There are some benefits to following a low-carbohydrate diet, but there are also downsides that you should know before jumping on the ketogenic bandwagon. What are they?
Difficult to Stick With
The keto diet is incredibly restrictive and requires dedication. It involves avoiding most carbohydrates, including grains, fruits, dairy products, and some vegetables. This restriction makes it difficult to stick with the diet over time, as you’ll likely feel deprived of many of your favorite foods.
High in Fat
The keto diet relies heavily on fats for energy, with some variations of the diet calling for over 70 percent of daily calories to come from fat sources. This high-fat content of the keto diet increases cholesterol levels and leads to unhealthy imbalances in dietary fats.
Low Fiber Intake
Since grains, fruits, beans, and other sources of dietary fiber are all off on the keto diet, you’ll likely experience a decrease in your dietary fiber intake, resulting in digestive problems such as constipation or difficulty maintaining regular bowel movements. Also, the risk of colon cancer increases due to this diet.
Increased Risk of Hypoglycemia
When you are on a keto diet, you drastically reduce carbohydrate intake, and your body may not be able to produce enough glucose to fuel your cells, leading to a condition called hypoglycemia. Extreme fatigue, headaches, sweating, and dizziness are the symptoms of this condition. It is dangerous for those with diabetes or other medical conditions that require careful blood sugar monitoring.
Increased Risk of Kidney Stones
The high levels of protein and fat in the keto diet increase your risk of developing kidney stones. Your body has to work harder to process these nutrients, leading to increased levels of calcium oxalate and uric acid, which are two components of kidney stones.
Bad Breath
The high-fat content of a ketogenic diet causes bad breath due to its ability to create an environment where the bacteria in your mouth thrive and acetone levels increase in your saliva. This unpleasant odor called “keto breath” or “ketosis breath” is difficult to eliminate without changing your diet.
Difficult to Eat Out
It can be difficult to eat out and stick to a keto diet. Many restaurants use high-carb ingredients in their dishes, making it hard to find meals that fit into your meal plan. You may also have difficulty finding snack foods that are low in carbs and high in fat when you’re not at home.
High Cholesterol Levels
The high-fat content of the keto diet increases your cholesterol levels, including LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol. These high cholesterol levels put you at risk for various cardiovascular diseases, so monitor your numbers closely if you decide to follow this eating plan.
Increased Risk of Vitamin Deficiencies
Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provide essential vitamins and minerals not found in high amounts in the ketogenic diet. This vitamin shortage leads to iron deficiency anemia, with symptoms of fatigue, dizziness, and pale skin. Also, some vitamins are exclusively found in animal foods, so vegans or vegetarians who follow a keto diet may be at greater risk for deficiencies.
It’s Expensive
The keto diet is a more expensive way to eat, as it requires buying more costly ingredients. These items may only be available in a few grocery stores and cost significantly more than their carbohydrate-based foods. Also, you may spend money on supplements or vitamins to compensate for the deficiency of specific vitamins and minerals in the diet.
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