Have you ever wondered if the keto diet was right for you? In today’s blog, I will give you a brief introduction that will help you decide!
Definition
The Keto Diet (short for Ketogenic) is a short-term diet based on very low carbohydrates, high fats, and moderate proteins.
When you eat a very low amount of carbohydrates, your body eventually runs out of fuel and starts burning fats and proteins for energy. This is called ketosis and usually kicks in after 2 to 4 days of starting the keto diet.
History
While people today mostly use the keto diet for weight loss, it was created in the 1920s by Dr. Russell Wilder to treat epilepsy. The diet was replaced by newly developed antiepileptic medications in the 1930s.
The keto diet made many comebacks between then and now. However, its major comeback happened only 5 years ago!
New research has found some possible benefits for patients with:
- Excess weight
- Different types of cancer
- Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
However, we need more research to prove these claims.
Precautions
If you have any chronic condition, including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatic disease, or you are pregnant or nursing, you should consult with your physician first before attempting the keto diet.
Moreover, for some of you, the risks will be greater than the benefits and your doctor may ask you to avoid the keto diet.
For others, your physician may need to change some of your medications if you decide the keto diet is right for you.
Also note that once you start the keto diet, it is possible to get the “keto flu” as your body adjusts to ketosis. The keto flu usually lasts from a couple of days to a couple of weeks, and symptoms include headaches, irritability, poor concentration, nausea/ vomiting, fatigue, weakness, and difficulty sleeping.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, when done under the right circumstances and some medical supervision, the keto diet can be very beneficial.
Just remember: Do Not Start the keto diet without speaking with your health care provider first.
Do you have any questions about the keto diet? Send us a message or post your question in the comment section below.
