Is Keto Dieting Bad For Your Heart?

About Keto Dieting

The keto diet, which has gained popularity in recent years with the mantra “fat is not the enemy,” focuses on foods high in fats and low in carbohydrates. It has been used to treat children with epilepsy, but its effectiveness in treating obesity or diabetes is unclear. A new study from 2024 suggests that the keto diet may be bad for your heart.

A keto diet deprives the body of its sugar reserves, so it begins to break down fat for energy. This produces molecules called ketones, which the liver uses as fuel instead of glucose from carbohydrates. It is also thought to reduce appetite and promote weight loss. However, research is still limited.

In one study, a very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) with or without calorie restriction increased mean survival time and slowed tumor growth in mice with neuroblastoma. The VLCKD with calorie restriction was more effective than either of the two control diets in reducing tumor progression and overall mortality.

The VLCKD requires a higher ratio of fat to protein and carbs than the standard American diet, so it is important to choose whole foods that contain healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocados, and fish. In addition, limiting carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams per day can help the body achieve nutritional ketosis. For those who are following a VLCKD, it is advisable to monitor ketone levels in urine or blood to ensure adequate ketosis.