function.

However, it's important to note that the keto diet allows for saturated fats and animal products, which are known to increase the risk of heart disease. The specific foods chosen on the keto diet matter a lot. A study found that those who followed a low-carb diet with vegetable-based sources of fat and protein had a lower risk of heart disease than those who consumed more meat.

While the keto diet may offer some benefits in terms of lowering bad cholesterol and improving cardiovascular risk factors, it's not a magic bullet. The long-term viability of keto is unclear, and there is a risk of weight gain after stopping the diet. Additionally, a small subset of people may experience increased cholesterol levels on a low-carb diet, so it's important to consult a doctor before starting keto, especially if there is a family history of heart disease.

Yo-yo dieting can put stress on the heart

Yo-yo dieting, or weight cycling, is a pattern of losing weight and then regaining it. It can put stress on the heart and is associated with an increased risk of heart-related health issues, including heart attacks and strokes.

Research has found that yo-yo dieting can have negative consequences for heart health. One study showed that postmenopausal women who engaged in yo-yo dieting were at a higher risk of cardiovascular death. Another study of 9,509 men and women with coronary heart disease and high cholesterol found that those with the greatest changes in body weight experienced a weight fluctuation of up to 3.9 kg, while those with the smallest changes had fluctuations of only 0.9 kg. The former group had 117% more heart attacks, 124% more deaths, and 136% more strokes than the latter group.

The impact of yo-yo dieting on heart health is thought to be due to the constant fluctuation in measurements such as fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, and body weight. One study found that people with the greatest variability in these measurements were 2.3 times more likely to die from any cause and 40% more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke compared to those with more stable measurements. Maintaining stable measurements is healthier than experiencing constant ups and downs, which can set a person up for developing metabolic syndrome.

While the exact mechanisms linking yo-yo dieting and heart health are not yet fully understood, the available research suggests that this type of dieting can have detrimental effects on cardiovascular health. More research is needed to understand the full scope of these effects and determine the underlying causes.

Keto may be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes

The ketogenic diet, or keto, is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low-carbohydrate diet. It was initially created in the 1920s as a treatment for epilepsy, but its effects are now being studied for type 2 diabetes. While the keto diet is not recommended for everyone, it may offer several benefits for people with type 2 diabetes.

The keto diet is centred around limiting carbohydrate intake, forcing the body to break down fats for energy instead of carbohydrates or glucose. This process is known as ketosis, where the liver breaks down fat to produce ketones that circulate in the bloodstream.

Benefits of Keto for Type 2 Diabetes

Potential Drawbacks of Keto for Type 2 Diabetes

While keto may offer benefits, it is important to consider potential drawbacks and risks. The restrictive nature of the keto diet can make it challenging to follow long-term. There is also a risk of developing kidney stones and nutrient deficiencies due to the exclusion of certain food groups. Furthermore, the increased fat intake associated with keto may lead to higher levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol, which is a risk factor for heart disease.

Individualized Approach

Managing diabetes with diet requires an individualized approach, considering a person's health needs, goals, and preferences. While keto may be beneficial for some people with type 2 diabetes, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes, especially for those with diabetes.

The keto diet is not sustainable

The keto diet is not a sustainable way to lose weight and improve health. While it may be effective in the short term, it is not a long-term solution and can lead to health issues.

The keto diet is extremely restrictive, with a very low carbohydrate intake and a high fat intake. This means cutting out many foods that are typically considered healthy, such as fruits, beans, legumes, and whole grains. It can be challenging to stick to such a restrictive diet, and many people may find themselves gaining back any weight lost once they stop following the diet.

The keto diet can also be unhealthy, particularly for those prone to heart disease. The high fat intake, especially saturated fats, can increase the risk of heart disease by raising levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol. The diet may also lead to other health issues such as low blood pressure, kidney stones, constipation, and nutrient deficiencies.

In addition, the keto diet can be expensive, with keto-compliant foods like red meats and nuts costing more. The diet can also be socially isolating and may lead to disordered eating.

While the keto diet may be a quick fix for weight loss, it is not a sustainable or healthy long-term solution. It is important to focus on making sustainable dietary changes that can be maintained over time, rather than following restrictive fad diets like keto. A balanced diet with reasonable restrictions and regular exercise is a much healthier approach to weight loss and improving overall health.

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