Over the past few years, the trendy ketogenic diet plan (keto for short) has been embraced by celebrities and health enthusiasts alike.
It’s not just for weight loss – researchers suggest it could improve brain function and serve as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
But there are a few downsides to adopting a keto lifestyle – and it’s not just saying goodbye to bread. Learn about the potential side effects of a Keto diet and how they can lead to the keto flu or brain fog.
What Is a Keto Diet?
The keto diet is characterized by its low carb and high fat content. It offers a range of potential health benefits, including weight loss and lower blood sugar levels.
How Does a Keto Diet Work?
What sets the keto diet apart from others is that it boosts levels of ketones in the blood, a state called ketosis. The metabolic effects of a ketogenic diet are similar to those experienced during starvation.
When the body is depleted of glucose, the liver starts producing ketone bodies. Ketone bodies can cross the blood-brain barrier and are used by both neuronal and glial cells in the brain as a source of energy. By using fat as the primary energy source, the body increases its fat-burning capacity, which is why the keto diet is often associated with weight loss.
What Does the Keto Diet Do?
Ketone bodies can have an appetite-suppressing effect. Many people on a ketogenic diet report feeling less hungry and experiencing fewer cravings, leading to reduced calorie intake and additional weight loss.
Learn more: How Do Low-Carb Diets Work for Weight Loss?
What Are the Side Effects of a Keto Diet?
The ketogenic diet, while beneficial for weight loss and other health conditions, can also have several side effects, especially during the initial phase as the body adjusts. Common side effects include:
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Fatigue
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Dehydration
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Acidosis
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Changes in behavior
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An increase in infections
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Constipation
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Vomiting
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Keto flu
Learn more: How to Tell If Your Body Is In Ketosis
What Is the Keto Flu?
You may experience a cluster of side effects within the first few weeks of starting a ketogenic diet. These are commonly referred to as the “keto flu.”
What Are Keto Flu Symptoms?
Keto flu symptoms can vary but may include:
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Fatigue and weakness: due to the body adapting to burning fat for energy instead of carbs
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Headaches and dizziness: possibly related to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
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Irritability and mood swings: often attributed to sugar and carb withdrawal
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Muscle cramps and aches: linked to electrolyte imbalances
