To understand why the ketogenic diet is bad for the long term, you need to understand how the ketogenic diet works in the first place. A keto diet is a diet that is very low in carbohydrates, which are one of the main sources of energy for the body.
During digestion, the body breaks down carbohydrate-rich foods and produces glucose, which serves as the body’s main source of energy. When the body is deprived of carbohydrates, it switches its energy source from glucose to fat and ketones. This stage is known as ketosis, in which the body relies on fat and ketones as its primary fuel source for energy. The body usually goes into this state within 3 or 4 days of starting the diet.
This change in diet is usually accompanied by various symptoms such as irritability, headaches, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, bad breath, abdominal pain, trouble sleeping, constipation, confusion and many others. For this reason, these symptoms are also known as the keto flu.
Usually, within a week, the symptoms of the keto flu will subside and the body will begin to lose weight. Weight loss can often be quite visible and dramatic. Most people could be very happy when they see that the diet does work. However, this can have some negative effects that can be bad or even dangerous for your health.
You must understand that your body needs a balanced diet for a healthy life. Once you start feeding your body certain types of otherwise healthy foods, an imbalance is created in your system that can lead to nutrient deficiencies. When your body suffers from chronic nutrient deficiencies, it can pose a number of risks to your overall well-being.
Nutrient deficiencies can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which is fairly well documented. A ketogenic diet also tends to be low in fiber and minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, B, and B6. Hence, you need to increase your water intake. You would also need to consult your doctor for an appropriate supplement to avoid a long list of health conditions that can accompany nutrient deficiencies.
By far the biggest problem with this diet, however, is sustainability. When you deprive your body of your favorite foods, your body can start to increase cravings, forcing you to abandon your diet. And when you return to eating normally, the weight gain could be dramatic as well. This, in turn, could be accompanied by side effects as your body begins to readjust to glucose as the main fuel source for energy.
For all these reasons, the keto diet cannot be used as a long-term weight loss solution. If you want to lose weight quickly in the short-term and are willing to suffer uncomfortable symptoms, you might be able to try this solution. But it might be a bad idea to choose this lifestyle as a permanent and long-term weight loss solution.
Thanks to Jessica Matheson
