The ketogenic ( Keto ) diet has been a health trend for the last few years, but many people do not actually know what it is and if it is actually healthy.
So, SeeNews asked Dr. Rehab Ahmed Nafady, a Clinical Nutrition Consultant a few questions to explain more about the ketogenic diet.
• What is the ketogenic diet?
The ketogenic diet is an eating plan that focuses on eating fats and proteins with a very small amount of carbohydrates. The diet works by depleting the body of its sugar reserves.
Thus, it will start to break down fat for energy. This results in the production of ketones that the body uses for fuel. When the body burns fats, it leads to weight loss.
• Does it really make you lose weight?
Yes, the diet consists of foods that fill a person up and boost their metabolism. Thus, it may reduce appetite and promote weight loss.
• Is it good for your overall health?
The ketogenic diet has many great health benefits including:
1. Supporting weight loss.
2. Improving acne.
3. Improving heart health.
4. Protecting brain function.
• What are the complications resulting from following the diet?
Following the diet can lead to some complications like:
1. Kidney stones.
2. Constipation.
3. Mineral and vitamin deficiencies.
4. Build up fat in the liver.
•How long can we stay on the diet?
3 months maximum is the healthy period to stay on the diet. In addition, after this period we should start to incorporate carbohydrates gradually to get back to the normal healthy diet.
• Who should avoid following the diet?
1. Diabetic people.
2. People with eating disorders.
3. People with kidney diseases or pancreatitis.
4. Women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Nafady emphasized on the fact that studies on the long-term benefits of the ketogenic diet are lacking and that it is still unclear whether maintaining this diet over more extended periods is more beneficial or not.
Contributed by Sara Goda
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