Keto Craze: Does This Diet Work?

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan that has been used for centuries to treat specific medical conditions. In the 1920s, it was introduced as an effective treatment for epilepsy in children. The diet has also been tested and used in closely monitored settings for cancer, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, and Alzheimer's disease. More recently, it has gained attention as a potential weight-loss strategy due to the low-carb diet craze. The keto diet is backed by scientific evidence and offers sustainable lifestyle changes, but it is not without its risks.

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan

The keto diet recommends eating low-carb, moderate protein, and high-fat foods. Individuals should aim for 20 grams of net carbs or less per day. By following these recommendations, people will feel full, satisfied, and energised.

The keto diet is distinctive for its exceptionally high-fat content, typically 70% to 80%, though with only a moderate intake of protein. The diet usually suggests an average of 70-80% fat from total daily calories, 5-10% carbohydrate, and 10-20% protein.

The premise of the keto diet is that if you deprive the body of glucose, its main source of energy, an alternative fuel called ketones is produced from stored fat. The brain demands the most glucose, about 120 grams daily, as it cannot store glucose. During fasting or very low carbohydrate intake, the body first pulls stored glucose from the liver and temporarily breaks down muscle to release glucose. If this continues for 3-4 days, blood levels of insulin decrease, and the body begins to use fat as its primary fuel.

Healthy individuals naturally experience mild ketosis during periods of fasting, such as sleeping overnight, and very strenuous exercise. Proponents of the keto diet state that if carefully followed, blood levels of ketones should not reach a harmful level as the brain will use ketones for fuel, and healthy individuals will produce enough insulin to prevent excessive ketones from forming.

The keto diet has been used for centuries to treat specific medical conditions. In the 19th century, it was used to help control diabetes. In 1920, it was introduced as a treatment for epilepsy in children who did not respond to medication. The keto diet has also been tested and used in closely monitored settings for cancer, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, and Alzheimer's disease.

However, it is essential to note that the keto diet comes with some risks. It is high in saturated fat, which has been linked to heart disease. The diet is also associated with an increase in "bad" LDL cholesterol. Other potential risks include nutrient deficiency, liver problems, kidney problems, constipation, and fuzzy thinking and mood swings. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a doctor and a registered dietitian before attempting the keto diet.

It has been used to treat medical conditions like epilepsy and diabetes

The Ketogenic Diet has been used to treat medical conditions like epilepsy and diabetes. The diet is high in fat and low in carbohydrates, which changes the way the body stores and uses energy. The body uses fat as its primary fuel source instead of carbohydrates or glucose.

The Ketogenic Diet was created in the 1920s as a treatment for epilepsy. It has been shown to be particularly helpful for some epilepsy conditions, including infantile spasms, Rett syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex, Dravet syndrome, Doose syndrome, and GLUT-1 deficiency. It is usually used in children with seizures that do not respond to medications. The diet can also help reduce or stop anti-seizure drugs. Over half of the children who go on the diet have at least a 50% reduction in the number of their seizures, and some become seizure-free.

The Ketogenic Diet may also be beneficial for people with Type 2 Diabetes. It has the potential to decrease blood glucose levels and reduce the need for insulin. A 2013 review reported that the diet can lead to more significant improvements in blood sugar control, weight loss, and discontinued insulin requirements than other diets. A 2017 study also found that the Ketogenic Diet outperformed a conventional, low-fat diabetes diet over 32 weeks regarding weight loss and blood sugar control. However, there are possible risks associated with the diet for people with diabetes, and it is important to speak with a doctor before making any drastic dietary changes.

Overall, the Ketogenic Diet has been shown to be effective in treating medical conditions like epilepsy and diabetes. It changes the way the body uses energy, which can help improve symptoms and reduce the need for medication. However, it is important to carefully monitor the diet and make sure it is providing adequate nutrition.

It is gaining attention as a weight-loss strategy

The ketogenic or "keto" diet is gaining attention as a weight-loss strategy. It is a low-carbohydrate, fat-rich eating plan that has been used for centuries to treat specific medical conditions. In the 19th century, the ketogenic diet was used to help control diabetes. In 1920, it was introduced as a treatment for epilepsy in children. The diet has also been tested and used in closely monitored settings for cancer, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, and Alzheimer's disease.

The keto diet is distinctive for its exceptionally high-fat content, typically 70% to 80%, though with only a moderate intake of protein. The premise of the keto diet for weight loss is that if you deprive the body of glucose, the main source of energy obtained by eating carbohydrates, an alternative fuel called ketones is produced from stored fat. The brain demands the most glucose, about 120 grams daily, as it cannot store glucose. During fasting or when very few carbohydrates are eaten, the body first pulls stored glucose from the liver and temporarily breaks down muscle to release glucose. If this continues for 3-4 days, blood levels of insulin decrease, and the body begins to use fat as its primary fuel.

When ketone bodies accumulate in the blood, this is called ketosis. Proponents of the keto diet state that if the diet is carefully followed, blood levels of ketones should not reach a harmful level as the brain will use ketones for fuel, and healthy individuals will typically produce enough insulin to prevent excessive ketones from forming. However, excessive ketone bodies can produce a dangerously toxic level of acid in the blood, called ketoacidosis, which most often occurs in individuals with type 1 diabetes.

The keto diet has been shown to produce beneficial metabolic changes in the short term, including weight loss, improved insulin resistance, reduced blood pressure, and lower cholesterol and triglycerides. There is also growing interest in using low-carbohydrate diets, including the keto diet, for type 2 diabetes. However, there is limited research on the long-term effects of the keto diet, and it may be challenging to maintain due to the extreme restriction of carbohydrates. In addition, the keto diet is associated with an increased risk of kidney stones, osteoporosis, and gout, as well as nutrient deficiencies if a variety of recommended foods are not included.

The keto diet is associated with an increase in bad LDL cholesterol

The Ketogenic Diet, or Keto, is a high-fat, low-carb, and moderate-protein diet. It is based on the idea of achieving "ketosis", a metabolic state in which the liver uses stored fat to produce ketones for energy. This diet has gained popularity due to its promise of rapid weight loss and health benefits, including Type II Diabetes prevention, Heart Disease prevention, cognitive improvement, and increased energy.

However, there are concerns about the impact of the keto diet on cholesterol levels, specifically the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol. Some studies have shown that the keto diet can lead to a significant increase in LDL cholesterol levels, which is a risk factor for heart disease.

For example, a case series published in the *American Journal of Preventive Cardiology* in 2023 examined patients who were referred to cardiology for hyperlipidemia after experiencing high LDL cholesterol levels while on a ketogenic diet. The study found that these patients had an average increase in their LDL cholesterol level of 187 mg/dL, representing a 245% increase.

Another study, published in the *Journal of Clinical Lipidology* in 2019 by the National Lipid Association, found that the keto diet produced modest reductions in triglycerides, modest changes in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good" cholesterol, and minimal changes in LDL cholesterol levels. However, some studies included in the review showed an increase in LDL levels on low- or very-low-carb diets.

It is important to note that the effect of the keto diet on LDL cholesterol may depend on the quality of the diet and individual genetic factors. The type of fat consumed is crucial, as unhealthy choices such as butter, coconut oil, and animal fat can increase LDL levels. Additionally, those with a genetic mutation affecting LDL regulation may experience a significant increase in LDL levels when following a keto diet.

While the keto diet has shown promising results for weight loss and improved metabolic parameters, the potential impact on LDL cholesterol levels, especially in certain individuals, is a concern that should be carefully considered and monitored.

It has several potential risks, including nutrient deficiency and liver problems

The Ketogenic Diet, or Keto, is a high-fat, low-carb, moderate-protein diet. It has been around since the 1920s and was originally developed to control seizures in children with epilepsy. The diet works by altering energy metabolism, with the body using fat as its primary fuel source instead of sugar.

Despite its benefits, the keto diet has several potential risks. One of these is nutrient deficiency. Because the keto diet restricts entire food groups, such as fruits, beans, legumes, and whole grains, it can lead to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals such as folate (B9), biotin (B7), selenium, choline, vitamins A, E, D, chromium, iodine, magnesium, and molybdenum. These deficiencies can have various negative effects on the body, including thinning hair, dry skin, scaly rashes, brittle nails, conjunctivitis, depression, fatigue, and numbness or tingling in the arms and legs.

Another potential risk of the keto diet is liver problems. The diet has been linked to elevated liver enzymes and potential non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In one case, a 57-year-old woman who self-initiated a ketogenic diet experienced a marked increase in liver enzymes and cholesterol levels. Discontinuing the diet resulted in a modest reduction in cholesterol and a resolution of liver enzymes within eight months. This case illustrates the potential risks associated with the keto diet and the importance of monitoring individuals on this diet.

Overall, while the keto diet may offer some benefits, it is not without risks. It is important for individuals considering this diet to be aware of the potential dangers and to seek guidance from a licensed healthcare provider to ensure they are getting the necessary nutrients and monitoring to maintain their health.

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