What is Keto?

The ketogenic diet, commonly referred to as “keto,” is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has gained popularity in recent years as a weight loss and health improvement strategy. The goal of the ketogenic diet is to induce a metabolic state called ketosis, in which the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates.

The basic premise of the ketogenic diet is to drastically reduce carbohydrate intake while increasing the consumption of healthy fats and moderate amounts of protein. The typical macronutrient breakdown for a ketogenic diet is 70-75% fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% carbohydrates. This macronutrient breakdown is meant to shift the body into a state of ketosis, where it uses ketones, which are produced by the liver from stored fat, as an alternative source of fuel.

There are several types of ketogenic diets, including the standard ketogenic diet, the cyclical ketogenic diet, the targeted ketogenic diet, and the high-protein ketogenic diet. The standard ketogenic diet is the most common and involves limiting carbohydrate intake to 20-50 grams per day, while consuming high amounts of healthy fats and moderate amounts of protein. The cyclical ketogenic diet involves alternating between periods of high-carbohydrate intake and periods of strict ketosis. The targeted ketogenic diet allows for small amounts of carbohydrates to be consumed before or after exercise, while the high-protein ketogenic diet involves increasing protein intake while maintaining a high fat and low carbohydrate intake.

There are several potential benefits to following a ketogenic diet. In addition to weight loss, which is one of the primary reasons people try the diet, ketogenic diets have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and lower blood sugar levels. They may also improve brain function, reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, and reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures in some people with epilepsy.

However, there are also potential drawbacks to the ketogenic diet. The most common side effects are the “keto flu,” which can cause headaches, fatigue, and nausea, as the body adjusts to the change in macronutrient intake. Additionally, some people may experience constipation or other digestive issues due to the low fiber intake on the diet. There are also concerns about the long-term health effects of a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, as well as the potential for nutrient deficiencies due to the limited range of foods allowed.

In summary, the ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that aims to induce a state of ketosis in the body. While there are potential benefits to the diet, such as weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity, there are also potential drawbacks, including side effects, long-term health concerns, and nutrient deficiencies. If you are interested in trying a ketogenic diet, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you.