Is The Ketogenic Diet Worth A Try?

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This is a scientifically proven, extremely low carbohydrate diet which cuts out sugar. It is specifically beneficial to epileptics and type 2 diabetics. It might not be a solution for everyone, but it does have a reputation for weight-loss.

How Does it Help Weight Loss?

This diet works by convincing the body and brain to burn the fat from fat cells for energy. This is called ketosis which is a natural metabolic state and studies have proven it increases insulin levels which help move glucose into the bloodstream. It is a diet which utilizes minimal carbs, high fat, and moderate protein.

Rare Cases

These are extremely uncommon side effects which have been reported:

Increased cholesterol levels – LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein), as well as total cholesterol levels, were measured and reported as higher by some individuals.
Kidney stones – some epileptic children have reported developing kidney stones while on this diet.
Ketoacidosis – reported by breastfeeding women.

Transitioning From Low-Carb to Ketogenic Diet

Allow your body to adapt to a low-carb diet such as the Atkins Diet before moving onto the ketogenic diet. It may not eliminate side effects, but will definitely prepare your body in advance.

Short-Term Side Effects vs Long-Term Side Effects

Short-term side effects and treatment method:

Tiredness – add maca powder to your diet.
Nauseousness – add ginger to your diet.
Difficulty sleeping – add a few drops of lavender oil to your pillow.
Elevated hunger – space meals out as evenly as possible and keep them small.
Difficulty thinking clearly – stock up on blueberries as these improve focus.
Headaches – stock up on magnesium-rich foods such as bananas and seeds.

These symptoms are similar to those experienced during a bout of the flu and so, have been nicknamed the Keto-flu. The withdrawal from sugary foods and carbs as well as the lack of electrolytes and dehydration are what cause the Keto-flu, however, it should only last a couple days.

Long-term side effects and treatment method:

Keto-breath – As ketosis occurs, blood-acetone levels are raised and this makes acetone present in the breath. Try adding parsley to season your food.
Leg cramping – Eat magnesium and potassium rich foods such as spinach and pumpkin seeds.
Constipation and diarrhea – Although constipation is more likely, the digestive system tends to come to a stand-still without the fiber it has become accustomed to. Be sure to eat as many low-carb veggies and berries as possible.
Dehydration – Commit to drinking 2 litres of water a day.
Heart palpitations – Add salt to your food.

To Sum Everything Up

With the understanding that not everyone’s body is the same so there is a risk that is taken when committing to any diet. While the ketogenic diet has been mostly reported at actually lowering the amounts of seizures for epileptic individuals, it has also had a few negative reports about having caused kidney stones for other epileptic individuals. If you can make it through the Keto-flu and follow the treatment methods for all of the known side effects, weight-loss should be the result after some time and moderate exercise.

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Erika Dawson, CNS, NTP

Erika is a highly experienced Certified Nutrition Specialist and Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. She graduated from Stony Brook University School of Medicine with a master's degree in nutrition as well as an undergraduate degree in nutrition science. Erika spends her days helping her clients achieve their best health with her holistic approach to nutrition. She guides them through menu preparation and recommends dietary changes as well as helping them through lifestyle changes and emotional support so they can be at their optimum health. She believes that every individual has their own specific nutritional needs and personally works to find the right changes for each client. With a specialty in low-carbohydrate nutrition, Erika finds that the ketogenic lifestyle works to bring about positive energy levels in many of her clients. She herself practices what she preaches by enjoying a high-fat, low-carb diet. In her free time, Erika loves kayaking, trail running and sailing.

Different Types of Keto Diets

What all of these types of the keto diet have in common is their goal to get your body into the natural metabolic state of ketosis so you can burn fat, instead of carbs, for energy.

Standard ketogenic diet (SKD)

Consuming a high-fat, moderate-protein and low-carb diet. The percentages of your daily diet should be about 75% fat, 20% protein and 5% carbs.

High-protein ketogenic diet

Similar to the SKD, but with added protein. The ratio is about 60% fat, 35% protein and 5% carbs.

Cyclical ketogenic diet (CKD)

Involves 5-6 days of the SKD followed by 1-2 days of refeeding days where the majority of calories come from carbohydrates.

Targeted ketogenic diet (TKD)

Eating carbohydrates around the times that you exercise. Meant for people who are regularly working out at a very high-intensity or for an extended period of time.