Keto Advanced And Blood Pressure Meds: Safe Or Not?

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet that has been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure. Obesity is a leading cause of hypertension, and the keto diet can help with weight loss. The ketogenic diet is associated with appetite suppression, increased energy expenditure, and lowered insulin levels, all of which can help to lower blood pressure.

However, it is important to note that the keto diet may not be suitable for everyone. For example, those who are pregnant or have chronic kidney disease should avoid the keto diet. Additionally, if you are already taking blood pressure medication, starting a keto diet may cause your blood pressure to drop too low. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a doctor before making any radical changes to your diet.

Keto can lower blood pressure

Blood pressure is the force exerted on the walls of your veins and arteries. When you measure your blood pressure, you get two numbers: systolic blood pressure (when your heart beats) and diastolic blood pressure (in between beats). An adult with average blood pressure will get a reading of around 120 (systolic) / 80 (diastolic). If your systolic is above 130, or your diastolic is above 80, you have high blood pressure.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is suffered by one-third of Americans and is a well-documented risk factor for heart attack and stroke, and increases the risk of dementia. In most cases, there is no identifiable cause. However, hypertension risk factors include obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, electrolyte imbalances, and a diet high in refined carbohydrates.

The keto diet can be an effective weight loss diet, especially for obese people and people with diabetes. When an obese person loses weight, other metabolic markers tend to improve, including cholesterol levels, triglycerides, blood glucose, insulin function, and blood pressure. The mechanisms by which keto may promote fat loss include appetite suppression, increased energy burn, and increased fat burning due to low insulin levels.

A diet high in processed carbohydrates and refined sugars leads to arterial inflammation over time, which can cause an elevation in blood pressure. Therefore, a diet low in carbs and sugars will decrease insulin levels and arterial inflammation.

Studies on keto for high blood pressure

Several studies suggest that keto may help with treating or preventing hypertension. In one study, overweight premenopausal women had greater reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure on an Atkins diet (similar to keto) than on three other diets. In another study, blood pressure fell in the keto group but rose in the low-fat plus Orlistat group. A third study found that a group of obese people on a Spanish Mediterranean keto diet went from "elevated" to "normal" blood pressure in 12 weeks.

Risks of keto for blood pressure

While keto may help lower blood pressure, there are a few cases where it might not. A dirty keto diet may be short on potassium (from vegetables) to counter the high sodium load from salty processed meat, leading to raised blood pressure. Conversely, too little sodium can also raise blood pressure, as low-carb diets increase urinary sodium loss.

Tips to improve blood pressure

• Exercise: Regular mild to moderate aerobic exercise is well-documented to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension.
• Sleep well: Short sleep, insomnia, and other sleep disorders are independent risk factors for high blood pressure.
• Maintain a healthy weight: When obese people lose weight, they typically see improvements in blood pressure.
• Get enough sodium and potassium: Deficiencies in either can elevate blood pressure.
• Get more fiber: Higher fiber intakes seem to be protective against heart disease, and certain fibers have been shown to lower arterial blood pressure.
• Try a low-carb diet: Just be sure it’s a clean keto diet with plenty of low-carb vegetables.

Keto may reduce the need for blood pressure medication

The keto diet may be an effective way to lower blood pressure naturally and could even normalize it completely. This is because obesity is a leading cause of hypertension, and the keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet that promotes weight loss.

Keto helps fight hypertension by:

• Lowering insulin levels, which causes more fat to burn
• Suppressing appetite
• Increasing energy expenditure

Several studies have found that the keto diet may help treat or prevent hypertension. For example:

• One study found that overweight premenopausal women had greater reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure on a keto diet than on the Zone diet (30% carbs), LEARN diet (60% carbs), or Ornish diet (under 10% fat calories).
• Another study compared keto to a low-fat diet plus Orlistat (a drug for weight loss and high blood pressure). The results showed that blood pressure fell in the keto group but rose in the low-fat plus Orlistat group.
• A third study put 40 obese people on a Spanish Mediterranean keto diet for 12 weeks. By the end, the average systolic blood pressure fell from 126 to 109, and the average diastolic from 85 to 75—moving from "elevated" to "normal."

Potential Risks and Considerations

While keto may help lower blood pressure, there are a few cases where it might not. For example, a "dirty keto" diet may be short on potassium, which can raise blood pressure when coupled with a high sodium load. Additionally:

• Too little sodium can also raise blood pressure. This is common on keto because low-carb diets increase urinary sodium loss.
• The keto diet may not be suitable for those who are pregnant or may become pregnant, or those with chronic kidney disease.
• Prolonged ketosis (longer than a few months) can have negative health effects, such as an increased risk of heart disease.
• The keto diet may not be suitable for everyone and may not lead to weight loss for some.

If you are considering starting the keto diet, especially if you are on blood pressure medication, consult a medical professional.

Keto can help fight hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition affecting around a third of all Americans. It is a well-documented risk factor for heart attacks and strokes and can also increase the risk of dementia.

Obesity is a leading cause of hypertension, and a low-carbohydrate or keto diet can be an effective way to lose weight and lower blood pressure. In some cases, it may even normalise blood pressure completely.

The keto diet shifts the body into a state of ketosis, where fat is burned for energy instead of carbohydrates. This can lead to rapid weight loss, which can help to lower blood pressure. In addition, keto is associated with:

• Appetite suppression
• Increased energy expenditure
• Lowered insulin levels, which cause more fat to be burned

Several studies have shown that keto can be more effective at lowering blood pressure than low-fat diets or even some blood pressure medications.

Risks and Considerations

While keto can be an effective way to lower blood pressure, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Blood pressure medication: If you are taking blood pressure medication, be sure to consult your doctor before starting keto, as the diet may lower your blood pressure too much, and your medication dosage may need to be adjusted.
• Salt intake: Salt and bouillon are sometimes recommended when starting keto to minimise side effects like headaches. However, if your blood pressure is high despite medication, extra salt may raise your blood pressure further.
• Long-term effects: While keto can be effective in the short to medium term, there is limited data on the long-term effects of the diet. Some studies suggest that prolonged ketosis may have negative health effects, such as raising LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels.
• Individual results may vary: While keto can be an effective tool for weight loss and blood pressure management, it may not work for everyone.

The keto diet can be a powerful tool for fighting hypertension, especially in obese individuals. However, it is important to consult with a medical professional before starting any new diet, especially if you are taking medication.

Keto may not be suitable for those with low blood pressure

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet that can be an effective tool for weight loss and improving metabolic markers such as inflammation, cholesterol levels, and blood glucose. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with low blood pressure.

The keto diet involves shifting the body into a state of ketosis, where fat becomes the primary energy source instead of carbohydrates. This metabolic shift can lead to increased fat burning and weight loss. Additionally, keto is associated with appetite suppression, increased energy expenditure, and lowered insulin levels, all of which can contribute to fighting hypertension.

Keto and Blood Pressure

While keto can be effective in lowering blood pressure for those with hypertension, it may not be suitable for individuals who already have low blood pressure. In such cases, ketosis could further lower blood pressure to dangerously low levels.

It is important to note that blood pressure medication can also interact with the keto diet, potentially leading to a further decrease in blood pressure. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a doctor before starting a keto diet, especially for those already taking medication for blood pressure or other health conditions.

Other Considerations

In addition to blood pressure concerns, there are a few other potential risks and side effects associated with the keto diet. These include:

• Nutritional deficiencies: A strict keto diet may exclude important nutrients found in fruits, starchy vegetables, and whole grains, leading to negative health outcomes.
• Prolonged ketosis: Maintaining ketosis for extended periods (beyond a few months) may have negative health effects.
• "Keto flu": A cluster of transient symptoms, including constipation, headache, muscle cramps, and general weakness, that can occur within the first few weeks of starting a keto diet.
• Endothelial dysfunction: Some reports suggest that low-carb diets may have unfavorable effects on cardiovascular and endothelial function.
• Exercise performance: Keto may negatively impact exercise performance, particularly for activities that rely on immediate glucose availability, such as resistance training and high-intensity endurance training.

In conclusion, while the keto diet can be a powerful tool for weight loss and improving certain health markers, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with low blood pressure or certain health conditions. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially one as restrictive as keto.

Keto may not be suitable for pregnant women

The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate eating plan that has been advertised as a "miracle diet". While it can be an effective way to lose weight, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially pregnant women. Here are some reasons why keto may not be recommended for pregnant women:

Nutrient Deficiencies

Pregnant women require a variety of nutrients to support the healthy development of their baby. A keto diet restricts carbohydrates, including fruits and most vegetables, which are rich sources of vitamins, iron, and folate. Folic acid, found in carbohydrate-rich foods, is essential for the baby's brain and spine development. Pregnant women on a keto diet may not get adequate amounts of these vital nutrients, which can lead to problems in the baby's growth and development.

High Saturated Fat Intake

The keto diet encourages a high intake of fat, and it does not differentiate between healthy and unhealthy fats. This can lead to an increased consumption of unhealthy meats, oils, butter, and processed meats like hot dogs and bacon. Too much saturated fat can cause higher cholesterol levels, putting strain on the heart and pregnancy.

Side Effects

The keto diet can cause side effects, commonly known as the "keto flu," which include nausea, vomiting, tiredness, and aches. These side effects can be uncomfortable and add to the already existing pregnancy discomforts.

Limited Food Choices

Keto diets can be extremely limiting, and pregnant women are typically advised to eat a varied and balanced diet. Restricting food choices during pregnancy may not provide the range of nutrients needed for the mother and baby's well-being.

Potential Risks to the Baby

Research on the effects of the keto diet during pregnancy is limited, and most studies have been conducted on animals. Some animal studies suggest that a keto diet during pregnancy may impact embryonic growth and brain development. While these findings may not directly translate to humans, they highlight the potential risks associated with the keto diet during pregnancy.

In conclusion, while the keto diet may offer weight management benefits, it may not be the best choice for pregnant women due to potential nutrient deficiencies, high saturated fat intake, side effects, and possible risks to the baby. Pregnant women should always consult their healthcare provider before making any significant dietary changes to ensure the health and safety of themselves and their baby.

Frequently asked questions