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Last Updated: Oct 23, 2019
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Pros And Cons Of Ketogenic Diet!

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Dt. Neha SuryawanshiDietitian/Nutritionist • 19 Years Exp.M.Sc. in Dietetics and Food Service Management , Post Graduate Diploma In Computer Application, P.G.Diploma in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics , B.Sc.Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics
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Talking about the pros first:

1) Ketogenic diet known to control seizures:

From biblical times, it was known that fasting controls seizures. In a study conducted, it was found that 54% of the patients had complete control over seizures and 26% showed a marked decrease in seizures while on a ketogenic diet. 

2) Ketosis helps in weight loss:

In one study of over 400 individuals over a period of a year, it was found that low-carbs diet was as effective as low-fat diets in weight loss. In the short term of six months, the individuals on a low carb diet had even lost on a average of 3.3 kgs greater than those on a low fat diet.

Thus, the low carb diet seems to be a good option for weight loss in the short term.

 3) For the diabetes and prediabetes treatment:

As discussed before, the ketogenic diet reduces the blood sugar and thus it is an effective option in treatment and control of diabetes.
From one study on type 2 diabetes patients, after following a low-carbs diet, it was found that the insulin sensitivity improved by about 75%.

In another study the patients even reduced or discontinued their diabetes medication. They found that their glucose came under control after following the low carb ketogenic diet.

 4) The ketogenic diet protects the brain:

Most of our brain can use ketones as fuel in times of starvation or low carb diet. This can take place as early as after 3 days of a starvation state. 

Also, as discussed before, some children can have a condition where the glucose receptors in the brain are disrupted. Thus, getting energy from glucose might become an issue. Here they might go into seizures. Ketogenic diets bypass this mechanism and prevent this condition.

A lot of research also has given rise to possibility of treatment of alzheimer’s and dementia, by inculcating a ketogenic diet. 
5) Protecting the heart, to an extent:

As seen earlier, on a high carb diet, excess glucose is stored in the muscles and liver. Additional glucose is stored in the blood. High blood glucose along with inflammation has also been known to damage proteins in arterial cell walls and cause thickening. This escalates plague build up.

Low carb diet like keto diets have been known to reduce the blood glucose levels and thus protect the heart, to a certain extent. This being said, please read the cons part of this article for the full picture on this subject.

6) Prevention of certain types of cancer:

The ketogenic diet has been used in the treatment of certain types of cancer.
Ketocal, which is a new nutritionally balanced high fat/low carbohydrate ketogenic diet was used to study malignant brain tumors. It was found that, in the experimental mouse and human brain tumors, ketocal was effective against the tumors.

 7) Help treat acne:

As per one study a ketose diet might even help treat acne.

 Where there is good there has to be evil:

So, lets look at the cons:
1) Heart failure is severe ketogenic state:

There are two cases of sudden death due to heart failure, in children on ketogenic diets for the control of seizures. Both cases showed selenium deficiency. Thus, the hearts condition on prolonged keto diet needs to be monitored closely. 

In another study, thirteen patients with congestive heart failure (chf) and cardiac patients without chf took part in a study. It was found that in a ketosis-prone state severe chf occurs.

So, basically in patients with a heart condition, the ketogenic diet should be undertaken after consultation with your doctor. Thus, it can be monitored for adverse symptoms.

 2) Deficiency in macronutrients:
Now, ketosis can cause macronutrients deficiency if not monitored properly. 

 3) Various side effects:

When used in the treatment of children with epilepsy, it was found that the side effects include “dehydration, kidney stones and constipation”.
Other side effects that might be apparent with the ketogenic diet are too much water intake, dizziness, nausea, headaches, etc.

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