Keto Means
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Is the keto diet hard on your kidneys and liver?

The keto diet could cause low blood pressure, kidney stones, constipation, nutrient deficiencies and an increased risk of heart disease. Strict diets like keto could also cause social isolation or disordered eating. Keto is not safe for those with any conditions involving their pancreas, liver, thyroid or gallbladder.

uchicagomedicine.org - Is the Keto Diet Safe? What are the Risks? - UChicago Medicine
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Fad diets often come with big promises of weight loss and optimum health, but at what risks? UChicago Medicine dietitians say the ketogenic or keto diet, which has gained popularity in the last several years, is extremely strict and difficult to maintain.

What is the keto diet?

Rachel Kleinman, RDN, LDN, clinical dietitian, says the keto diet is primarily used to manage seizures in children with epilepsy. Research on the diet’s effectiveness in treating obesity or diabetes is limited.

What is ketosis?

Ketosis is a metabolic adaptation to allow the body to survive in a period of famine. Your body will break down ketone bodies, a type of fuel the liver produces from fat, instead of sugar or glucose from carbohydrates. To achieve ketosis, the diet requires you eat 75 percent of your calories from fat, compared to 20-35 percent normally. It also requires 5 percent of calories from carbohydrates, about 20-50 grams per day, and 15 percent of calories from protein. Kleinman said it takes about 72 hours for ketosis to kick in. It’s really an all or nothing diet. People following the keto diet should be eating foods like fatty fish, eggs, dairy, meat, butter, oils, nuts, seeds and low-carb vegetables. “Fat bombs” like unsweetened chocolate or coconut oil can help people reach their daily goals for fat intake. Keto-compliant foods like red meats and nuts can be costly. Keto-branded products like keto coffee and other supplemental products are also both costly and unnecessary.

Is the keto diet healthy?

Wellness dietitian Mary Condon, RN, LDN, says the keto diet may result in weight loss and lower blood sugars, but it’s a quick fix. “More often than not, it’s not sustainable. Oftentimes weight gain may come back, and you’ll gain more than what you lost.” Condon says you should always consult your primary care doctor before starting any new diet.

What are the dangers of the keto diet?

“If you are on diabetic medication that causes low blood sugar, those meds may need to be adjusted within a few days,” Condon says. “There are heart-healthy sources of fat, however if that person is not educated on heart-healthy sources of fat, they may consume excessive amounts of saturated fats that can increase your risk of heart disease.”

Is the keto diet safe?

The keto diet could cause low blood pressure, kidney stones, constipation, nutrient deficiencies and an increased risk of heart disease. Strict diets like keto could also cause social isolation or disordered eating. Keto is not safe for those with any conditions involving their pancreas, liver, thyroid or gallbladder. Someone new to the keto diet can also experience what’s called the “keto flu” with symptoms like upset stomach, dizziness, decreased energy, and mood swings caused by your body adapting to ketosis.

Is the keto diet bad for you?

Both Condon and Kleinman say they wouldn’t recommend the keto diet to their patients because it is ultimately not realistic or sustainable. The diet restricts fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy that can help with long term weight loss and overall health. “There’s not one diet that’s good for everyone,” Kleinman says. “Do your research, consult a dietitian, discuss with your doctor, and make sure you’re being safe.”

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Does a high protein diet make you smell?

ODOR: Bleach REASON: High-protein diets can produce a bleach or ammonia scent, a sign that muscle might be being used instead of fat for fuel, which can slow metabolism, making it harder to keep off weight.

womenshealthmag.com - 3 Weird Ways Your Diet Could Be Giving You BO

Online message boards are filled with women asking why they smell since turning their diet and exercise way up (maybe too much?). "When odors are new, that can be a sign that your body is not functioning properly," says disordered-eating specialist Edward Tyson, M.D. Three common offenders:

ODOR: Booze

REASON: For extreme low-carbers: When ketones (the by-product of a body burning fat instead of carbs) become too elevated in the blood, they can release an alcohol-like odor.

ODOR: Bleach

REASON: High-protein diets can produce a bleach or ammonia scent, a sign that muscle might be being used instead of fat for fuel, which can slow metabolism, making it harder to keep off weight. (Hit the reset button—and burn fat like crazy with The Body Clock Diet!)

See what happened when one woman tried the keto diet:

ODOR: Garlic

REASON: Picky eaters or those trying to restrict their calorie intake may over-spice the select (or bland) things they regularly consume, which can cause a garlicky aroma.

BOTTOM LINE

If you're catching weird whiffs, see your GP and, ideally, an R.D., who will help get your body running efficiently again. This article originally appeared in the December 2017 issue of Women's Health. For more great advice, pick up a copy of the issue on newsstands now!

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