Fad diets often come with big promises of weight loss and optimum health, but at what risks?
What is the keto diet?
Rachel Kleinman, RDN, LDN, clinical dietitian, says the keto diet is primarily used to manage seizures in children with epilepsy. Research on the diet’s effectiveness in treating obesity or diabetes is limited.
The ketogenic or keto diet, which has gained popularity in the last several years, is extremely strict and difficult to maintain.
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What is ketosis?
Ketosis is a metabolic adaptation to allow the body to survive in a period of famine. Your body will break down ketone bodies, a type of fuel the liver produces from fat, instead of sugar or glucose from carbohydrates.
To achieve ketosis, the diet requires you eat 75 percent of your calories from fat, compared to 20-35 percent normally. It also requires 5 percent of calories from carbohydrates, about 20-50 grams per day, and 15 percent of calories from protein. Kleinman said it takes about 72 hours for ketosis to kick in. It’s really an all or nothing diet.
People following the keto diet should be eating foods like fatty fish, eggs, dairy, meat, butter, oils, nuts, seeds and low-carb vegetables. “Fat bombs” like unsweetened chocolate or coconut oil can help people reach their daily goals for fat intake. Keto-compliant foods like red meats and nuts can be costly. Keto-branded products like keto coffee and other supplemental products are also both costly and unnecessary.
Is the keto diet healthy?
Wellness dietitian Mary Condon, RN, LDN, says the keto diet may result in weight loss and lower blood sugars, but it’s a quick fix. “More often than not, it’s not sustainable. Oftentimes weight gain may come back, and you’ll gain more than what you lost.”
Condon says you should always consult your primary care doctor before starting any new diet.
What are the dangers of the keto diet?
“If you are on diabetic medication that causes low blood sugar, those meds may need to be adjusted within a few days,” Condon says. “There are heart-healthy sources of fat, however if that person is not educated on heart-healthy sources of fat, they may consume excessive amounts of saturated fats that can increase your risk of heart disease.”
Is the keto diet safe?
The keto diet could cause low blood pressure, kidney stones, constipation, nutrient deficiencies and an increased risk of heart disease. Strict diets like keto could also cause social isolation or disordered eating. Keto is not safe for those with any conditions involving their pancreas, liver, thyroid or gallbladder.
Someone new to the keto diet can also experience what’s called the “keto flu” with symptoms like upset stomach, dizziness, decreased energy, and mood swings caused by your body adapting to ketosis.
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Is the keto diet bad for you?
Both Condon and Kleinman say they wouldn’t recommend the keto diet to their patients because it is ultimately not realistic or sustainable. The diet restricts fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy that can help with long term weight loss and overall health.
“There’s not one diet that’s good for everyone,” Kleinman says. “Do your research, consult a dietitian, discuss with your doctor, and make sure you’re being safe.”
FAQs
The keto diet could cause low blood pressure, kidney stones, constipation, nutrient deficiencies and an increased risk of heart disease. Strict diets like keto could also cause social isolation or disordered eating. Keto is not safe for those with any conditions involving their pancreas, liver, thyroid or gallbladder.
Is keto hard on the kidneys? ›
The ketogenic diet is becoming more popular as a weight loss regimen; however, the evidence has failed to show clinically significant benefits over comparator diets. Even worse, it may cause hyperlipidemia, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, fatigue, and kidney damage, among other complications (Figure 1) [6].
Who shouldn't do keto? ›
TABLE 2
| Main contraindications | Main arguments in support of contraindications |
|---|
| Recent stroke or myocardial infarction | Increased risk of arrhythmia |
| Heart failure | Increased risk of arrhythmia, hydroelectrolitic alterations |
| Respiratory failure | Acidosis |
| Active/severe infections | Immunosuppression |
11 more rowsJul 10, 2020
Common short-term side effects resulting from the initiation of KD have been referred to as “keto flu,” which encompasses symptoms including fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and low exercise tolerance [6].
How long can you stay in ketosis safely? ›
Gulotta recommends staying on keto for six months max before reintroducing more carbs to your diet. And Scott Keatley, RDN, of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy in New York City, agrees: “The science hasn't gotten to the point where I would be comfortable recommending it as a forever diet,” he says.
How do I protect my kidneys on a keto diet? ›
Additionally, restricting or reducing salt intake, particularly if you have high blood pressure, and ensuring proper hydration will alleviate stress on the kidneys.
Is a keto diet safe for seniors? ›
People over 50 may have success on the keto diet, because it has the potential to promote weight loss, control blood sugar, and possibly protect against heart disease. But this eating plan does have risks, and you should always check with your doctor or a licensed nutritionist before you start any new diet.
Why you should say no to keto? ›
Both Condon and Kleinman say they wouldn't recommend the keto diet to their patients because it is ultimately not realistic or sustainable. The diet restricts fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy that can help with long term weight loss and overall health.
Why does keto have a bad reputation? ›
Keto diet risks
Top of the list: it's high in saturated fat. McManus recommends that you keep saturated fats to no more than 7% of your daily calories because of the link to heart disease. And indeed, the keto diet is associated with an increase in "bad" LDL cholesterol, which is also linked to heart disease.
What medications should not be taken with keto? ›
Medications used for seizures and glaucoma (Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors) interacts with KETOGENIC DIET. Some medications used for seizures and glaucoma can increase the risk of kidney stones. The ketogenic diet might also increase the risk of kidney stones.
Over the last few months, Kelly has been open about moving into an active lifestyle, switching up her diet, and taking a prescription medication to aid with her weight loss. Back in January, she revealed a pre-diabetic diagnosis, along with a cross-country move to New York City, kicked her into action.
What are the long term side effects of the keto diet? ›
5 Long-Term Health Risks of Going Keto
- Low-Carb Diets Could Lead to Vitamin or Mineral Deficiencies.
- It May Affect Your Athletic Performance.
- Relaxing the Rules Can Cause Weight Regain.
- It May Also Damage Blood Vessels.
- Too Much Fat Can Raise Chronic Disease Risk.
- A Quick Review.
10 Foods You Can't Eat on the Keto Diet & Their Substitutes
- Grains and Starches. ...
- Sugary Foods and Sweets. ...
- High-Carb Fruits. ...
- Starchy Vegetables. ...
- Legumes and Beans. ...
- Processed Foods with Hidden Carbs. ...
- Alcohol and co*cktails. ...
- High-Carb Sauces and Condiments.
You'll be better off avoiding vitamins containing titanium dioxide, artificial dyes, and added sugars. We encourage you to follow a varied keto diet that limits processed foods. This will help you get all the vitamins and minerals for your body to thrive.
What happens to the liver during ketosis? ›
Your liver produces a small amount of ketones on its own. But when your glucose level decreases, your insulin level decreases. This causes your liver to ramp up the production of ketones to ensure it can provide enough energy for your brain. Therefore, your blood has high levels of ketones during ketosis.
What happens when you come off keto? ›
Weight gain. Bloating and other bathroom issues. Blood sugar spikes, which could cause fatigue and irritability. Increased hunger and sugar addiction.
What organ does keto affect? ›
High-fat, low-carb regimen stresses out cells in heart, kidneys, brain, and liver, but effects may be reversible. Many influencers, athletes, and regular folks swear by ketogenic diets—skimping on carbs and feasting on fats to quickly shed pounds and improve their metabolism.
Does a low-carb diet improve kidney function? ›
Researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine have for the first time determined that the ketogenic diet, a specialized high-fat, low carbohydrate diet, may reverse impaired kidney function in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
What is the best diet for a person with kidney disease? ›
The DASH Diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, seeds, and nuts. It is low in salt and sodium, added sugars and sweets, fat and red meats.
What is the hardest thing for your kidneys to process? ›
Meat & Dairy Products
Diets high in animal protein from meats and dairy products can cause kidney damage because they can be very hard to metabolize. This places a heavy burden on the kidneys, making it hard for them to eliminate waste products. A high-protein diet may cause or exacerbate existing kidney problems.
