My assumption when you are reading this is that you have some basic understanding of the KETO diet, where it originates from, and what it consists of. The KETO diet was initially developed by doctors as an emergency measure to help patients lose weight quickly, and it can be effective. However, there are two major detrimental side effects.
Firstly, eliminating fruit from the human diet is ill-advised; fruits and starchy vegetables are critical for providing energy, calories, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more. These foods help cleanse the body's chemistry by removing toxic materials from cells and flushing them out through normal waste mechanisms. Secondly, people may become addicted to the keto diet because protein is stimulating, relatively easy to consume, and filling.
The positive weight loss effects may encourage prolonged use, making it difficult for them to transition out of the diet. High-protein diets are toxic for the human body and are not recommended for people with illnesses like chemotherapy patients or those with autoimmune diseases, as it could worsen their conditions. The significant benefit of the keto diet is often not related to the diet itself but rather the elimination of processed and refined foods. A healthier approach would involve a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, sprouts, seeds, and moderate animal protein intake.
The KETO diet has related counterparts such as the Paleo diet and the carnivore diet, which are equally flawed and designed with a narrow focus on fitness. High-protein diets can lead to visibly chiseled muscles while masking internal toxicity. There are emotional connections to these diets, often driven by anxiety, stress, and depression, which make them appealing despite their negative health implications. Stress and chronic anxiety, experienced as pain over time, can lead to a disconnect from discomfort, making individuals more susceptible to extreme diets. The keto diet is like substance abuse disguised as a healthy eating plan. While it restricts carbohydrates to force the body to use ketones for energy, leading to weight loss and muscle gain, it often results in a desire to look fit rather than be healthy.
The initial benefits can be addicting, making it hard to abandon. However, the keto diet is not sustainable and can significantly amplify pollution if widely adopted. Instead, a balanced diet with calorie restriction, exercise, meditation, and clean animal protein consumed sparingly is more beneficial. The stimulation from animal protein is often mistaken for improved health, but it's more about heightened alertness, which isn't necessarily good for overall well-being. Changing dietary habits is challenging, but it's essential to recognize and address these addictive patterns for long-term health.
Ketosis, a metabolic state often sought after in high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets, can present significant health risks when not managed properly. In ketosis, the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates, leading to the production of ketones. While mild ketosis can be beneficial for weight loss, prolonged or extreme ketosis can lead to ketoacidosis, a dangerous condition where the blood becomes overly acidic. Ketoacidosis is particularly risky for individuals with diabetes, as their bodies might not regulate ketone production effectively, potentially resulting in severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and even life-threatening complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
High-protein diets can also contribute to metabolic acidosis, where the body's pH level drops due to an overproduction of acid or an inability to excrete enough acid. This condition can be exacerbated by the excessive intake of animal proteins, which are rich in sulfur-containing amino acids that produce acid when metabolized. Furthermore, high-protein diets have been linked to increased levels of inflammation. Studies have shown that diets high in red and processed meats can elevate inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Chronic inflammation is associated with a host of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and certain cancers, highlighting the need for a balanced diet that moderates protein intake and includes anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
To achieve success, eliminate processed foods, avoid late-night snacking, refrain from overeating, reduce your intake of animal protein, and focus your diet on fruits, vegetables, nuts, sprouts, and seeds.