The keto diet or ketogenic diet is a diet regime that contains high fat and low carbohydrate content. The diet is known to lower blood insulin and sugar levels. The keto diet pushes the metabolism of the body towards ketones and fats and away from carbohydrates.
In keto diets, there is a considerable reduction in carbohydrates and an increase in the percentage of the protein and fat components. Usually, there is much more increase in the percentage of fats in a keto diet as compared to the proteins because increasing proteins beyond a certain point becomes difficult.
The aim of keto diet is to burn the fats and achieve weight loss. The goal is to have fewer cravings and feel fuller and as a result, lose weight quickly. Your mood, energy, and mental focus are also supposed to be boosted by the diet.
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In keto diets, when the consumption of carbohydrates is slashed, and fat intake is increased, the body enters into a state where the process of ketosis is initiated. In ketosis, the body starts breaking down both stored and dietary fat in substances known as ketones. This happens because there are not enough carbohydrates for the body to get energy from and the body initiates the process of looking for an alternative source of energy. Instead of sugars, the body starts to rely on fats for energy.
The keto diet is similar in some aspects with other low-carbohydrate diets, but it encompasses comparatively extreme carbohydrate restrictions. The aim of a deliberate shift towards ketosis is also something that makes this diet unique, which is making it very popular these days.
The keto diet has its bases in the therapeutic ketogenic diet, which has been used for many decades. Clinically, the diet is mostly used in neurologic diseases such as seizures in children that are difficult to control. The diet is also recommended in other conditions that involve the brain, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. Gianfranco Capello, a professor of surgery from Italy, recently introduced the clinically used ketogenic diet as a weight-loss diet. In a study conducted by Dr. Capello in the year 2012, a total of 19,000 people were given a liquid diet high in fat. The diet resulted in the subjects having an average weight loss of 20 pounds. Some side effects of minor nature like fatigue were also noticed in the participants.
The scientific community has taken note of the increasing public interest in the diet, and research has been conducted to establish its efficiency in different areas. Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), in an article, has pointed out several areas of promise associated with the diet. The article mentions that many people on the keto diet will have reduced calorie intake because they will be less hungry because of the high-fat contents of the diet. However, in another article, JAMA is of the view that there is not much evidence available for keto diet having beneficial effects in cases of diabetes and obesity.
Just to let you know that If you have a particular liking for whole-wheat pasta, sugary desserts, and the morning toast, then you might not be able to enjoy the keto diet. The first week will most probably not be fun, and you will require some time to educate and prepare yourself to adapt to the diet.
If you have any questions regarding this topic, then please feel free to post them in the comments section.
Until Next Time,
Team Doctor ASKY!