KETONES, KETOGENIC, KETOSIS.
The spotlights have been on keto diet for sometime now, whipping up sentiments and stirring socialmedia frenzy.
The subject of ketones is as old as the study of biochemistry and physiology. Ketones are a type of fatty acids metabolised by the liver from fats in the body. The liver produces ketones when the body is starving, or when the body is receiving very minimal carbohydrate and protein supply. This leads to loss of fat from adipose tissues(weight loss).
Ketogenic diet plan, is a diet plan that involves extreme reduction of carbohydrate intake, restricted proteins, increased fats intake. It comes in various forms, variations and names; Atkins Diet, Paleo Diet, Ketogenic Diet, Spanish Mediterranean Ketogenic Diet, Low Carb Diet, and the likes.
Highly effective in weight loss as it is, there are downsides and contraindications of a keto diet.
If diet is strictly followed for a long time, it leads to loss in bone density and subsequent osteoporosis,(a disease characterised by fragile bones). For menopausal women, osteoporosis comes faster. Also, there is the issue of kidney stones, infertility in some cases and other metabolic hyper reactions that vary from person to person.
However in cases of epilepsy, and some Neuro degenerative diseases, keto diets have proved helpful.
Keto diets put the body system in a state of ketosis which is not the normal metabolic state of the human body. Insulin hormone helps regulate the level of ketone in the body. For people with insulin deficiency there is a risk of keto-acidosis, which is a condition of ketone fatty ACID build up in the blood.
Ketones are fatty acids, they are made up of fats and acid, when they build up in the blood, they become harmful.
To stay safe, build your diet plan to include moderate quantities of wholesome carbohydrates and proteins maybe twice or thrice weekly. Exercise and physical activity are vital for a healthy weight loss and general fitness.
Whatever works for you now, do make sure it is healthy in the long run.
Do Eat Responsibly.
