Keto Diet Myths You Have To Know
The keto diet can be an ideal way for many individuals to shed unwanted weight. Not only can eating keto boost metabolism and curb appetite, it may also treat epilepsy, balance mood disorders, and reduce inflammation conditions.
Unfortunately, there have been unreliable and inaccurate accounts about the keto diet which may be misleading. Please read on to explore four of the most persistent myths surrounding it.
1. Ketosis is dangerous
Though the keto diet has many health advantages, some individuals remain concerned about its safety. A primary worry is nutritional ketosis potentially leading to diabetic ketoacidosis; this complication occurs when your body can’t use sugar as an energy source and begins breaking down fat instead. When this happens, acids called ketones form that produce acidity in the blood which could become life-threatening unless treated immediately by medical personnel.
However, ketogenic dieting does not aim to induce diabetic ketoacidosis. Ketosis is a normal body response to eating fewer carbs or fasting and should be safe for most healthy people. People with preexisting conditions such as diabetes may not be able to reach ketosis safely and should consult with their endocrinologist prior to making any dietary changes.
When your body doesn’t have enough carbohydrates to fuel the brain, it turns to fat for energy instead. When this occurs, ketones form that circulates in your bloodstream before diffusing into your lungs where they’re exhaled as breath “keto breath”. Although generally harmless, it can sometimes be unpleasant for some individuals.
The good news is that selecting your fats carefully won’t likely have an adverse impact on your breath or energy levels. Opt for natural fats found in whole foods, like olive oil and olives, avocados, coconuts, grass-fed butter, and meats as well as wild-caught fish; avoid trans-fats found in processed food made with low-quality vegetable oils, fast food, or most forms of fried foods.
Although more research needs to be conducted, preliminary evidence indicates that the keto diet can provide several promising advantages for various conditions, including type 2 diabetes and epilepsy patients who don’t respond well to anti-seizure medication; controlling seizures in children; and decreasing migraine frequency and severity. It may even help with weight loss while providing an opportunity for healthier living over time.
2. Ketosis is not sustainable
Many find keto diets unsustainable due to fatigue, feeling deprived, and kidney stones. Fatigue may be caused by nutritional deficiencies such as iron, potassium, and vitamin D – this can easily be remedied by eating whole foods with plenty of proteins, fats, and vegetables in each meal. Adrenal fatigue is another contributor that often arises among long-time keto dieters.
One reason the keto diet may not be sustainable for some is due to its high ratio of fat to carbohydrates. This can increase the risk for kidney stones if someone who is more predisposed is eating too much animal-based protein; these stones can be prevented by switching up protein sources or taking a pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6) supplement. Although kidney stones don’t necessarily negate following a keto diet plan altogether, if this applies to you be sure to consult with a healthcare provider prior to making decisions regarding its implementation if possible.
One reason the keto diet may not be sustainable for everyone is due to “keto flu.” People attempting to follow it may experience fatigue, hunger, or sickness; this is caused by their body adjusting to burning fat for fuel instead of glucose which takes time for your body to adapt to. Therefore it is crucial that any transition be done gradually over time to the ketogenic diet.
Recent research supports the ketogenic diet’s effectiveness in treating and preventing various chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, autism, depression, migraines, and polycystic ovary syndrome. If following such a high-fat, low-carb diet is to your advantage then make sure all your healthy fats come from whole food sources like olives, avocados coconuts grass-fed meat butter wild-caught fish, etc. Instead of processed foods flour sugar or trans-fats.
3. Ketosis is not healthy
Though nutritional ketosis offers many health advantages, it’s important to distinguish it from metabolic ketoacidosis. The latter condition occurs when your body becomes unable to use glucose as its preferred fuel and starts burning fat instead for energy, creating ketones that enter your bloodstream and make it acidic – this complication often arises in people who fail to manage their blood sugar properly, or if dehydration sets in, excessive alcohol consumption, or fasting for prolonged periods occur which could even prove fatal if not addressed quickly enough.
Nutritional ketosis, on the other hand, is a healthy metabolic state in which your body uses fat instead of carbohydrates for energy – helping reduce hunger and cravings while aiding weight loss. According to research, the keto diet can also provide an alternative source of energy for brain cells as well as reduce triglyceride levels while simultaneously decreasing blood sugar levels.
When selecting high-quality foods for the keto diet, it’s essential that you select only premium options. Avoid processed food made with vegetable oils and sugary beverages like soda and fruit drinks; opt for nutrient-rich options like olives, avocados, coconuts, grass-fed butter/meats/wild fish/organic veggies/fruits. When possible opt for organic versions to limit pesticide and herbicide exposure.
The keto diet has long been utilized as a solution to various medical issues, including epilepsy. Most commonly it’s used to aid weight loss and decrease seizure frequency in drug-resistant epilepsy patients. Studies have also suggested that following the keto diet could lower risk factors associated with type 1 and 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease as well as pre-pregnancy and pregnancy conditions.
Although the keto diet offers numerous health advantages, it may not be right for everyone. Side effects could include fatigue and headaches; furthermore, its long-term implementation could prove challenging. As such, it would be wise to consult your physician prior to beginning this diet plan, particularly if any health concerns exist.
4. Ketosis is a fad diet
The keto diet or ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carb eating plan designed to induce nutritional ketosis, an energy state where your body breaks down fat instead of carbohydrates for energy, producing ketones as fuel for your brain and other organs. Studies have linked ketosis with weight loss, improved hormone balance, better food digestion, and brain health benefits as well as its use in treating neurological conditions such as unmanaged epilepsy and traumatic brain injury; studies are currently ongoing as to its potential role in treating cancer treatment side effects such as cancer treatment side effects, autism, migraine headaches as well as polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms.
Unfortunately, the keto diet’s popularity has led to numerous misleading claims and rumors regarding its safety and sustainability. Many of these rumors focus on the risk of ketoacidosis – an emergency condition caused by extremely low blood sugar that prevents cells from receiving enough sugar from your liver for fueling their function; but this can be avoided by maintaining a diet low in carbohydrates.
Claims about the keto diet that are misinformed include those alleging it causes fatigue, hunger, irritability, and depressed mood. While transitioning to a lower carbohydrate diet may cause these side effects initially, they usually subside after about one week of diet follow-through. Furthermore, keto is not designed as a lifelong eating plan since it may lead to nutritional deficiencies without continued support and accountability from guidance providers.
As a result, the keto diet has been labeled as a “fad diet.” In reality, however, its numerous advantages outweigh its negatives; weight loss, improved hormone balance, reduced cardiovascular risks, etc. If an anti-keto story appears in the media, know that its accuracy might be questionable due to outdated and incomplete research or be part of an attempt by anti-keto organizations to discourage people from trying this life-changing eating plan – this type of biased journalism violates basic journalistic standards and should be condemned.
