Ketogenic Diet - Treatment, Procedure And Side Effects

Ketogenic diet is high fat and a low carb diet which is very useful and offers many benefits to the health. It helps people lose weight and also improves health. Ketogenic diet help fight against diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer disease.

This type of diet has been in existence for a number of years and was first introduced in 1924. Initially the diet was known to effectively treat epilepsy. But as alternative medication became more effective, the diet has since been known to help reduce weight and increase body performance.

This kind of diet is similar to the Atkins diet as well as the low carb high fat diet, but the main difference lies in the fact that while protein restrictions are practiced in case of the Keto diet, protein intake is allowed in case of the other two types.

This type of diet helps in Ketosis. Thus, as an individual adapts to the ketogenic diet, his body tends to reach the required ketone level (tiny fuel molecules produced in the body), which will then help lose weight and improve physical as well as mental health.

Ketones are known to be alternative forms of fuel, which are used by the body when the levels of blood sugar are less. Produced in the liver, these molecules are made from fat. Thus, the body starts using fat to run, resulting in excess fat loss and the consequent weight loss as well.

Following are the various types of keto diet:

1. Standard keto diet (SKD): This diet includes food like butter, ghee, avocado fatty fish, meat, olives or olive oil. Diet must include 150 gms of fat per day so as to increase the metabolism. This also means that one must stick to the green-leafy vegetables, non-starchy vegetables and fruits with low carbohydrates, protein should also be eaten moderately that is about 90 gms a day.
2. Targeted keto diet (TKD): This diet is popular among athletes and sportsperson. But is changes a bit and includes additional 20-30 grams of carbohydrates before and after a workout. It provides higher intensity during exercise and enhanced recovery. The diet includes fruits grain-based food or sports nutrition food.
3. Cyclical keto diet (CKD): This diet is cyclical and it is eaten for 5 days a week and 2 days normal diet. If you want the best result in this then eat carbohydrate-rich food on your off days which include dairy products, starchy veggies, fruits, and whole grains. If you don't want to take off every week then you can save it for your special occasions like birthdays or wedding
4. High-protein keto diet: This plan involves high protein diet for about 120 grams per day and eating fat for about 130 grams per day. But carbohydrates are restricted and only be taken 10% or less. High-protein keto diets are most helpful in losing weight.

Here is the best one-week diet plan for ketogenic diet:

A Ketogenic diet can lead to dehydration and lower vitamins in the body. Thus, it may lead to side effects like-

• Cramps: Very common especially during the initially days of the diet.
• Constipation: Occurs due to the lack of fiber content in the food. Vegetables which are high in fiber should be consumed.
• Heart palpitations- A very common side effect of this diet; it generally stops after the first few days.
• Physical performance decreases- This is also temporary because the body starts adapting to the new diet plan. You will gain energy gradually but steadily.
• Consumption of lots of water and food that contains micronutrients will help get rid of the above side effects.
• Excessive thrust
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Hunger
• Confusion
• Sweating
• Chills
• Tachycardia

Benefits of keto diet are as follows:

• Helps in weight loss: This helps in reducing weight as it turns fat into energy and then carbs are also turned into energy thus ketogenic diets reduces the weight in speed. Keto diet will also make you feel less hungry as it is rich in protein.
• Reduces acne: It also helps in reducing acne as it is related to diet and sugar. A diet rich in refined carbohydrates reduces gut bacteria and also causes dramatic blood sugar fluctuations.
• Helps in reducing cancer risk: Keto diet can help reduce the risk of cancer and it even compliments chemotherapy and radiation in people who have cancer. It also reduces high blood sugar and also affects some insulin complications which can be associated with cancer.
• Helps in improving heart health:Keto diet is good heart health if followed in a proper way. It reduces the level of cholesterol in the body which is bad for the heart.

The effects of the Ketogenic diet may be experienced within a month. If followed properly, it helps in quick weight loss.

Consultation prices for Ketogenic diet plan range from Rs 500- Rs 2500. The cost of the diet generally depends on the type of Keto plan that is recommended.

The diet has to be maintained properly in order to stay healthy and active. If it is not followed properly or discontinue prematurely, weight gain becomes a possibility.

The Atkins Diet and the low-carb high-fat diet (LCHF) may be considered as alternatives. These diets allow more protein intake but have the same results as the Keto diet.