Can keto cause yeast infections?

The keto diet displaces plant-based foods with foods high in fat. Plant-based foods are high-fibre foods, and “those high-fibre foods are what feeds good bacteria in our gut,” explained Hardy. For Hardy, a foul odour, yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis can be a sign that the keto diet isn't for your body.

globalnews.ca - 'Keto crotch': What the keto diet can do to women's vaginal health - National

What keeps you full longer?

Fiber. High-fiber foods not only provide volume but also take longer to digest, making you feel full longer on fewer calories. Vegetables, fruits...

Last updated Aug 14, 2019

Why does my body ache on keto?

Muscle cramps and spasms People following the ketogenic diet should ensure that they are getting enough electrolytes from the food they eat to...

Last updated Jun 6, 2018

Promotion

Send this page to someone via email

Everyone’s talking about the keto diet, but no one’s talking about one very off-putting potential side effect of the meal plan: a funky vaginal odour. The low-carb, high-fat diet places your body into a state of ketosis, wherein you burn fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. There is no research confirming the existence of “keto crotch,” but according to Calgary-based dietitian Andrea Hardy, it makes sense that the diet would alter the pH of the vagina through the vaginal microbiota. “Most of us eat about 30 per cent of our calories for the day as fat,” said Hardy. “The keto diet recommends 70 to 80 per cent of our calories are fat. Excess intake of fats and saturated fats can alter the pH of the vagina.”

Story continues below advertisement

(Excessive fat intake is associated with an increase in bacterial vaginosis, a condition caused by a change in pH in the vagina.) Ultimately, an increase in the pH of the vagina can increase the risk of bad bacterial growth. Bad bacteria can cause yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis — and, yes, a bad smell. The keto diet displaces plant-based foods with foods high in fat. Plant-based foods are high-fibre foods, and “those high-fibre foods are what feeds good bacteria in our gut,” explained Hardy. WATCH: Tips and tricks for cutting down on how much diet soda you drink 0:40 Tips and tricks for cutting down on how much diet soda you drink For Hardy, a foul odour, yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis can be a sign that the keto diet isn’t for your body. “There are some studies to suggest that the keto diet is actually harmful to our microbiomes, simply because it reduces the variety [of foods] and the types of carbohydrates that are so important for feeding those good bacteria,” said Hardy.

Story continues below advertisement

That being said, there are some ways to promote good gut and vaginal health while on the keto diet. “Most people that I see doing the keto diet end up doing more of a moderate approach, [which means] consuming a bit more than the recommended five to 10 per cent of their calories as carbohydrates,” Hardy said. It may also help to speak with your pharmacist or family doctor about using probiotics, which can help reduce your risk of bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. However, Hardy doesn’t think the keto diet is a sustainable way to lose weight — especially if you’re experiencing these additional side effects.

What holds meatloaf together?

The most common reason as to why your meatloaf may fall apart is that it doesn't have enough binding agents, like eggs and breadcrumbs. These...

Last updated Sep 2, 2019

How long does it take for your body to start burning stored fat without eating?

Fat burning typically begins after approximately 12 hours of fasting and escalates between 16 and 24 hours of fasting. Jul 29, 2019

Last updated Oct 6, 2018

Promotion

WATCH: Meal planning with the revised Canada Food Guide

2:01 Meal planning with the revised Canada Food Guide

“Proponents of the keto diet suggest that by eating this low carb, it puts your body into ketosis, which is helpful for weight loss,” explained Hardy. But entering into ketosis requires a very restrictive meal plan that can be hard to maintain.

Story continues below advertisement

In addition, the drastic changes that happen to your body during ketosis can have several other negative side effects. “Ketosis occurs when your body runs out of its primary fuel source: glucose. Our carbohydrate-containing foods get converted to glucose in our body and provide [us] with energy. When we restrict that, our body has to find energy from other sources so it takes other nutrients, fats and proteins and converts them into ketones, which can be used like glucose,” said Hardy. “The reason why people lose weight so rapidly is your body actually stores glucose as glycogen, and for every one gram of glycogen it stores, it stores three grams of water. So when people go on the keto diet, they deplete their glycogen stores and very quickly lose quite a lot of pounds.” Dehydration, constipation, an increased risk of kidney problems and the “keto flu” are some of the most common negative side effects. “When you restrict your body from its primary energy source, it drives up its hunger hormones as it struggles to get the fuel that it needs,” said Hardy. “People tend to feel unwell, really hungry and fatigued.” Ultimately, Hardy does not recommend the keto diet as a way to lose weight.

Story continues below advertisement

“Unless it’s therapeutic for a specific medical condition, I would not recommend the keto diet. For the general public looking to manage their weight, I don’t think the keto diet is appropriate and, frankly, I think long-term, it’s probably harmful to your gut microbiota. Your best bet would be a more moderate, sustainable approach,” she said.

Meghan.Collie@globalnews.ca

globalnews.ca - 'Keto crotch': What the keto diet can do to women's vaginal health - National

What is the most attractive smell on a woman?

Which smells do men love on a woman? VANILLA. "Vanilla produces the feeling of happiness universally, and it is proven that it draws people's...

Last updated Jul 4, 2019

Is Milk good for keto?

Drinks You Should Try to Avoid on the Keto Diet Dairy milk is also high in carbs, so it's not keto-friendly. Oct 25, 2022

Last updated Mar 29, 2021

Promotion

Why can't diabetics take metformin?

The medication can cause more serious side effects, though these are rare. The most serious of these is lactic acidosis, a condition caused by...

Last updated Jun 14, 2020

Promotion

What does putting lemon on raw chicken do?

All About The Lemon Marinade The lemon juice not only provides flavor and acidity, but also helps tenderize the chicken. This works especially well...

Last updated Apr 11, 2018