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What is a ketogenic diet ?
Dietary trends typically exhibit varying degrees of staying power . So-called “ fad diets ” may not withstand long-term scrutiny , while approaches like the Mediterranean diet appear to be more effective and beneficial to short- and long-term health .
Low-carb diets tend to garner lots of attention . One such diet making waves of late is the keto diet . Keto diets may vary , but many are built on a foundation of low carb intake and high protein consumption . While these diets are referred to as “ keto diets ,” the Harvard Medical School notes that a true ketogenic diet is different from the keto diets that have become so popular .
What is a ketogenic diet ?
A ketogenic dietary plan focuses on fat rather than protein . A ketogenic diet is low-carb and relies on fat to supply as much as 90 percent of a person ’ s daily calories .
How does a ketogenic diet work ?
The ketogenic diet tries to force the body into using a different type of fuel known as ketone bodies , which are a type of fuel produced by the liver from fat stores . This differs from other diets , which rely on glucose from carbohydrates to fuel the body .
Getting the liver to create ketone bodies and reach a state of ketosis , in which the body is breaking down protein and fat for energy , isn ’ t necessarily easy , as it requires people to consume fewer than 20 to 50 grams of carbs a day . To put that in perspective , the Harvard Medical School notes that a medium-sized banana typically contains 27 grams of carbohydrates . In addition , WebMD notes that reaching ketosis typically takes three to four days , and eating too much protein can interfere with the body ’ s ability to get there .
Is a ketogenic diet safe ?
The Harvard Medical School notes that a ketogenic diet is typically recommended to reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures in children . People considering a ketogenic diet to lose weight may end up disappointed and could even be putting their health in jeopardy .
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“ While ( the ketogenic diet ) also has been tried for weight loss , only short-term results have been studied , and the results have been mixed ,” said registered dietitian Kathy McManus , director of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women ’ s Hospital . “ We don ’ t know if it works in the long term , nor whether it ’ s safe .”
Others may look to a ketogenic diet to combat heart disease , certain brain diseases and even acne . However , WebMD notes that there is not enough research to support the idea that a ketogenic diet can help with any of these conditions .
Ketogenic diets carry certain risks . The Harvard Medical School notes that such risks include nutrient deficiency , liver problems , kidney problems , and constipation . In addition , the sugar from carbohydrates aides brain function , so a low-carb diet like the ketogenic diet can have an adverse effect on the brain , potentially contributing to confusion and mood swings .
People considering ketogenic diets or other popular low-carb approaches to nutrition should consult with their physicians before making any changes to their existing diets . n
62 February | March 2023 Thomasville Scene