What side effects does keto have?

Side Effects in Adults For adults following the ketogenic diet, the most common complications include weight loss, constipation and increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Women may also experience amenorrhea or other disruptions to the menstrual cycle.

news-medical.net - Ketogenic Diet Side Effects - News Medical

What level of ketosis is ideal for weight loss?

0.5 – 3 mmol/L Many people have found weight loss success using the keto diet. Nutritional ketosis is defined as blood ketone levels of 0.5 – 3...

Last updated Dec 19, 2021

Why do I feel so much better on a low-carb diet?

Your metabolism helps your body create energy, but when you switch to a low carb diet, your metabolism will actually start using fat for energy...

Last updated Mar 26, 2022

Promotion

Although the adverse effects related to the ketogenic diet are generally less serve than those of anticonvulsant medications used to treat epilepsy, individuals following the diet may experience a number of undesirable effects.

Short-Term Side Effects

There are several short-term side effects that are most evident at the beginning of therapy, particularly when patients commence the diet with an initial fast. Hypoglycemia is a common side effect in this instance, and noticeable signs may include:

Excessive thirst

Frequent urination

Fatigue

Hunger

Confusion, anxiety and/or irritability

Tachycardia

Lightheadedness and shakiness

Sweating and chills

Additionally, patients may also experience some constipation and low-grade acidosis. These effects tend to improve when the diet is continued, as the body adapts to the new diet and adjust the ways in which it sources energy.

Alteration in Blood Composition

As a result of the changes in dietary consumption and the body’s adaptive mechanisms to cope with the reduced carbohydrate intake, there are several changes in the blood composition of individuals following the ketogenic diet. In particular, the levels of lipids and cholesterol in the blood are commonly higher than what is considered to be normal. More than 60% of patients have raised lipid levels and more than 30% have high levels of cholesterol. If these changes are profound and there is some concern about the health of the child, slight changes to the diet can be made for the individual patient. For example, saturated fat sources can be substituted for polyunsaturated fats. In some cases, it may be necessary to lower the ketogenic ratio and reduce the proportion of fat to carbohydrate and protein in the diet.

Long-Term Effects

When the ketogenic diet is continued for extended periods of time, there are other adverse effects that become more evident and have a greater impact on individuals. Kidney stones, also known as nephrolithiasis, are a common complication for children following the diet, with approximately 5% of patients suffering from the condition. It is, however, treatable and the current recommendations suggest that the diet should be continued. The formation of kidney stones is believed to be linked to hypocitraturia and hypercalciuria, when acidosis causes the bone to demineralize. Additionally, low pH in the urine can encourage the formation of crystals and, eventually, kidney stones. There is some evidence that supplementation with potassium citrate reduces the incidence of kidney stones, as it binds to and reduces the level of calcium in the bloodstream. More research on this is required, however. Additionally, patients have an increased risk of bone fractures. This arises from the altered levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 and the effects of acidosis. Acidosis leads to the erosion of bone, weakening the bones and leaving them prone to fractures. In order to manage these side effects, supplementation of vitamins and minerals are routinely administered to patients following the ketogenic diet. This commonly comprises of a multivitamin, calcium and vitamin D supplements. For adults following the ketogenic diet, the most common complications include weight loss, constipation and increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Women may also experience amenorrhea or other disruptions to the menstrual cycle.

References

How long is a good time to do keto?

You should aim to give it at least six weeks. After that, if you feel exhausted or hate eating the food, then the diet is probably not for you. However, if you feel energetic after keto flu symptoms subside within a couple of weeks, which some people report, you may see success with the plan.

everydayhealth.com - Keto Diet: Short- and Long-Term Side Effects | Everyday Health

The keto diet is a much-discussed eating plan , but it’s no walk in the park. Essentially, when following a keto diet food list, you’re eating mostly keto-friendly fat (60 to 80 percent of your calories) and very low carbohydrates, starting with 20 to 30 grams (g) per day. This allows your body to use fat for energy rather than carbohydrates, sending you into a state called ketosis. While fans talk about the amazing weight loss results you may see from cutting so many carbs, there’s one vital truth to keep in mind: “It’s very important to understand that the ketogenic diet doesn’t work the same for everyone,” says the New York City–based dietitian Kristen Mancinelli, RD, author of The Ketogenic Diet: A Scientifically Proven Approach to Fast, Healthy Weight Loss. Your unique body chemistry dictates how you’ll respond to eating this way, but there are some universal truths. Here’s what you can and can’t expect to happen on the diet, including the possible benefits and risks of keto!