What does keto do to the female body?

Some research has shown that the ketogenic diet may be effective at promoting weight loss and improving blood sugar regulation in women. Plus, it may be beneficial when used as a complementary therapy in women with certain types of cancers.

healthline.com - Keto for Women: Does It Work? - Healthline

What are the rules of eating keto?

A ketogenic diet should consist of about 60–80% fat, 10–30% protein, and no more than 5–10% — or 20–50 grams — of carbs per day. Focus on high fat,...

Last updated Jan 17, 2018

What is overweight for a 12 year old?

Based on BMI, a child is underweight if her BMI is less than the fifth percentile. A child is within the healthy range if her BMI is between the...

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However, you may wonder whether the ketogenic diet is equally effective for all populations, including women. There are other benefits related to the keto diet as well, including improved blood sugar regulation and other markers of metabolic health. The ketogenic diet is a popular very low carb, high fat diet favored by many people for its ability to promote quick weight loss. The ketogenic diet shows promise when used therapeutically to improve certain factors of health. Studies have shown that it can be used as a way to reduce body fat and improve blood sugar, and even as a complementary treatment for certain cancers ( 1 , 2 ). Although much of the research focuses on how well the keto diet works in men, a decent number of studies have included women or focused exclusively on the effects of the keto diet on women.

Keto and weight loss for women

One of the main reasons why women turn to the keto diet is to lose excess body fat. Some research suggests the keto diet may be an effective way to encourage fat loss in the female population. Studies have shown that following a keto diet may aid weight loss by increasing fat burning and decreasing calorie intake and hunger-promoting hormones like insulin — all of which may help encourage fat loss ( 3 ). For example, one study in 45 women with ovarian or endometrial cancer found that women who followed a ketogenic diet for 12 weeks had significantly less total body fat and lost 16% more belly fat than women assigned to a low fat, high fiber diet ( 4 ). Another study in adults with obesity that included 12 women demonstrated that following a very low calorie ketogenic diet for 14 weeks significantly reduced body fat, decreased food cravings, and improved female sexual function ( 5 ). Additionally, a review of 13 randomized controlled trials — the gold standard in research — that included a population comprised of 61% women found that participants who followed ketogenic diets lost 2 pounds (0.9 kg) more than those on low fat diets after 1 to 2 years ( 6 ). Although research supports the use of this very low carb way of eating to enhance fat loss in the short term, keep in mind that there’s currently a lack of studies exploring the long-term effects of the keto diet on weight loss.

What organs are affected by ketosis?

The keto diet could cause low blood pressure, kidney stones, constipation, nutrient deficiencies and an increased risk of heart disease. Strict...

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What fruits Cannot be eaten together?

Try not to mix acidic fruits, such as grapefruits and strawberries, or sub-acidic foods such as apples, pomegranates and peaches, with sweet...

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Plus, some evidence suggests that the weight-loss-promoting benefits of the keto diet drop off around the 5-month mark, which may be due to its restrictive nature ( 7 ). What’s more, some research shows that less restrictive low carb diets may result in comparable effects and are easier to sustain long term. For example, a study that included 52 women found that low and moderate carb diets that contained 15% and 25% carbs, respectively, reduced body fat and waist circumference over 12 weeks similar to a ketogenic diet that contained 5% carbs ( 8 ). Plus, the higher carb diets were easier for the women to stick to.

Keto and blood sugar control for women

The ketogenic diet typically limits carb intake to less than 10% of total calories. For this reason, the diet is favored by women with high blood sugar, including those with type 2 diabetes. A 4-month study that included 58 women with obesity and type 2 diabetes found that a very low calorie keto diet caused significantly greater weight loss and reductions in fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) than a standard low calorie diet ( 9 ).

HbA1c is a marker of long-term blood sugar control.

A 2019 case study in a 65-year-old woman with a 26-year history of type 2 diabetes and depression demonstrated that after following a ketogenic diet for 12 weeks, along with psychotherapy and high intensity exercise, her HbA1c dropped out of diabetic range. Her fasting blood sugar and her markers for clinical depression normalized. Essentially, this case study showed that the ketogenic diet reversed this woman’s type 2 diabetes ( 10 ). A study in 25 people that included 15 women showed similar results. After 34 weeks of following a keto diet, approximately 55% of the study population had HbA1c levels below the diabetic level, compared with 0% who followed a low fat diet ( 11 ). However, it’s important to note that currently, studies on the long-term adherence, safety, and efficacy of the ketogenic diet on blood sugar control are lacking.

What exercise burns the most fat for female?

Here are the 8 best exercises for weight loss. Walking. Walking is one of the best exercises for weight loss — and for good reason. ... Jogging or...

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What are the first steps to starting keto?

5 Steps to Getting Started on Keto Step 1 - Determine Your Fitness Goal. Step 2 - Calculate Your Daily Calorie Goal. Step 3 - Calculate Your Keto...

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Plus, many other less restrictive diets, including the Mediterranean diet, have been researched for decades and are well known for their safety and beneficial effects on blood sugar control and overall health ( 12 ).

Keto and cancer treatment for women

The ketogenic diet has been shown to be beneficial when used as a complementary treatment method for certain types of cancer alongside traditional medications. One study in 45 women with endometrial or ovarian cancer found that following a ketogenic diet increased blood levels of ketone bodies and lowered levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I), a hormone that may promote the spread of cancer cells. The researchers acknowledged that this change, along with the decrease in blood sugar seen in those following ketogenic diets, creates an inhospitable environment for cancer cells that may suppress their growth and spread ( 4 ). Plus, research also shows that the ketogenic diet may improve physical function, increase energy levels, and decrease food cravings in women with endometrial and ovarian cancer ( 13 ). The ketogenic diet has also shown promise when used as a treatment alongside standard treatments like chemotherapy for other cancers that affect women including glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive cancer that affects the brain ( 14 , 15 , 16 ). However, it’s important to note that because of the highly restrictive nature of the ketogenic diet and the current lack of high quality research, this diet isn’t recommended as a treatment for most cancers.

healthline.com - Keto for Women: Does It Work? - Healthline

Can I eat cucumber on keto?

Cucumber is another popular salad vegetable. It contains many essential nutrients, including vitamin K. Cucumber is also suitable for the keto...

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How long to lose 20 lbs on keto?

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How do I get rid of carb belly?

6 Simple Ways to Lose Belly Fat, Based on Science Avoid sugar and sugar-sweetened drinks. Foods with added sugars are bad for your health. ... Eat...

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Does the keto diet make you pee more?

Frequent Urination – very common You will find yourself urinating more often as you start a keto diet. This happens because your body uses up its...

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