Hello world, I am Manisha. I am a nutritionist and yoga enthusiast. I am passionate about nutrition, fitness and mental health. In this article, let me keep you aware of keto diet and it’s impacts on the body!
So, the other day my friend sends me a video asking for a clarification and some understanding regarding a food concept. The video says “Eating fats is beneficial for a diabetic person”! So, the video explains , when you take sugars, the insulin is released and impacts the health in a bad way whereas when you eat fats, insulin is not triggered in your body and that’s the best way to treat diabetes. This definitely sounds very funny to me because the person in the video never mentions the name of the “fat eating diet” (which is KETO). He just says the ‘American Diabetes Association’ has been fooling around with the public in the name of drugs and wrong information.
Before I tell you the truth, let us talk about Keto. What is a keto diet? A diet that is filled with only fats and proteins with zero carbohydrates is called a keto diet. This definitely makes a person lose weight because carbohydrates or glucose (glycerol) consists of 3 water molecules. So when you eat zero carbs, you don’t accumulate any glucose or glycerol and also you might end up losing the extra water from your body. Now there are few people who say this is a good diet, let me tell you, there is no proof for keto diet being successful in the long run without giving the subject any kind of health impacts.
Let us discuss more. What happens with keto diet? So, when you start a keto diet, your body doesn’t store any glucose in the body because you are not having carbohydrates which is the main source of glucose. Though proteins have the property to convert into energy but the very first property of a protein is to convert into amino acids and not glucose. So, some experts believe when there is no glucose in the diet, it helps a diabetic person and gives him a relief. Helps them to stay away from medications and other diabetic conditions.
BUT, is this theory true ? Why do we need glucose, glucose in the body is a reserve to the human body, when you perform a task and also your brain needs glucose, even writing an exam, memorising things, lifting an object, lifting a baby, cooking your meals, taking a shower, everything is a task and needs energy to be performed. The glucose gives you energy. It also acts a a reserve for the human body, especially when you fall sick, and when your body’s metabolism increases, you will need more glucose. Listen carefully, glucose, not fat! Where is your glucose stored in the body? In the muscles, in the liver majorly. So, when you eat excessively, your tissues take as much required and send the rest of the glucose to the fat deposits. This is one of the many reasons why a person is prone to diabetes. (Will discuss more on diabetes in my next article). Cutting down sugars is definitely a good thing but do not cut down on healthy carbs. Why? We will learn more now.
What are the impacts of keto diet ? Now, when there is no glucose available to the system, the energy is derived from fats and proteins and this is called as keto.
1.The chemical cycle of fats and proteins turning into glucose(ultimately energy) is very slow unlike carbohydrates which derives glucose in a chemical cycle that is easier and quick. 2. You need glucose for the brain. Mere fats and proteins will not give you a 360 degree health. 3. When you fall sick, glucose (carbohydrates)reserve is the first one to rescue the body’s metabolism. 4. Have you ever seen a person drinking oil instead of a glass of glucose when he feels giddy? 5. There should also be a higher intake of fibers (good for the gut) and water in the diet which is not mentioned in the keto diets. But fibers belong to the complex carbohydrate class and they are very important to keep the blood sugar levels in balance and also is one of the main food for the intestines. 6. The long term ill effects of keto diet do not outweigh the positive effects of having consistent glucose in the body. You can not just eat any form of fat or proteins, the fats must be healthy and the proteins must have a combination of all the essential and non essential amino acids which is not found in one single group of foods. 7. A keto diet produces more acids impairs homeostasis, pH balance in the cells and blood. The urine might also consist of more Uric acid. All this is because of keto acidosis. 8. Kidney stones is one major disadvantage of keto diet. Brain fog,constipation and feeling giddy, nauseous and many more symptoms arise from a keto diet. 9. Overall, I would say that a Keto diet is not a long sustainable diet for an overall healthy lifestyle. Also, just having a keto diet is not at all helpful, there must be a lot of physical activity as well which gels well with the diet.
A common person who has no idea about this diet must not follow any kind of new diet without consulting a nutritionist or a physician.
So, should a diabetic follow a keto diet? I would suggest, no! A diabetic person must take utmost care of their health in all respects. Because, diabetes is a major concern and there are more underlying diseases that align with diabetes like nephrotic symptoms, neurological symptoms, opthamological symptoms, foot care etc.
Can a normal person follow keto? I would still say no. This diet has no success in the long run. Please always consult a specialist before you dive into any kind of diet and lifestyle changes.
Basically, eating right and keeping it moderate is the key ALWAYS! Keeping your diet healthy and eating a balanced meal. Keeping your carbohydrates portions aligned with your blood sugar levels and also monitoring the sugar levels at every interval is important.
What about the drugs we use for diabetic control? There are various drugs for different metabolic alterations in the diabetic person. Every person is different with different concerns. So the medication also differs depending on the severity. Metformin is generally used for a person who doesn’t have any other abnormalities. And taking multivitamins of Vit B12 and folic acid is very much essential as well. When you well manage and monitor your blood sugar levels , you don’t need medication for a long period. There is lot more information I can give you to prove the theory but this article should also be understood by a layman. So, I couldn’t use much of science and terminology.
Please always remember to consult a specialist with what is to be eaten and what is not. Please do not google and search solutions for health issues. There is always more information and help from your nutritionist and your physicians. Always stay aware. Hope the information above helps you. Thank you! Stay safe
Comments