Keto Dieting and Alzheimer’s Disease
Keto Dieting is a popular choice for those wanting to lose weight and improve their health, but it is also a diet that has been shown to help treat certain health conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease. A recent study found that a very low-carb ketogenic diet can slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms. However, it is important to make sure you get enough fiber and other nutrients when following a Keto diet.
This means avoiding high-carbohydrate foods like whole grains, fruits, most legumes and starchy vegetables (except for potatoes). Leafy greens are a good option since they are high in fibre and low in carbs; kale, Swiss chard, spinach, romaine lettuce, arugula and bibb lettuce are good choices. Other options include cauliflower, zucchini, peppers, mushrooms, onions, garlic and asparagus. Non-starchy vegetables should be included at every meal. It is also recommended to drink plenty of water and eat high-fat foods, such as nuts, seeds, avocados, fatty fish and olive oil. Coffee and tea are both carb-free and can be consumed, but choose decaffeinated versions if you are sensitive to caffeine.
The emphasis on fat is a good way to protect against heart disease, but it can be hard to meet your daily needs for other vitamins and minerals, especially if you are eliminating entire groups of food. For example, the diet is very low in fibre and can lead to constipation. In addition, the diet is high in saturated fat, which may contribute to an increase in “bad” cholesterol and raise blood pressure.
