20 years ago dietetics preached avoiding fat. Ten years ago, carbohydrates were declared the main enemy. In both cases, it was believed that the amount of calories and nutrients the body gets from protein foods. Both methods are effective and continue to apply. More recently, however, fats have been rehabilitated and become part of a new diet.
This type of eating requires eliminating most carbohydrates from the diet (including fruits and vegetables) and focusing on fatty and, to a lesser extent, protein foods. The number of calories consumed daily is no higher than with other diets. The trick is that on a ketogenic diet, the feeling of satiety will last longer, the appetite will be reduced, and the hunger will last longer. Recommended for a ketogenic diet: fatty meat and fish, lard, eggs, nuts, animals, and coconut with olive oil.
There are studies that suggest that not only does it allow you to lose weight quickly, but it also extends life and even inhibits the growth of cancer cells. However, there are other studies that warn of the dangers of this type of eating. Hollywood stars Kim Kardashian and Gwyneth Paltrow played important roles in promoting the ketogenic diet. Men will be more interested that famous basketball player LeBron James, a man with the ideal athlete's body, explained his adherence to this diet.
The ketogenic diet is extremely popular with programmers and managers in American Silicon Valley. It is generally recognized there that this is a necessary part of intelligent biohacking. This term is understood as a system that combines special brain training, a special diet and "smart pills" that are becoming more and more common from year to year.
How does it work?
The main source of energy for cells is glucose, which enters the body with carbohydrates. It is stored in the muscles and liver as a substance called glycogen. When dietary carbohydrates are low, glycogen is quickly depleted and glucose is produced from proteins and fats.
Fats are oxidized to form ketone bodies: acetone, acetoacetic acid and beta-hydroxybutyric acid. With a lack of glucose, they act as an alternative source of energy for cells, including nourishing the brain. Then, ketone bodies are easily excreted in the urine, which removes many calories from the body. This forced adaptation of the body is called ketosis.
The short-term weight loss with this diet is higher than with other diets. The breakdown of glycogen stores means that less water is retained in the body. The calorie content of food is also lower due to a lower appetite. But the diet has enough contraindications.
Why is it dangerous?
It is imbalanced - it precludes the body from absorbing a number of nutrients, vitamins, and micro-elements. It requires motivation and responsibility - you need to give up your favorite dishes and regularly calculate the number of calories. The diet lasts for several years and requires constant monitoring by a nutritionist. It has many side effects: constipation, nausea and vomiting, stunted growth, kidney stones, and changes in blood lipids.
In a few months, a ketogenic diet will result in a lot of weight loss. However, if it lasts for a year or more, it offers no benefits over a balanced diet. The lack of certain B vitamins and fiber, which is necessary for nourishing the intestinal flora, can affect health.
The consequences of long-term adherence to this diet for healthy people are little known. Nutritionists advise you to choose a diet that can be sustained for your entire life. And a ketogenic diet for years is hardly possible.
The short-term effect may be successful, but the method may not work for everyone. Dietary recommendations are selected for each individual and we do not recommend following the next trend without consulting a doctor.