‘Keto Diet’ A Popular Dietary Trend? How safe is it?

Rithu Dravid | NT

You may know multiple people who have embarked on the “Keto Diet” or you've probably seen new advertisements for "Ketofriendly" snacks, substitutes, and even restaurants.

The year ‘2020’, is estimated to have had 25.4 million searches on “keto” which was the most Googled foodrelated topic in the world.

But the question is, “how safe or advisable is the Keto Diet”?

As weight-loss regimens and diet have long been popular all over the world for decades, millions of people around the globe look for the latest trends in weight loss and healthy eating options.

Whether that be moving to plant-based, calorie controlled, or perhaps other “faddier” diets, people are most likely to try at least two alternative diets in their lifetime.

Many people facing body weight issues have struggled to shed weight despite the many diet regimens, plans and workouts available.

“I have struggled with my weight my whole life. I was depressed and never looked nice no matter what. It was a challenge for me to follow diet plans and stop myself from eating what I liked. This could not continue for too long. With menopause brought extra kilos to my body”, exclaims Chandana Prabhu, a Bengaluru-based lawyer.

Many seeking weight loss regimes like Chandana have been following the ketogenic diet which has quite recently skyrocketed in popularity.

“Keto has completely changed my life now although it was a huge adjustment and challenging phase. It was worth the try”, she says.

But weight loss isn’t the only motivator for seeking a healthier lifestyle. More and more people are consciously choosing specific diets which help maintain their health and reduce the risk of potential, future ailments.

However, the Keto diet recommends consuming carbohydrates as 10% of your daily calorie intake, protein as 20%, and fats as the remainder. The goal is to have your body rely on breaking down fat stores for energy instead of carbohydrates to decrease body fat.

Consuming certain foods like nuts, cream, butter and foods high in fat are encouraged while bread, pasta, sugar and grains are all forbidden. This results in ketones replacing glucose as an alternative fuel and this transition from glucose to fat metabolism helps in the process of healthy weight loss, and prevent acquiring many diseases.

In addition, the drawback being -this diet differs from others and perhaps results in insufficient nutrition to the body. The Keto diet has been taken up by an increasing number of people.

People like Bengaluru-based Amaresh, 40 years old, with a history of obesity and allied health issues took up the Keto diet plan in consultation with his doctor which benefited him.

“I have lost 10 kgs and now can walk my dogs and kids around in the park for longer durations. I have followed the right advice from my healthcare specialist on this and I am a healthier person today”, says Amaresh.

However this type of intensive programme diet cannot be done incorrectly and has to be monitored by health care professionals. Failing which it can alter many parameters in the body functioning causing serious complications.

Clinical dieticians are not in favour of recommending the Keto diet to their patients as the diet increases the risk of nutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamins and minerals found in fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Some individuals they note may experience side effects such as fatigue, headache, brain fog, and nausea, commonly known as the "Keto Flu."

“Long-term adherence to the keto diet may lead to nutrient imbalances, kidney problems, an increased risk of heart disease and other ailments also due consuming unhealthy highfat foods. The strict macronutrient ratio and limited food choices can make the keto diet challenging to follow long-term”, says Ayisha Vazira, Clinical Dietician, Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Hospital, Bengaluru.

On the contrary many nutritionists working on patients with weight reduction diet charts are in favour of ketogenic diet, as it helps to increase weight loss and insulin levels with strict monitoring.

Further they say it increases energy levels and reduces inflammation, managing epilepsy, and improves heart health.

However it is important to consult a healthcare professional or registered dietician/ nutritionist before starting any new diet plan to ensure it aligns with individual health needs and goals.