7 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Going Keto
Start writing a post
Food Drink

7 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Going Keto

The keto diet promises fast weight loss, but many experts are concerned about the side effects and complications.

22
7 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Going Keto
pexels.com

The ketogenic diet recently became the new craze. The philosophy of a keto diet is to cut down on carbohydrates to 50 grams a day or less, in order for the body to achieve a state of ketosis, where it starts to burn fat instead of sugar for energy.

But as much as the keto-worshippers claim, a high-fat and low-carbohydrate food plan isn't that useful for diabetes or weight-loss. In fact, this fad diet actually can lead to potentially serious side effects such as high cholesterol, heart disease, keto flu, kidney stones, cardiac arrhythmias, selenium deficiency, and even death.

Dr. Shawn Khodadadian, a gastroenterologist who also specializes in nutrition states "Due to the lack of real health benefits and the potential for serious damage, I caution people before they hop on the keto diet train." Even many keto advocates acknowledge that if the diet isn't done properly, it can cause harm to the body. Here are seven reasons why you should be careful about starting a ketogenic diet.

1. The "keto flu"

Many people report feeling sick (known as keto-flu) when they start ketosis. Symptoms include gastrointestinal distress, vomit, lethargy, and a lot of fatigue. Some doctors estimate that around 25% of those who try a ketogenic diet encounter these symptoms, and fatigue is the most common one. This happens during the transition when your body stops burning sugar for energy since it runs out. However, for many people, these symptoms should go away after some time.

2. Diarrhea

When you begin a ketogenic diet, you will probably find yourself rushing to the bathroom quite often. Just do a search on the internet, yes, you'll find people tweeting about keto diarrhea. One possible cause can be the gallbladder being overwhelmed, which is the organ that creates bile to help break down fat.

According to Dr. Shawn, diarrhea could also be caused by a lack of fiber in the diet. Which happens when you practically eliminate carbs like pasta and whole-grain bread without supplementing it with other foods rich in fiber, like vegetables.

3. Reduced athletic performance

Some athletes even claim that a ketogenic diet improved their performance, but most nutritionists don't buy it. A study featured in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found that those who spend four days on a ketogenic diet performed worse on running tasks and high-intensity cycling, compared to those who spend four days eating a high-carb diet. When the body is in ketosis, it's in a more acidic state, which could restrict its ability to perform as well.

4. Ketoacidosis

People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes should avoid the keto diet unless they discussed it with their doctor and got permission. A dangerous condition called ketoacidosis can be triggered by ketosis in people with diabetes. This happens as a result of the body storing too many ketones (acids produced as a result of burning fat) causing the blood to become acidic, which could damage the kidneys, liver, and brain.

5. Weight regain

Many health experts consider the keto diet no beneficial in the long-term because it's so restrictive. Most people found that they regained most of the weight they lost once they ended the diet and resumed eating carbs. This problem seems to affect all fad diets, but it's even more common with the keto diet. So if you want to try ketosis because your friend recently lost weight on it, give it some time, he will most likely gain it back.

6. Less muscle mass and decreased metabolism

Another disadvantage of a keto diet is that a lot of the weight you lose can be a loss of muscle mass. This is especially true for those who eat more fat than protein. Your metabolism will also be affected since muscle burns more calories than fat.

"When people stop their ketogenic diet and regain most of their lost weight, it's usually not in the same proportions," says Shawn. You're more likely to regain fat than lean muscle. Which means you're back to the starting weight without the muscles mass to burn calories.

7. Increased risk of diabetes and heart disease

When done under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist, you will minimize the risks associated with a keto diet. But trying to do it without the guidance, such high-fat diets can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of getting diabetes. It's even become to be known as a "cardiologist's nightmare." The European Society of Cardiology just recently presented a 25,000-person study which found that people on low-carb diets have the greatest risk of dying from cardiovascular conditions and cancer.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

55716
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35914
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957913
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

186697
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments