Weight Loss Questions: Are Ketogenic Diets Safe?

The ketogenic diet has become quite common nowadays when it comes to weight loss. It has been promoted by popular celebrities like Halle Berry who thank the diet for their fit physiques. However, some people think this diet may not be safe. To clear up any confusion, the ketogenic diet is a safe weight loss method. That being said, people with certain health conditions like diabetes should talk to a doctor before giving it a try.

Popularly called the "keto" diet, it requires that you cut carbohydrates down to 50 grams or less per day. This forces the body into a state called ketosis where it burns fat as a primary source of energy. It has been used by doctors to treat epilepsy, particularly in children for over a century. The Epilepsy Foundations states that the diet reduces the frequency of seizures. An article published in the Journal of Child Neurology found that the diet also has anti-inflammatory benefits.

Benefits of the keto diet

As was mentioned earlier, the keto diet has been used for quite some time to treat children with epilepsy. It is an effective way to lose weight, and it can help people with type 2 diabetes to better regulate their blood sugar level. If you find yourself overeating due to hunger, this diet may help control your appetite. A team of researchers published their findings in the journal titled Obesity, stating that ketogenic diets decrease hunger.

There has been speculation that it can be used to treat other ailments that affect the brain like Parkinson's disease, but there is yet to be any conclusive evidence to prove its effectiveness. 

Important information regarding using keto for weight loss

In the beginning, the keto diet may cause some negative, but not unsafe, side effects. This occurs because your body adjusts to a new way of eating. Here are some important things about the keto diet that you should be aware of:

Feeling fatigued is normal

It is completely normal to feel fatigued the first few days after starting keto. The body is used to getting most of its energy from carbohydrates, so switching over to using mostly fats can be quite a shock on the system. This effect can be minimized by consuming plenty of water and getting enough sleep. Natural energy boosters like green tea can be used to combat feelings of fatigue.

Diarrhea is not uncommon

Many people find themselves running to the bathroom more often when they get on the ketogenic diet. This typically happens because they are no longer getting the fiber they would get from eating carbs. This can be combated by eating more high fiber fruits and vegetables.

Lower athletic performance is possible

You may see a decrease in your ability to participate in activities that require short bursts of energy, such as sprints. This is because it can take several months for the body to switch from using carbohydrates as its main energy source to using fats. However, long-term use of ketogenic diets may boost not only performance but also overall health for endurance athletes.

Effective weight loss requires commitment

The reality is, there are many diets you can use to reach your weight loss goals. The most important aspect is sticking to your routine. Complementing the diet with exercises and having the right information about how to effectively lose weight also helps. Call our office to learn more about how to reach your fitness goals.

Request an appointment here: https://acesonaturalmedicine.com or call Aceso Natural Medicine at (815) 782-3974 for an appointment in our Plainfield office.

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