What is the difference between the keto diet and other diets?
A “ketogenic” diet generally refers to any weight loss plan that is very low in carbohydrates, increases protein intake, and is high in fat. This might be a healthy diet, but why? It actually has a scientific basis.New weight loss product locks up your mouth
Keto diets are popular because this mix of food fuel tries to trigger ketosis in the body. This activates the production ketones, an alternative energy source for your body. Ketones are attractive because they can be metabolized by neurons and other cells better than fatty acid. The new review shows that the ketogenic diets may cause long-term health problems.
The study authors concluded that the keto diet was particularly dangerous for pregnant women and people who are planning to have children. Study results show that babies born on low-carb diets are at greater risk for developing neural tube defects. Even if the mother takes folic acid during pregnancy, this increased risk persists.
Patients with kidney disease may experience a faster rate of kidney failure if they eat high-protein keto diets. Researchers also found that the diet increases “bad cholesterol” in many people.
Keto cure-alls may have an opposite effect
The team notes that keto diets are often viewed as a potential cure for heart disease and even cancer. However, while some studies find ketogenic diets may starve cancer cells, the new report finds restricting carbohydrates actually tilts a person’s diet towards more cancer-causing foods.
Crosby says that keto diets pose a risk to pregnant women and patients with kidney disease. They can also increase LDL cholesterol and increase the risk of developing chronic diseases. “While keto can reduce body weight short term, this approach is not more effective than other weight-loss diets.”
The study authors found that some epilepsy patients with drug-resistant epilepsy may experience fewer seizures if they eat a keto diet.