The Surprising Side Effects of the Keto Diet: Proceed with Caution
The keto diet is one of the most popular diets gaining traction in recent years. Thanks to a series of endorsements from celebrities ranging from Gwyneth Paltrow and some Kardashians to Joe Rogan, whoever he may be, everyone wants to know if the keto diet can help with weight loss and muscle building.
We’ve found it to be a surprisingly effective diet – surprising, considering it’s popular among health enthusiasts like Gwyneth Paltrow and the Kardashians, plus Joe Rogan, whoever he may be – but have you considered its side effects?
There are seven side effects, and those with sensitive nature or sensitive bowels may want to look away now…
The keto diet is a high-fat, high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that works by helping your body enter a state of ketosis. This means your body is using its fat as energy instead of the carbohydrates you’re ingesting.
By reducing the amount of carbohydrates you eat, you are depriving your body of its regular energy supply, forcing it to dip into its fat stores for fuel. The good news is that science confirms this: Harvard University says your body will enter ketosis within two to four days of following the keto diet, as long as you’re eating less than 50 grams of carbs per day. That’s not a lot.
The diet taps into your body’s fat stores and is naturally high in protein and fat, which curbs appetite and suppresses hunger. So, it’s proven to aid in short-term weight loss, but improved blood sugar levels and potential protection against brain disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are also touted benefits of the keto diet.
However, there are some side effects. A report from Andrews University cited several common side effects listed when someone tries to switch to the keto diet for the first time. These include fatigue, due to the lack of carbohydrates needed to complement your body’s energy levels.
If you’re not careful, the keto diet can often involve an excess of red meat and a lack of vegetables, leading to muscle cramps and constipation. Headaches and lack of concentration are also commonly reported issues that occur when adjusting to the keto diet.
If you’re looking to take your mind off cramps and headaches by going to see some friends, make sure to freshen up your breath first. The final side effect typically listed as a result of switching to the keto diet is bad breath.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the release of “ketones” in the body results in the production of acetone, a foul-smelling chemical excreted in our breath and urine.
It’s a reliable sign that the body has entered ketosis and is chomping on its fat reserves for fuel, but it’s also quite unpleasant for those nearest and dearest. Luckily, if you’re out and wearing a mask due to the global health crisis, fewer people will be able to tell!
Keto is a great way to reduce carbohydrate intake and kickstart your weight loss journey. However, research on the long-term effects of ketosis is limited, so if you’re planning to follow the diet for an extended period, it’s worth consulting with a doctor or nutritionist when deciding if Keto is right for you.
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