ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — The Keto Diet, a plan that’s high in fat and low in carbs, has become a popular way to lose weight. In fact, the International Food Information Council reports that about 12.9 million Americans follow the Keto Diet each year. But what are the benefits and risks of this approach?
Thinking of going keto? The ketogenic, or “Keto,” diet involves consuming 60 percent of daily calories from fat, 30 percent from protein, and 10 percent from carbs. The idea is your body doesn’t have carbs, so it burns fat first!
“It essentially mimics the fasting state.” Explains Doctor Nicholas Brenton, MD
Research suggests the Keto Diet has benefits. It can help with weight loss, make cancer cells more reactive to chemo and radiation, reduce seizures, improve acne, and reduce blood sugar levels in those with diabetes. One recent study also found the Keto Diet helps people with multiple sclerosis by improving neurologic disability and quality of life.
“At the six-month point on the diet is that patients were less depressed, they were significantly lower levels of fatigue.” Says J. Nicholas Brenton, MD, Assoc. Prof. of Neurology & Pediatrics at University of Virginia Health System.
But there may also be some downsides. A recent study found keto diets were linked to twice as many cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, and blockages in arteries. And people on keto diets had significantly higher levels of LDL — or “bad” cholesterol. Some evidence has also shown that long-term keto diets can lower levels of healthy gut bacteria in children. But experts say more research is needed to confirm these links.
Doctor Brenton says, “I don’t advocate that all patients go on these diets.”
Helping you understand the good and bad when it comes to keto.
Another potential negative of keto: it’s restrictive. One study found 37 percent of keto dieters quit because the diet was too strict to follow.
Contributors to this news report include: Julie Marks, Producer; Roque Correa, Editor.
Sources:
https://fitnessclone.com/keto-diet-statistics/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24003-ketosis
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319196#2-improves-acne
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319196
https://fitnessclone.com/keto-diet-statistics/
TO KETO OR NOT TO KETO?
REPORT #3089
BACKGROUND: The ketogenic diet, often called the keto diet, is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that has gained popularity in recent years for its potential benefits in weight loss and overall health. The keto diet’s main goal is to bring the body’s metabolism into a state called ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. When following a keto diet, people typically eat foods high in healthy fats, moderate in protein, and very low in carbohydrates. 12.9 million Americans try the keto diet every year due to its popularity in claiming to aid in weight loss. While science can show some evidence of its effectiveness in weight loss, the number one reported reason for people quitting is because the diet is too strict to maintain.
(Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499830/ and https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-weight/diet-reviews/ketogenic-diet/ and
https://bodyketosis.com/keto-diet-statistics/)
THE STUDY: The keto diet offers a variety of health benefits such as weight loss, making cancer cells better reactive to treatments, reducing seizures, helping with skin, and helping those with diabetes. However, many studies also show that the keto diet is not ideal for individuals more prone to other health issues. Those who followed the keto diet were linked to twice the number of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, and artery blockages. Those that followed the diet also had higher levels of bad cholesterol and were more likely to suffer from constipation, fatigue, kidney stones, unhealthy gut bacteria, and lower endurance when exercising. Medical professionals suggest that pregnant women, those suffering from eating disorders, people with hyperthyroid, and gallbladder diseases, young children, and high-performance athletes steer clear of the keto diet altogether as it can pose a greater risk to their health.
(Sources: https://www.cleaneatingkitchen.com/negatives-of-a-ketogenic-diet/ and
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319196#takeaway and
NEW REGULATIONS: Studies by Stanford Medicine have claimed the keto diet is beneficial for managing diabetes due to its low carbohydrate intake. Other recent studies have shown that diet increases the size and strength of aging muscles and improves overall brain health. However, several findings also prove that the lifestyle doubles the risk of heart and cardiovascular health. Healthcare professionals and nutrition experts may offer recommendations and guidance on different dietary approaches based on scientific evidence and specific health needs. When suggesting the keto diet, they may consider factors such as a person’s medical history, nutritional requirements, and overall health goals.
(Sources: https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2022/070/keto-mediterranean-diet-diabetes.html and
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20230306/keto-diet-doubles-risk-heart-attack-stroke-study)
* For More Information, Contact: Joshua Barney
Jdb9a@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu
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