The keto diet may cause low blood pressure, kidney stones, constipation, nutrient deficiencies and an increased risk of heart disease. Strict diets such as keto may also cause social isolation or eating disorders. Keto diets are not safe for people with pancreas, liver, thyroid or gallbladder problems. Kidney stones are a well-known potential side effect of the ketogenic diet.
Research published in the Journal of Child Neurology found that among children following the ketogenic diet as a treatment for epilepsy, 13 out of 195 subjects developed kidney stones. In the study, children taking potassium citrate supplements noted a decreased likelihood of developing kidney stones. Talk to your doctor about supplements if kidney stones are a concern. With so much fat to metabolise, the diet could worsen any existing liver condition.
The kidneys help metabolise protein, and McManus says the keto diet can overtax them. The current recommended protein intake is an average of 46 grams a day for women and 56 grams for men). This is because, for people with diabetes, ketosis can trigger a dangerous condition called ketoacidosis. This occurs when the body stores too much ketone acids produced as a by-product of fat burning and the blood becomes too acidic, which can damage the liver, kidneys and brain.
If left untreated, it can be fatal. Dietitians recommend that anyone going on the ketogenic diet consult with their doctor to find out if it is the right choice for their body type and medical history, as well as the best things to eat on the plan to stay healthy. In addition, the ketogenic diet can be dangerous for people with kidney disease, as they must follow an individualised diet as prescribed by their doctor. A diet rich in healthy low-carbohydrate foods, such as avocados, nuts and non-starchy vegetables, provides more nutrients than processed meats and ketogenic treats.
If you are thinking of going keto but are unsure of the effect on your kidneys, research confirms that a low-carb, high-protein diet will not harm kidney function, as long as you do not have any pre-existing kidney conditions. Eating a lot of animal foods on the ketogenic diet can lead to more acidic urine and an increased risk of kidney stones. Here, we'll delve into 11 potential dangers of the keto diet that any beginner considering the approach needs to know. In particular, guidelines for doctors managing people on a very low-calorie keto diet for weight loss recommend supplementing with potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, psyllium fibre, and vitamins B, C and E (1.Even many proponents of the keto diet admit that, if the diet is not done "the right way, it can be the opposite of healthy.
Some studies also suggest that the keto diet reduces the amount of citrate released into the urine. Although the keto diet is associated with weight loss and other short-term health benefits, it can lead to nutrient deficiencies, digestive problems, poor bone health and other problems over time. Children on the keto diet to help control seizures are sometimes given potassium citrate tablets by mouth, which can help decrease the number of stones they develop and prolong the time it takes for them to form. Because of these risks, people with kidney disease, diabetes, heart or bone disease, or other medical conditions should talk to their health care provider before trying the keto diet.
Whenever a non-traditional diet becomes mainstream, there is skepticism about its actual impact on health, and the ketogenic diet is no exception. The diet itself has not been linked to an increase (or decrease) in kidney stone diagnosis rates, but some doctors say they are already seeing a change as more of their patients go keto. However, if a person following a ketogenic diet gains weight by any means, the fat may be stored preferentially in the liver rather than in fat cells elsewhere.
