What You Should Know About Keto Dieting

About Keto Dieting

A keto diet limits carbs, encourages the body to burn fat for fuel and may improve heart health. Researchers are also looking into whether the diet can help manage Alzheimer’s disease and aid in recovery from brain injuries. The diet was originally developed by experts to treat certain types of childhood epilepsy, and people following the plan should do so under a doctor’s supervision.

Typically, the keto diet encourages plenty of nutrient-dense plant foods and low-sugar proteins. Lean meats and poultry, avocados, nuts, seeds, and oils such as olive and coconut are all on the menu. But the diet also allows for fatty fish, butter, and processed meats that are high in saturated fat.

The keto diet helps control insulin levels, which may boost weight loss and reduce the risk of some diseases. It also promotes a balanced ratio of other hormones that regulate hunger, such as leptin and ghrelin.

But it can be difficult to meet nutrient needs on a restrictive eating plan. And studies on the long-term impact of the keto diet are limited. In addition, eliminating many food groups can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation and the “keto flu,” and it’s difficult to maintain when dining out or attending family gatherings that involve a lot of sweets and ice cream.

In addition, the keto diet can increase cholesterol in some people, although it lowers it in others. And if you’re taking medication, a keto diet may have a negative effect on blood sugar and insulin levels.