To understand why the ketogenic diet is bad in the long run, you first need to understand how the ketogenic diet works. A Keto diet is one that is very low in carbohydrates, which is one of the main sources of energy for the body.
During digestion, the body breaks down carbohydrate-rich foods and produces glucose, which is used as the main source of energy for the body to function. When the body is deprived of carbohydrates, it switches its fuel source from glucose to fat and ketones. This stage is known as ketosis, in which the body relies on fats and ketones as its main source of energy. The body enters this state usually within 3-4 days of starting the diet.
This change in diet is usually accompanied by various symptoms such as irritability, headache, concentration problems, dizziness, bad breath, stomach aches, difficulty sleeping, constipation, confusion, and many others. For this reason, these symptoms are also called the Keto Flu.
Normally, keto flu symptoms go away within a week and the body begins to lose weight. Weight loss can often be quite visible and dramatic. Most people would be very happy to see that the diet works after all. But this can have some negative effects that can be bad or even dangerous for your health.
You must understand that your body needs a balanced diet for a healthy life. As soon as you begin to divert your body from certain types of healthy foods, an imbalance is created in your system that can lead to nutrient deficiencies. If your body continues to experience nutrient deficiency over the long term, it can pose a number of risks to your overall well-being.
Nutrient deficiencies can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which is fairly well documented. A ketogenic diet also tends to be low in fiber and minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, B, and B6. Therefore, you need to increase your water intake. You would also need to consult your doctor for proper supplementation to help avoid a long list of health conditions that can accompany nutrient deficiency.
But by far the biggest problem with this form of diet is sustainability. When you deprive your body of your favorite foods, your body can start to increase cravings, forcing you to give up your diet. And when you eat normally again, the rebound weight gain could also be dramatic. This could again be accompanied by side effects, as your body begins to readjust to glucose as its main source of energy.
For all of these reasons, the Keto diet cannot be used as a long-term solution for weight loss. If you want to lose weight quickly in the short term and are ready to experience uncomfortable symptoms, you may want to try this solution. But it might be a bad idea to opt for this lifestyle as a long-term, permanent solution to weight loss.
