Pros and cons of ketogenic diet

Sometimes the quantity of ketone bodies in our blood system may sky rocket beyond what is considered as normal. At this state, you are termed to be in the metabolic state of ketosis. To be in the ketogenic state simply means that your lipid energy metabolism has not undergone any alterations. At this point, your body turns to your body fat to break it down for the energy required to keep the normal functions up and running. A ketogenic diet refers to any meal that orients your body to burn fat for energy production.

It comes with both pros and cons. Pros of ketogenic diet Burning Fats: If you consume ketogenic diet, it improves your body’s ability to exploit stored fat for energy production. You body’s ability to convert fat into fuel decreases if you consume a meal that is rich in carbohydrates. However, in the state of ketosis, your body has no option other than turning to fats for fuel. Aids Excretion Of Ketones: When in a state of ketosis, your body is no longer in need of ketones and, therefore, has to be excreted via urine as a waste product.

Th is implies that your urine will constitute body fat. Th e best thing about this is that your body no longer requires storing energy substrates for future use. Protein Sparing Eff ect: Let’s assume that you ingest an adequate amount of protein and calories in your diet. When your body is in the ketosis state, it would go for ketones rather than glucose. Because your body contain high amount of fat, there won’t be any need for protein oxidation to produce glucose through a process known as gluconeogenesis.

Th is means protein will be used in other functions in your body. Lowers Insulin Levels: A decrease in insulin levels in your system promotes lipolysis and release of free glycerol. Th is is in contrast to when you ingest a normal diet when the insulin levels rise to the peak. High levels of insulin block lipolysis are inhibiting the use of fats for energy production. Additionally, low insulin levels favor the release of hormones such as the growth hormone. Decreases Appetite: In the state of ketosis, you are less likely to feel hungry.

You be able to survive on a low calorie diet and won’t feel hungry like when you consume meals rich in carbohydrates. Cons of ketogenic diet Although the benefi ts of ketogenic diet outweigh the disadvantages, some health experts argue that it comes with a few pitfalls which include: Triggers Fatigue And Brain Fog: Once you resort to a ketogenic diet, there is a likely that you will experience fatigue and brain fog for the fi rst few weeks during the metabolic shift.

However, your body will have more energy once it gets used to manufacturing ketones as the main source of energy. You will no longer have to experience blood sugar fl uctuations. Altered Blood Lipid Profi le: Th is is a major concern in people in ketogenic diet because of the fl uctuations in the amounts of fat in the diet. However, the diet can be focused on eating healthy fats instead of relying eggs, butter or bacon. Statistics indicate that alteration in blood lipid profi le lowers cholesterol levels in some people whereas it peaks in others. Triggers Micronutrient Defi ciencies: Due to restriction of carbohydrates in ketogenic diet, micronutrient defi ciencies can result.

To prevent this from happening, you should focus to taking high quality multivitamin/ mineral supplements twice every day. In addition, use fi ber supplement to ensure that your digestive system stays healthy throughout. Triggers Ketoacidosis: If the level of ketones in your blood skyrockets, ketoacidosis may occur because ketones are acidic in nature. Th is means your blood pH could become lower which can spell death. However, this should not be a major concern if you are not diabetic. Your blood sugar levels are always under control, and your body will only allow many ketones to be produced at one time. However, if you are diabetic, your blood sugar can go as high as 300- 2000mg/dl from the normal level of 80-120.

When this happens, there is low insulin to glucagon ratio which can trigger ketoacidosis. Conclusion Th e Ketogenic diet can be a great way to lose weight for some people but not everyone. Although it has many benefi ts that outweigh the pitfalls, it is important to take care when you are switching to such a diet. It is thus advisable to consult with your health care provider before making the big move. Be ready to face some challenges after you turn to ketogenic diet. Be ready to enjoy many health benefi ts if you stick to this carbohydrate restricting diet. -consumerhealthdigest.com

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