Does Ketogenic Diet Work? Opinions and reviews

The ketogenic diet is a diet based on the significantly reduced intake of carbohydrates; as known, the monomeric element that is at the base of the structure of most edible carbohydrates is glucose, considered as the main source of supply for the body: for example, the brain finds its sustenance exclusively from the supply of glucose .

By limiting the intake of this sugar with food, the body is forced to mobilize the glucose reserves that are stored over time, even at the level of the fat. This accelerates the weight loss process with greater disposal of excess fat. The term ketogenic derives from the fact that alternative metabolisms for the production of glucose lead to the formation of ketone bodies: these are metabolic residues that are normally produced in small doses and that can be easily disposed of in the urine or with pulmonary ventilation, but which in the conditions of a carbohydrate-free diet tend to reach a higher level than in the normal condition. In general, the ketogenic diet is followed by those who need strong weight loss or by those who are passionate about the world of fitness, however there are also therapeutic applications, for example to treat epilepsy that cannot be kept under control by medicines, or in the presence of severe obesity.

Characteristics of a keto diet

Over the years, many different types of ketogenic diets have developed, but all have particular characteristics:

• reduced level of calories, in fact it is a low-calorie regime, aimed at bringing fewer calories than those that are consumed;
• low quantity of carbohydrates, considering that the basic principle is precisely the maintenance of low sugar levels;
• high protein intake, even if in general we do not speak of an absolute intake, but of a relative intake compared to the other components;
• fats, like proteins, are also provided in a higher percentage than the overall supply of nutrients.

What should you eat on the ketogenic diet?

At first glance it seems easy to understand this diet, but it is not so obvious to choose foods that are actually low in carbohydrates. In general, all animal products and their derivatives such as eggs and cheeses, seasoning oils and fats with a preference for extra virgin olive oil known for the goodness of the fatty acids that constitute it and obviously vegetables in abundance are allowed. On the contrary, it is important to avoid cereals, potatoes and derivatives, legumes, but also fruits that are rich in fructose, finally sweets, sugary drinks and all alcohol are prohibited. The typical guideline of ketogenic diets envisages adopting a breakdown of this kind with regard to the supply of nutrients:

• 10% carbohydrates, a rather small percentage especially when compared with the normal levels of normal diets;
• 15-25% of proteins, which due to the presence of amino acids as basic constituents participate in the production of glucose by the liver;
• 70% or more fat.

Advantages and disadvantages of the keto diet

Obviously, the ketogenic diet facilitates weight loss thanks to the reduction of total calories, the maintenance of constant blood sugar levels and an increase in calorie consumption for greater lipolysis and can be useful to counteract the symptoms of unresponsive epileptic seizures. to medicines.

On the other hand, there are also some disadvantages associated with a possible excess of ketone bodies, which is why it is important to constantly monitor them if you decide to undertake a diet of this kind. In particular, the kidneys could be jeopardized or the so-called keto-flu could be experienced, which causes headaches and fatigue as a result of the body’s adaptation to this dietary regimen. Obviously, if the right balance is found, it is possible to avoid these risks and greatly benefit from the benefits of this famous diet.

Ketogenic diet opinions

In recent years, a great deal of interest has developed around ketogenic diets both for the large number of conferences conducted by industry experts, and for the ability to find information through the internet. Many believe that this approach is extremely valid in all those cases in which it is particularly difficult to shed extra pounds, for example when you suffer from severe obesity, also because it has been seen that the sudden weight loss is not configured with a ‘ equally rapid recovery of the extra pounds.

Furthermore, it is confirmed its positive effect in all those cases in which one suffers from pathologies that cannot be effectively controlled only with pharmacological treatment, for example in childhood epilepsy or in forms of type 2 diabetes in which the dietary contribution is extremely marked .