The keto diet shouldn't be done by these 3 groups of people (why?)

The ketogenic diet, or better known as the keto diet, is considered to be an effective method of losing weight. However, the keto diet also has a number of health risks to watch out for. Some people are not even advised to go on the keto diet because it has the potential to endanger their health. So, who shouldn't go on the keto diet?

Health risks of the keto diet

The principle of the keto diet is a diet low in carbohydrates and high in fat. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body. When you lack carbohydrates, the body will switch to burning energy reserves in the form of fat.

The keto diet makes your body burn fat effectively so it is considered effective for weight loss. You don't even have to bother monitoring the types of food you eat or calculating your daily calorie intake.

However, the keto diet also has side effects. During the first week on the keto diet, you can start to feel unwell. This is the main symptom of a condition called keto flu, one of the most common risks of the keto diet. Symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, sleep problems, irritability, bad breath, muscle aches, to digestive problems such as constipation, nausea, and stomach aches.

If done for a long time, the keto diet can trigger ketosis. Ketosis is a phase when fat is the largest energy producer for the body. The results of fat metabolism produce waste products called ketones.

Ketosis is not always harmful to health. Ketones produced during the ketosis phase can even be a useful source of energy for the brain. However, ketosis can have harmful effects on some people.

Who shouldn't be on the keto diet?

The risks of the keto diet are generally related to ketosis and its effect on drastic changes in metabolic work. Based on these considerations, here are the groups of people who should not be on the keto diet:

1. Diabetics

For diabetics whose blood sugar is not controlled, ketosis can lead to a dangerous complication called ketoacidosis. This condition is characterized by the high number of ketones in the blood so that the blood becomes acidic.

If the blood becomes acidic, the system in the body will not be able to work normally. Untreated diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to coma and even death.

2. Pregnant women

Pregnant women generally should not go on the keto diet because of the risk to the health and development of the fetus.

The long-term effects of ketosis during pregnancy are closely related to fetal brain development disorders.

In addition, ketosis during pregnancy is also thought to increase the risk of spina bifida. Spina bifida is a disorder in the fetal body due to the formation of imperfect spinal nerves.

3. Breastfeeding mothers

Breastfeeding mothers need more fluid intake to keep their milk production smooth. One of the reasons why breastfeeding mothers should not go on the keto diet is the effect of ketosis which can cause dehydration.

The keto diet is also very low in carbohydrates, so breastfeeding mothers will feel tired more easily. In addition, adequate intake of calories and carbohydrates is still needed by breastfeeding mothers to accelerate milk production.

You can't even replace lost fluids and carbohydrates with fruit because these foods are taboo on the keto diet.

Consult a doctor first if you want a diet

The keto diet may be beneficial for some people, but not necessarily for diabetics, pregnant women, and breastfeeding. The reason is, these three conditions make your body more susceptible to the side effects of the keto diet.

If you experience one of these conditions, try to consult a doctor or nutritionist to determine the type of diet that is more suitable. A healthy diet must not only be effective, but also safe and beneficial for health.

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