Keto's Dark Side: Dr. Kahn's Take On The Diet Trend

Dr. Joel Kahn is a cardiologist and Clinical Professor of Medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine. He has authored hundreds of articles on heart disease and is a frequent lecturer on the subject. In addition, he has performed thousands of cardiac procedures and is the owner of GreenSpace Café in Michigan. Dr. Kahn is also the author of five books, including 'The Whole Heart Solution' and 'The Plant-Based Solution'. In recent years, Dr. Kahn has weighed in on the debate surrounding the ketogenic diet, also known as keto, a low-carb, high-fat diet that has gained popularity for its short-term weight loss effects. While keto has been praised as a health panacea, Dr. Kahn cautions against its long-term effects, particularly regarding cardiovascular risk factors. In his view, the sustainability of the keto diet is questionable, and its high saturated fat content may lead to an increased risk of heart disease.

Keto increases the risk of heart disease by raising bad LDL cholesterol

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low-carbohydrate diet. It is associated with an increase in "bad" LDL cholesterol, which contributes to heart disease by adding to fatty buildup in the arteries. This buildup leads to a narrowing of the arteries and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The keto diet typically includes a high amount of saturated fats from sources such as oils (palm and coconut), lard, butter, and cocoa butter. These saturated fats have been linked to poor heart health by the American Heart Association (AHA). The AHA states that LDL cholesterol is linked to atherosclerosis, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Research has shown mixed results regarding the impact of keto on LDL cholesterol levels. Some studies have shown an increase in LDL, while others have shown no significant changes or even a decrease. The impact of keto on LDL cholesterol may depend on the quality of the diet and individual genetic factors.

Dr. Joel Kahn, a plant-based cardiologist and clinical professor of medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine, has spoken about the potential dangers of the keto diet. He has highlighted the association between the keto diet and increased LDL cholesterol, which can negatively impact heart health.

It is important to note that the effect of keto on heart health is complex and may vary depending on individual factors. However, due to the potential risk of increased LDL cholesterol and its link to heart disease, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting the keto diet.

It can lead to nutrient deficiencies, especially in vitamins and minerals

The keto diet is associated with an increased risk of nutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamins and minerals. This is due to the diet's restriction of carbohydrates and its impact on the body's ability to process certain nutrients.

Vitamins B9, B7, A, E, D, C, and minerals such as selenium, magnesium, iodine, and calcium are among the most common deficiencies observed in individuals following a ketogenic diet. These deficiencies can have a range of negative health consequences. For example, folate (vitamin B9) is essential for the functioning of all cells in our bodies and plays a crucial role in energy production, hormone balance, gene expression, mood control, and cravings. Selenium, another nutrient often lacking in keto dieters, acts as an antioxidant, boosts immunity, ensures normal thyroid function, and protects against heart disease.

The restriction of high-carbohydrate foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes in the keto diet contributes to these deficiencies. Additionally, the increased excretion of certain micronutrients and the interference of high-fat intake with the absorption of specific vitamins and minerals further exacerbate the problem.

To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to focus on specific vitamin-rich foods or consider supplementation with vitamins and minerals. However, it is important to note that even with supplementation, the potential for micronutrient deficiency on a ketogenic diet remains significant.

In conclusion, the keto diet's restriction of nutrient-dense foods can lead to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, which are essential for maintaining overall health and preventing various diseases. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals considering the keto diet to be aware of these risks and take appropriate measures to avoid nutrient deficiencies.

It can cause liver and kidney problems

The keto diet can be harmful to the liver and kidneys. The diet involves the body burning fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. This means that the liver has to metabolise a lot of fat, which can worsen existing liver conditions.

The kidneys help metabolise protein, and the high-protein nature of the keto diet may overload them. The average protein intake recommended for women is 46 grams per day, and for men, 56 grams. The keto diet often involves exceeding these amounts.

The keto diet can also lead to dehydration, which can cause an increase in protein and uric acid in the body. This can result in kidney stones and gout. While the diet itself has not been linked to an increase in kidney stone diagnoses, doctors have noticed a trend of more patients developing kidney stones as more people adopt the keto diet.

The keto diet can also cause constipation, as it is low in fibrous foods like grains and legumes.

It can cause constipation and fuzzy thinking and mood swings

The keto diet is associated with an increased risk of constipation, fuzzy thinking, and mood swings.

Constipation is a common side effect of the keto diet, especially during the initial phase. This is due to the diet's low fibre content, as it restricts grains and legumes, which are good sources of fibre. However, this side effect is usually temporary and can be alleviated by increasing water and salt intake, consuming more fibre, or using laxatives.

Fuzzy thinking and mood swings are also possible side effects of the keto diet. The brain typically relies on glucose from carbohydrates as its primary fuel source. When carbohydrate intake is restricted, as in the keto diet, the brain may not function optimally, leading to confusion and irritability.

Additionally, the keto diet's high fat and low carbohydrate content can contribute to an increase in "bad" LDL cholesterol, which is linked to heart disease. This, along with the potential for nutrient deficiencies and liver and kidney problems, underscores the importance of consulting a doctor and a registered dietitian before attempting a ketogenic diet.

It's hard to stick to and can lead to weight gain when people resume a normal diet

The keto diet is very restrictive and hard to stick to. Carbohydrates usually make up at least 50% of the typical American diet, but on a keto diet, people are required to eat fewer than 20 to 50 grams of carbohydrates per day. This means cutting out foods such as grains, legumes, fruits, and starchy vegetables. The diet is also high in fat, with 90% of daily calories coming from fat. While some healthy unsaturated fats are allowed, such as nuts, seeds, avocados, tofu, and olive oil, the diet encourages the high consumption of saturated fats from oils, lard, butter, and cocoa butter.

The keto diet is not only restrictive but also difficult to maintain due to its side effects. Some people may experience "keto flu" at the beginning of the diet, which includes symptoms such as fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and low exercise tolerance. These symptoms usually go away after a few days to weeks, but long-term side effects can include hepatic steatosis, kidney stones, hypoproteinemia, and vitamin deficiency.

The keto diet is also hard to stick to because it can be socially isolating. Eating out or attending social events that involve food can be challenging when following a restrictive diet like keto. Additionally, the diet can be expensive, as high-fat foods, especially those high in saturated fat, tend to be more costly.

The restrictive nature of the keto diet and its side effects make it difficult for people to stick to in the long term. And when people resume a normal diet, they often regain the weight they lost, which can lead to a cycle of yo-yo dieting, which is associated with increased mortality. Therefore, while the keto diet may lead to short-term weight loss, it is not a sustainable or healthy long-term solution.

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