"Ketogenic" is an abbreviation for the lower-carb lifestyle (like that of the Atkins Diet). The concept is to gain more calories from fats and proteins and less carbohydrates. It is recommended to cut down on the carbohydrates that are easy for you to digest, such as sugar, soda, sweets white bread, and sugar.
How It Works
If you consume less than 50g of carbs daily the body will eventually run out of energy (blood sugar) it needs quickly. This usually lasts between 3 and four days. After that, you'll begin breaking down fat and protein for energy, which could help your lose fat. This is known as ketosis. It's vital to understand that ketogenic diets are a diet for short durations that is focused on weight loss, instead of pursuing health benefits.
Who is it for?
The ketogenic diet is used mostly to shed excess pounds, however it also can aid in managing certain medical conditions like epilepsy as well. It could also aid people suffering from heart disease, brain diseases, or even acne, however there is a need for more research on these areas. Discuss with your doctor to determine whether it's safe to consider a ketogenic eating plan especially if you have type one diabetes.
Weight Loss
A ketogenic diet could help you shed more weight within the first three to six months than other diets. It's possible that this is because it requires more calories to transform the energy of fat than it does to convert carbohydrates into energy. Also, it's possible to find that eating a high-fat higher protein diet is more satisfying and you consume less, however this isn't yet proven.
Cancer
The hormone insulin is one which allows your body to use sugar to store energy. Ketogenic diets cause you to consume this fuel fast and you don't have the need storage for this. Your body will require -- and produces less insulin. These lower levels could help safeguard you from certain kinds of cancer. It could also reduce the growth of cancerous cells. It is important to conduct more research regarding this, however.
Heart Disease
It's a bit odd to believe that a diet which demands more fat may increase "good" cholesterol while lowering "bad" cholesterol levels, however ketogenic diets can be closely linked to both. It could be due to less insulin levels that are a result of ketogenic diets may hinder your body's ability to make more cholesterol. It means that you're less likely to suffer from an elevated blood pressure level, stiffened or hardened arteries heart failure and various heart ailments. However, it's not known how long the effects will last.
Acne
Carbohydrates are linked to this skin problem which is why cutting down on these could aid. Also, the decrease in insulin that ketogenic diets can cause may help in preventing acne breakouts. (Insulin causes your body to produce various hormones that trigger breakouts.) But, more studies are needed to find out what impact, if any, the diet can have on acne.
Diabetes
Diets that are low in carbs can help maintain blood sugar levels at a lower level and more consistent in comparison to other types of diets. When your body is burning fat to get energy, it creates ketones, which are compounds that make up your body. If you suffer from diabetes especially type 1, having too many ketones that are present in your blood may cause you to become sick. It is therefore essential to consult with your physician about any changes you make to your diet.
Epilepsy
Ketogenic diets have assisted in reducing seizures that are caused by this disorder from the early 1920s. However, it's crucial to consult with your physician to determine what is best for you and your child.
Other Disorders of the Nervous System
They affect the spine and brain, and the nerves that connect them. Epilepsy is just one of them of them, but other conditions could be improved by a ketogenic diet also, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease as well as sleep problems. Scientists don't know the reason, but it could be because the ketones that the body produces in the process of breaking down fats for energy can to protect brain cells from harm.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
It happens when a woman's Ovaries grow larger than they are supposed to be, and small sacs of fluid form around eggs. A high level of insulin could cause this. Ketogenic food regimens that reduce how much insulin you produce and the amount you require can help with treating it, as well as other lifestyle changes like exercises and weight loss.
Exercise
A ketogenic diet could aid endurance athletes -- cyclists and runners, for instance, when they exercise. As time passes, it boosts the ratio of muscle to fat and also increases levels of oxygen that your body can utilize when you're exerting yourself. While it can be beneficial during training, it might not perform as well as other diets to boost performance.
Incidious Side Effects
The most common symptoms aren't necessarily serious. Constipation is a possibility and mildly low blood sugar levels, or an indigestion. A little less frequently those who follow a low-carb diet can result in kidney stones, or high levels of acid within the body (acidosis). Other side effects be the "keto flu" which can include headache or weakness; irritability and weakness as well as bad breath and fatigue.
Make sure you are eating right.
If your body is burning the fat stored in its cells in the process, it could be difficult for the kidneys. When you begin a ketogenic diet and then returning to a normal lifestyle following the initial ketogenic diet -- could be difficult if you're overweight because of health conditions you're more likely to suffer from, such as heart conditions, diabetes as well as hypertension. If you're suffering from one of these issues take your time making changes to your diet and only with the advice from your physician.