Keto Diet: Kidney Stone Prevention Or Trigger?

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that is commonly used for weight loss and epilepsy treatment. While the keto diet has gained popularity, it has been linked to an increased risk of kidney stones.

Kidney stones are a well-known side effect of the keto diet, especially in children with epilepsy. The keto diet can lead to acidosis, which reduces urine citrate and increases the amount of uric acid and calcium in the urine. This creates an ideal environment for kidney stone formation. Additionally, the keto diet is typically high in animal protein, which further increases the risk of kidney stones by making the urine more acidic.

Research has shown that the estimated incidence of kidney stones in patients on ketogenic diets is 5.9%, with similar rates in children and adults. Uric acid stones are the most common type of kidney stones in people on the keto diet, followed by calcium-based stones.

While the keto diet may be effective for weight loss and epilepsy treatment, it is important to be aware of the potential risk of kidney stones. Consulting with a healthcare professional before starting the keto diet is recommended to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.

The keto diet can cause kidney stones in both children and adults

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that is commonly used for weight loss and as a treatment for epilepsy in children. While the keto diet has gained popularity for its weight loss benefits, it also has a darker side: an increased risk of kidney stones.

The link between keto and kidney stones

The keto diet can lead to acidosis, which reduces urine citrate and increases the amount of uric acid in the urine. This makes the body more susceptible to kidney stones. Additionally, the high intake of animal protein in the keto diet can cause the blood and urine to become more acidic, leading to increased excretion of calcium in the urine.

Research on keto and kidney stones

A study published in 2021 found that the estimated incidence of kidney stones in patients on ketogenic diets was 5.9%. The incidence was 5.8% in children and 7.9% in adults. The study also showed that uric acid stones were the most prevalent type of kidney stones in patients on ketogenic diets, followed by calcium-based stones.

Biochemical reasons for the keto and kidney stone connection

Keto diets are usually lacking in fruits and vegetables, which are important for kidney stone prevention. Fruits and vegetables help to neutralize the acid produced in the body from protein metabolism. They are also a source of citrate, a powerful inhibitor of kidney stone formation.

Excessive protein on keto diets

"Diet culture" keto tends to be incredibly high in protein. The extra protein causes a drop in urine pH, making uric acid and calcium oxalate kidney stones more likely. Excess protein can also increase urine calcium, another risk factor for kidney stones.

Possible changes to gut bacteria

Keto and high-fat diets are known to cause changes in gut bacteria, and these bacteria play a role in kidney stone prevention. The impact of a keto diet on the gut microbiome could be another reason for the link between keto and kidney stones.

Tips for avoiding kidney stones on keto

• Drink plenty of water to make the chances of a kidney stone less likely.
• Eat as many vegetables as possible, especially low-carb vegetables.
• Keep your sodium intake in check.
• Consider asking your doctor about a potassium citrate prescription.

The keto diet is high in animal protein, which increases the amount of uric acid in the urine, promoting kidney stones

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that is commonly used for weight loss and epilepsy treatment. While the diet has gained popularity, it has been linked to an increased risk of kidney stones.

The keto diet is high in animal protein, which increases the amount of uric acid in the urine. This can promote the formation of uric acid stones and increase the risk of calcium oxalate stones. The increased protein intake also causes an acid load for the kidneys, leading to bone absorption and reduced citrate levels in the urine.

Research has shown that the estimated incidence of kidney stones in patients on ketogenic diets is 5.9%. The incidence is similar in children (5.8%) and adults (7.9%). Uric acid stones are the most common type of kidney stones in patients on ketogenic diets, followed by calcium-based stones.

The high intake of animal protein on the keto diet can lead to more acidic urine, which increases the risk of kidney stone formation. Therefore, it is important for individuals on the keto diet to ensure adequate hydration and include low-carb vegetables in their diet to reduce the risk of kidney stones.

The keto diet is low in fruits and vegetables, which are important for kidney stone prevention

The keto diet is a very low-carb, high-fat eating plan. Carb intake is often restricted to less than 20-50 grams per day. This means that many fruits and vegetables are off the menu, as they are too starchy or contain too many carbs.

Some fruits that are allowed on the keto diet include avocados, tomatoes, and berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. However, the portions must be kept low as fruits are naturally high in carbs.

Vegetables that are suitable for the keto diet include celery, asparagus, spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini.

It is important to note that the keto diet is not suitable for everyone and should be done under medical supervision.

The keto diet may cause digestive issues and changes in gut bacteria

The keto diet has been linked to several digestive issues, including constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, and bloating. These issues may be caused by the high-fat content of the diet, which can be difficult for the body to adjust to. The diet may also lead to inflammation in the digestive tract, a decrease in beneficial fatty acids, and unfavourable changes in the gut microbiome.

The keto diet is typically low in fibre, as it eliminates high-carb foods like fruits, starchy vegetables, grains, and legumes, which are also high in fibre. Insufficient fibre intake can increase the risk of constipation.

Some studies have found that the keto diet may harm the gut microbiome, reducing beneficial bacteria and increasing inflammation. For example, a 6-month study of 217 people linked a high-fat diet to increased inflammation and reduced beneficial fatty acids. Another study of 23 children with epilepsy showed that 3 months on the keto diet damaged the composition of the gut microbiome.

However, other studies have found that the keto diet may benefit digestive health. For example, a 6-month study of 59 people found that a low-carb diet decreased several markers of inflammation to a greater extent than a low-fat diet. The keto diet may also aid digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn's disease.

To relieve digestive issues caused by the keto diet, it is recommended to eat more fibre, take probiotic supplements, and ease into the diet by slowly reducing carbs and increasing fats.

The keto diet may lead to dangerously low blood sugar

The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb approach to eating that has become one of the most popular ways to lose weight. While it can be effective for quick weight loss, it is extremely regimented and very difficult to stick to. It can also have some adverse health effects, including the risk of low blood sugar.

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat approach to eating that originated in the 1920s as a treatment for epilepsy. It typically involves reducing carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams per day and increasing protein and fat intake. On keto, around 70-80% of calories come from fat, 20% from protein, and just 5% from carbs.

Carbohydrates have a direct impact on blood glucose levels. When we eat carbs, they are broken down into simple sugars in the body, and blood glucose levels begin to rise. In response, the body releases insulin, which helps to stabilise blood sugar by removing it from the bloodstream and facilitating its storage or use for energy.

However, when following a strict keto diet, carbohydrate intake is cut to essentially zero, which can lead to low blood sugar, or hypoglycaemia. This is a potentially dangerous condition, particularly for people with diabetes, and can cause symptoms such as weakness, shaking, sweating, nightmares, headaches, and seizures.

Who is at Risk of Low Blood Sugar on Keto?

People with diabetes are at particular risk of low blood sugar on the keto diet, especially if they are also taking certain medications or insulin. This is because their bodies are already unable to balance blood sugar effectively, and keto's severe restriction of carbohydrates can push blood sugar levels too low.

Managing Keto and Diabetes

For people with diabetes, determining whether the keto diet is right for them involves weighing the pros and cons and talking to their doctor. While keto can be effective for blood sugar management and weight loss, it is a very restrictive diet that can be hard to stick to long-term. It may also require supplementation to make up for a lack of nutrients, and it can cause constipation due to its low fibre content.

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