The pros and cons you didn't know about the ketogenic diet

The ketogenic diet, also known as keto, has gained a lot of popularity in recent years as it helps to lose weight at a relatively fast pace. At kiwilimón, we understand that adopting a diet is not an easy decision, as it requires effort, dedication, and willpower. If you want to adopt the keto diet, here we tell you the story behind this eating plan, as well as its pros and cons. When did the keto diet emerge? Although it may be hard to believe, the ketogenic diet is not recent, as it was created by Russel Wilder in 1921. This eating plan was used to treat epilepsy in children, as at that time there were no medications to control this condition. Years later, with the invention of medications, the keto diet was forgotten. You can also read: Is it a good idea to do intermittent fasting and keto diet together?What is the keto diet? According to the National Cancer Institute of the USA, the keto diet is high in fats but low in carbohydrates, which causes the body to break down fat into small molecules called ketones, which circulate through the blood and become the main source of energy in the body. On the other hand, the Mayo Clinic mentions that in the ketogenic diet, between “60 and 80% of calories should come from fat,” while the amount of protein should be moderate and patients can consume only 50 grams of carbohydrates per day. The benefits of the ketogenic diet If you are interested in adopting the keto diet, here are some benefits you could enjoy:Weight loss Could prevent cancer Improves symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome Inhibits the appearance of acneCould protect the heart and brainCould prevent seizuresYou can also read: Keto diet: what to eat and why it worksThe dark side of the keto diet Although it has been used to treat childhood epilepsy and promote weight loss for several years, there are some contraindications of the ketogenic diet. Also, remember that if you are looking for a diet to help you lose weight in a week, the keto diet is not your best option, as you will start burning fat in two or three weeks. A scientific article published in 2021 notes that some short-term effects of the keto diet include:Nausea Vomiting Headache Fatigue Dizziness Insomnia Constipation Low exercise toleranceExperts refer to these symptoms as “keto flu” and mention that they usually disappear after a few days or weeks. As for long-term effects, experts indicate that they may include: Fatty liver Hypoproteinemia Kidney stones Vitamin and mineral deficienciesRemember that before adopting any diet, it is best to consult a healthcare professional, as they will be the one to indicate whether a diet is ideal for you or not. You can also read: What desserts can you eat on a keto diet