A ketogenic diet is a rigorous high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet which is usually administered on children suffering from epilepsy. The ketogenic diet primarily follows a ketogenic plan aiming to achieve a metabolic state called ketosis. This state is basically what we call the normal metabolic process which instead of aiming at burning glucose for body fuel, aims at burning deposits of fat called ketones.
The process of ketosis is considered a beneficial one as it prepares the body to survive in conditions when no food is available. This process has also been documented to treat and improve conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, autism, epilepsy, cancers and others.

The Atkins diet is probably the most famous ketogenic diet there is. The main difference between a regular low carb diet and a specialized ketogenic diet is that a ketogenic diet limits your carb intake to 20-50 grams per day. The amount of protein requirement however, depends on the height, weight and gender of the individual. These quantities and ratios which must be made sure of ensure that the person attains the ketosis state and is able to maintain it.

The basic requirement of a ketogenic diet is to swap the crab intake with a higher intake of fats and a moderate one of proteins.

Benefits Of The Ketogenic Diet

There is a long list of benefits of a ketogenic diet. Results can be obtained as fast as just a month after kick starting the diet!

Lower blood Pressure

When consuming low carb foods, we automatically ensure lower blood pressure levels. However, it’s is very important to consult a doctor first handedly if you are already on blood pressure lowering pills. These medications coupled with the ketogenic diet may have adverse impacts on health and lead to a blood pressure level lower than the desirable one.

Lowers Cholesterol

By following a ketogenic diet, you consume less sugar infested foods. As cholesterol is made from the excess amounts of glucose in the diet, consuming less sweetened foods decreases the damage that may have otherwise been caused to the arteries, hence, dropping inflammation. If your body has less glucose to make cholesterol out of, your cholesterol level will subsequently drop.

Decrease In Blood Sugar And Insulin Levels

Following a ketogenic diet can lead to a drop in rising blood sugar and insulin levels. The idea here is simple; if there is little sugar making its way through the body, there is less sugar available to drive up blood sugar or insulin levels, preventing type-2 diabetes!

Energy Booster!

The ketogenic diet happens to be a rather energy boosting one!  A moderate protein and a high in fat diet conjure up into a great recipe for an energy packed ride. Anyone suffering from chronic fatigue symptoms, by following the ketogenic plan, can very conveniently and effectively find a fix to their problem! The ketogenic diet allows for fats to be used for fuel, which gets thrifty in a high carb diet. However, for provision of optimal energy to be gained, the body must master how to mobilize fats as energy!

Weight Loss!

Being in the state of ketosis, the ketones generated blunt and curb hunger in many people. Being on a low calorie diet, fueled by fat, accompanied by a lesser need to eat more, spells out weight loss!

Prevents Gum Diseases!

Ketogenic diets have the effect of decreasing or eliminating any gum diseases only a few months into the diet! Tooth decay and gum infections have to do with how sugar changes the PH of your mouth. With less sugar intake, the PH will remain neutral not contributing towards tooth decay as it otherwise would have!

Side Effects of the Ketogenic Diet

Consult a dietician before starting with a ketogenic diet. The diet bears certain side effects which need to be looked upon before jumping in to it. The consultation of a professional is highly advisable.

Frequent Urination

A high carb diet when consumed helps you retain the water in the kidneys which is otherwise excreted when a low carb diet is consumed. Since the ketogenic diet is a low carb diet, it decreases the levels of sugar and insulin, which in turn lead to the kidneys excreting water out through the bladder in higher amounts.

Possible Fatigue

With the water loss described above, the body loses essential minerals and nutrient as well such as sat, potassium and magnesium, which has the effect of causing fatigue, feelings of tiredness and headaches. However, this side effect can be countered by taking supplements of these minerals in order to make up for what is lost. 

Reactive Hypoglycemia

As your body before the ketogenic diet is used to higher carb content, creating sugar and boosting insulin levels, a sudden switch to the ketogenic diet might lead to temporary low blood sugar level episodes. This happens as the body is transitioning between phases and takes time to accommodate to the new change. However, this settles in within a few days through, with the diet. The state of low blood sugar is referred to as ‘hypoglycemia’.

Shakiness and Weakness

Shakiness and weakness could be effects of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels. However, these too can be combated by increasing the intake of proteins and salt, accompanied by potassium rich foods in order to offset the levels of low blood sugar! 

Conclusion

The ketogenic diet consists of quite a few benefits. However, the side effects it is associated with need to be considered before hopping onto the ketogenic train. It is highly essential to consult a dietician before implementing on any such rigorous diets, with the ketogenic diet being no exception.