In the first part of this article I wrote about the ketogenic diet and the foods allowed or not permitted in ketodiet. Here I am going to unfold the complications and precautions related to this diet:
1- The amount of saturated fats (butter, cream, coconut oil, fats come with meat and poultry) used in the ketogenic diet is more than recommended. Most saturated fats raise bad cholesterol and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
2 – High amount of protein ingested in ketodiet can lead to kidney problems.
3 – Incorporating higher amounts of saturated fat can lead to liver problems.
4 – Ketogenic diet is not a balanced diet that is to say the followers are at the risk for nutritional deficiencies. Due to the fact that cereals, legumes, fruits and many vegetables are not usable in this diet, there is a risk of vitamin B group, vitamin C, selenium, magnesium and phosphorus deficiency.
5 – As cereals, legumes, often fruits and some vegetables are not allowed in ketodiet, there is a high risk of developing constipation.
6- Failure to ingest enough carbohydrates in the diet reduces serotonin production in the brain. As a result some complications such as depression, mood disorders, disturbance in concentration, sleep disturbances, and irritability may occur.
7 – Most people when start over their regular diet, regain the weight they lost. One possible reason could be adopting unhealthy dietary habits while on ketodiet, which are difficult to discontinue (e.g. adding cream or even butter to coffee instead of milk or adding bacon to the omelet).
8 – Some people lose weight in the short term with ketodiet, but on the long run, don’t shed anymore pounds. One possible reason could be difficulty sticking to a carb restricted diet for long term.
Based on available date and research findings, it seems for a person to be a good fit for ketodiet, one should ensure that there is no underlying medical or health issue (including liver problems, kidney problems, gallbladder issues etc.).
Also, ketodiet shouldn’t be considered a weight control plan for people who are in certain stages of life, such as pregnant and lactating women.
Ketogenic diet should be carefully tailored and customized for each person, otherwise there is a big chance of nutritional deficiencies as ketodiet is not a balanced diet. In addition, this type of diet should be carefully planned to avoid complications of excessive intake of all fats and saturated fats.
Also, the amount of green vegetables used should be increased to ensure more nutrients are available and there is a less chance of constipation. Since during following ketogenic diet ketone compounds secrete through urine, fluid intake should be planned carefully.
And lastly, it is recommended to consider ketogenic diet for short-term weight loss.
Information provided here may not be appropriate for people with medical conditions or on certain medications. If you suffer from any medical condition or take any medication, make sure you consult with an expert in this regard.
Dr. Minoo Shirazi, Ph.D. Nutritionist & Registered Holistic Nutritionist, (MD, Iran)
ONTRACK Health & Nutrition Clinic
Toronto, Canada
About the Author: Frank Azari
