A ‘Keto diet’ OR Ketogenic is a low crab and high fat diet that has become popular in recent years because of its effectiveness in weight loss and overall health improvement. But like in all diet plans there are some side effects that we need to understand before we start a Ketogenic diet. We will understand some side effects that are common and backed by different scientific studies conducted worldwide.
As Keto diet works by reducing carbohydrate intake and taking fats as an alternate fuel source this reduction in carbohydrate intake put our bodies in Ketosis ‘ A metabolic state’ , resulting in fat burn both from food intake and body fats. While this state causes a significant weight loss, on the other hand one feel some side effects.
Keto Flu
At start most individuals feel a group of symptoms that is known as ‘Keto Flu’. These symptoms includes fatigue, headache, dizziness and nausea. As body try to adjust to the removal of carbohydrates from our diet and get used to the ‘Ketosis’
Electrolyte Imbalance and Dehydration.
The ‘Ketosis’ can also cause electrolyte imbalance and dehydration as reduction in carbohydrate intake causes body to release excess water stored in our bodies, which leads to dehydration. With this loss of water also takes out electrolytes and minerals from our body. One can feel symptoms like fatigue, muscle cramps and irregular heart beat.
Kidney Stones
Some studies suggest that Keto diet can cause kidney stones and reason behinds this is high consumption of proteins from animals. This causes urine to become more acidic that leads to stone formation.
Heart Disease Risk
While some expert advocate improved heart health because of there is reduction in cholesterol, on the other hand some believe that Keto diet causes increase in LDL which is a harmful cholesterol. LDL is a bad cholesterol and is known for its contribution to cardiovascular disease.
While Keto diet is beneficial for health in a number of ways, still we need to understand potential side effects. Introduction of a new diet to our body can be harmful in certain conditions so always consult your doctor before putting your body on Ketosis.
