What is the keto diet and is it safe for me?
The keto diet is a very low-carb plan that focuses on fat to supply as much as 90% of your daily calories. It requires fewer than 50 grams of carbs per day as well as limited protein. The idea is for this formula to send your body into a state of ketosis, which causes the body to burn stored fat as fuel instead of carbohydrates.
Finding the right eating pattern is very personal and depends upon things like your personal goals, preferences, medications, and blood sugar targets. It may be safe for you, but before starting the keto diet, there are some pros and cons to consider.
Pros:
It can help lower your blood sugar or keep it in range.
It can promote weight loss in some people.
Cons:
It may be more likely to raise cholesterol because of increased intake of saturated fats. New research suggests this may increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
It’s the most restrictive of the low-carb plans, so it may be hard to stick with.
It may cause liver, kidney, or constipation issues.
If you have diabetes, it may increase your risk for having low blood sugar because of the decrease in carb intake. Depending on the diabetes medications you take, it may be dangerous to eat a very low-carb diet, especially if you are on a class of medications called SGLT2i or a sulfonylurea. Be sure to talk with a healthcare provider before making any major changes to your diet.