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The popular diet that could lead to seven life threatening illnesses – a new study shows
Keto diet: Trainer explains what he typically eats
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The keto diet is an umbrella term used to describe specific diet fads such as The Paleo, South Beach and Atkins. These diets centre around fats, forcing your body to rely on a type of fuel that the liver produces from stored fats known as ketone, rather than sugars. In order to achieve this, you have to starve the body of carbohydrates and reach a state of ‘ketosis’.
A daily diet consisting of things such as seafood, high-fat vegetables such as avocado and asparagus, cheese, butter and meat is the key to a keto diet.
Previous research has shown the effectiveness of the diet, with positive effects for weight loss, diabetes and epilepsy as well as some claiming it to be beneficial for certain cancers and Alzheimer’s disease.
However, a recent study led by Lee Crosby, R.D, nutrition education program manager at Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and a lead nutrition author together re-examined the keto diet with jaw dropping results.
Crosby and her team’s review concluded that contrary to previous beliefs, the keto diet’s only well-supported application is as part of a comprehensive treatment for epilepsy.
In addition, the risk of these seven life-threatening diseases is said to increase:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Alzheimer’s
- Kidney failure
- Kidney Disease
- Neural tube defects in new-borns
Clinical dietitian at University Hospitals Case Medical Centre in Cleveland, Ohio, and a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Lisa Cimperman, R.D.N., also spoke out against the dangers of the keto diet.
She warned that “once the body enters ketosis individuals begin to lose muscle, become extremely fatigued and eventually enter starvation mode.”
Once the body reaches this state it becomes even harder to lose weight.
The Harvard Medical School goes one step further, listing multiple side effects or risks of following this diet.
Those listed include:
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Constipation
- Nutrient deficiency
They make extra emphasis on the fact that the diet is high in saturated fat, going above the recommended seven percent of saturated fats that should be in your daily diet.
In some cases, those new to the keto diet have experienced what is called the ‘keto flu’.
Symptoms such as upset stomachs, dizziness, loss of energy and mood swings all occur as your body tries to adjust to a state of ketosis.
In comparison to other available diets such as Atkins or Paleo, the risks are just as high.
Some experts have labelled them unrealistic and unsustainable only helping weight loss in the short term.
Those following the keto diet should only be doing so on account of their doctor’s advice.
Even in these cases, moderation and care has to be taken to ensure the body is still getting all the necessary nutrients it needs to function properly.
NHS advice instead suggests making permanent changes to the way you eat and exercise if you wish to lose weight.
Sticking to a daily calorie intake of 2,5000 for adult men and 2,000 for adult women should enable you to stay the same weight.
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