Keto Diet: Heart Risks For Older People?

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been popular for its weight loss and muscle-building benefits. However, its impact on heart health is still a subject of debate. While some studies suggest that the keto diet may lower blood sugar and triglyceride levels, others indicate that it could increase bad cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.

The keto diet involves reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with protein and fat. This shift in fuel sources can be beneficial for the heart, as the heart derives up to 70% of its fuel from fat. Additionally, the keto diet may aid in weight loss by reducing feelings of hunger.

However, the long-term effects of the keto diet are unclear, and there are concerns about the potential increase in bad cholesterol and the consumption of unhealthy fats and processed foods. For individuals at risk of heart disease, it is crucial to consult a medical professional before starting the keto diet, as close monitoring is necessary to prevent potential harm.

While some studies suggest that the keto diet may be beneficial for a subset of heart failure patients, there is currently no consensus on its effectiveness in improving heart health. Overall, a balanced diet that includes complex carbohydrates, unsaturated fats, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables is generally recommended for heart patients, along with lifestyle changes such as intermittent fasting and increased sleep.

The keto diet is high in fat and low in carbs

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet. It involves drastically reducing your intake of carbohydrates and replacing them with fats. This shift in metabolism moves your body away from using carbs for fuel and encourages it to burn fat for energy instead.

On the keto diet, 70% of your calories should come from fat, 20% from protein, and only 10% from carbs. This equates to around 165 grams of fat, 40 grams of carbs, and 75 grams of protein per day on a 2,000-calorie diet.

The keto diet recommends consuming healthy unsaturated fats, such as nuts, seeds, avocados, tofu, and olive oil. However, it also encourages the inclusion of saturated fats from oils, lard, butter, and cocoa butter. The diet includes animal proteins like meat, fish, and eggs, as well as dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and cottage cheese. Vegetables like leafy greens, peppers, and summer squashes are also part of the keto diet.

The keto diet's extreme restrictions on carbohydrates may lead to a lack of dietary fiber, which is important for heart health. Additionally, the diet could result in nutrient deficiencies, liver and kidney problems, and constipation. It is crucial to consult a doctor and a registered dietitian before starting the keto diet, especially for older individuals with heart problems, as it may have serious risks and side effects.

The keto diet may be beneficial for people with obesity

The keto diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carb diet. It works by lowering insulin levels, producing ketones, and increasing fat burning. The body enters a metabolic state called ketosis, where it starts turning fats into ketones, which can supply energy for the brain. This process may also burn additional calories.

Research has shown that the keto diet can lead to significant weight loss in obese individuals. A 24-week study found that obese patients who followed the keto diet had a mean loss of 13% of their starting weight and significant reductions in fat mass, insulin levels, blood pressure, and waist and hip circumferences. Their levels of ghrelin, a hunger-stimulating hormone, did not increase, which contributed to a decreased appetite.

Another study placed 89 obese adults on a two-phase diet regimen: 6 months on a very-low-carbohydrate keto diet, followed by 6 months on a normal-calorie Mediterranean diet. The keto diet phase resulted in a significant mean 10% weight loss with no weight regain at one year.

The keto diet has also been shown to improve metabolic health. A meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials found that the keto diet produced a small but significantly greater reduction in weight, triglycerides, and blood pressure, and a greater increase in HDL and LDL cholesterol compared with a low-fat diet at one year. Additionally, a study of 39 obese adults showed that the keto diet significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood glucose levels, while increasing HDL cholesterol levels.

However, it is important to note that the keto diet may not be suitable for everyone. It can be challenging to maintain due to the extreme carbohydrate restriction, and it may have negative side effects, including increased risk of kidney stones and osteoporosis. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially for older individuals with heart problems.

The keto diet may lower blood sugar and improve insulin function

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that can potentially change the way the body stores and uses energy, easing diabetes symptoms. The diet was created in the 1920s as a treatment for epilepsy, but its effects are also being studied for type 2 diabetes.

The ketogenic diet may improve blood glucose (sugar) levels while also reducing the need for insulin. The diet has the potential to decrease blood glucose levels. Managing carbohydrate intake is often recommended for people with type 2 diabetes because carbohydrates turn to sugar and, in large quantities, can cause blood sugar spikes.

The ketogenic diet may also improve insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is defined as a defect in the insulin-mediated control of glucose metabolism, predominantly in muscle, fat, and liver tissues. The diet acts on skeletal muscle with an "exercise-type" mechanism. It has been demonstrated that the ketogenic diet, together with exercise, is able to improve skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity and efficiency, optimising fat oxidation and improving metabolic health markers.

The ketogenic diet is not indicated in some clinical conditions, including pregnancy and breastfeeding, chronic renal disease, use of sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (risk of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis) and unstable angina. Moreover, the ketogenic diet in diabetic patients should be followed under medical and nutritionist supervision, with regular assessment of glucose and lipid profile.

The keto diet may be dangerous for people with heart disease

The ketogenic (keto) diet is a high-fat, protein-rich, and low-carbohydrate diet. While it may be effective for short-term weight loss, there is scarce evidence for any long-term benefit. The keto diet may be dangerous for people with heart disease.

Risks of the keto diet for people with heart disease

• The keto diet may lead to a rise in cholesterol levels, which can be especially dangerous for people with a history of heart disease or high cholesterol.
• The keto diet restricts whole grains, legumes, and fruits, leading to a loss of dietary fiber that helps protect the heart.
• The keto diet may interfere with medications such as the anti-clotting drug warfarin and drugs known as SGLT-2 inhibitors, which are used to treat diabetes and heart failure.
• The keto diet may increase the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and a spike in LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
• The keto diet may not be sustainable in the long term, leading to weight gain and other health issues.

Recommendations for people with heart disease

If you have heart disease or are at risk for heart disease, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting the keto diet. A less-strict approach, such as a balanced diet that includes complex carbohydrates, unsaturated fats, and lean proteins, may be a safer option. It is also important to control portions, choose fresh fruits and vegetables, limit red meat, and skip processed foods.

The keto diet may increase the risk of heart disease

The keto diet may lead to a rise in cholesterol levels, even if weight loss is achieved. This can be dangerous for people with a history of heart disease or high cholesterol. The diet is very high in fat, with 60-80% of calories coming from fat sources such as nuts, oils, butter, cream, and cheese. This means that even if you choose healthy fats, you will likely consume more saturated fat than is safe or healthy.

The keto diet's extreme carbohydrate restrictions may also lead people to avoid most vegetables and fruits, which are important sources of dietary fiber that protect the heart. The vitamin K in leafy greens, which are often consumed in large amounts on the keto diet, can interfere with the anti-clotting drug warfarin, commonly taken by heart patients.

Research has shown that a keto-like diet can lead to elevated LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, which is a known risk factor for heart disease. A recent study found that over a nearly 12-year period, people on a keto-like diet had significantly higher LDL cholesterol levels and twice the rate of experiencing a major cardiovascular event, including heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.

While the keto diet may lead to short-term weight loss, there is scarce evidence of any long-term benefit. The short-term benefits of lowering blood sugar and blood pressure also fade over time. Therefore, the keto diet may increase the risk of heart disease, especially in older people or those with existing heart problems or risk factors.

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