By Radhika Bhirani
Published Sep, 2024
The keto diet is popular for weight loss as it involves eating a high-fat, low-carb eating plan. But research shows it can have multiple side effects too!
Keto can cause constipation and bloating due to low fiber and carbohydrate intake. This can have a direct impact on the digestive system and bowel movements.
Digestive Issues
Since keto diet involves eliminating certain food groups, it may lead to deficiencies in magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Since keto diet involves eliminating certain food groups, it may lead to deficiencies in magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins.
Bad Breath
A keto diet may lead to higher levels of LDL cholesterol as well as total cholesterol, thereby increasing the risk of heart problems.
Increased Cholesterol Levels
Especially in people with type 2 diabetes, a keto diet may also cause low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia. On the flipside, a keto diet can also help with hypoglycemia by stabilising blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity.
Low Blood Sugar Levels
If you follow a keto diet, you could fall prey to dehydration. When the body produces ketones to burn fat instead of glucose, this may lead to loss of water and electrolytes. This impacts hydration levels in the body.
Dehydration
Diet plays an important part in ensuring regular periods. Consuming a keto diet or experiencing weight loss on a keto diet can both impact hormonal balance and lead to irregular periods in women.
Irregular Periods
A low-carb diet may impact the level of serotonin, the happy hormone. This can potentially impact a person's mood and emotional balance.
Mood Swings
A ketogenic diet has been found to be a risk factor for the formation of kidney stones in the body. This is due to consumption of high fat foods. People with chronic kidney disease may also be advised to avoid a keto diet.
Kidney Stones
These reasons and more are why it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting a keto diet!