Things to Know Before Try Ketogenic Diet

Nowadays, there are many different types of diet to help you lose weight, while also being beneficial to your health – you get the idea. With so many to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? One of those diet regimens you’ve probably heard of, or even know about, is the ketogenic, or keto diet. However, before starting this whole new diet you should probably learn what you’re getting into, and see if you’ve got what it takes to follow through with the diet.

What is ketogenic diet?

Ketogenic diet is a diet choice that is characterized by very low-carb intake, offset by a very high-fat intake. A keto diet will have you intake up to 80 percent of your calories from fat alone, then 20 percent from protein, and roughly 5 or less percent from carbohydrates. This drastic reduction in carbs puts your body in a state of ketosis, in which the body burns fat as fuel.

Things to know before trying the ‘keto’ diet

Despite seeming like a good option to reduce weight, there are a few side effects from practicing ketogenic diet that you should be aware of.

Muscle loss

Some studies suggest that muscle loss – even with ongoing resistance training – is possible due to the severely limited intake of carbohydrates. This is because muscle building requires both protein and carbs to be effective.

Puts pressure on kidneys

Keto diet can lead to the development of kidney stones, especially when your protein intake consists of processed meat. High intakes of processed animal meats can lead to more acidic urine, putting more pressure on the kidneys.

Low blood sugar

Low blood sugar is a natural byproduct of eating minimal amounts of carbs. The low levels of blood sugar can trigger what is known as hypoglycemia, which can be dangerous for people with diabetes

Can lead to dehydration

As the body slowly adjusts to using ketones from fat for energy, the kidney starts to release more electrolytes as your level of insulin falls (due to the very low carb intake). This can cause a condition known as keto flu, in which individuals start to feel nausea, headaches, fatigue and dehydration among other things. This is a temporary condition, and can be offset by drinking more water than usual, but it certainly is a notable precaution to consider before taking on ketogenic diet.

Despite being a viable option for losing weight, ketogenic diets can be challenging to stick to due to the strict regimen. For those wanting to reduce fat, or who cannot fully commit to ketogenic diets, you can consult with our doctors at Rejuvie Clinic for fat reduction treatments.