Following A Keto-Diet Can Be Injurious To Your Bone Health

The Ketogenic diet restricts total carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams per day and can be as low as 20 grams per day. But, a new study pointed out that going keto can lead to several health consequences.

The findings of the study published in the Frontiers in Endocrinology suggested that a low-carb diet such as the keto could adversely affect bone health.

The study included 30 participants who were involved in vigorous training to compete in walking races. The researchers found significant signs of bone breakdown among those athletes who adhered to a keto diet for a period of three and a half weeks compared to those who consumed a more balanced diet.

The researchers opined that the low consumption of carbs on keto could have affected bone metabolism.

Despite its popularity as a quick method to lose weight, experts and doctors have decried the keto diet for a long time. Consuming a Ketogenic diet involves getting about 90% of one’s daily calorie requirement, putting the body into a semi-starvation state called 'ketosis.' While in that stage, the body burns reserved fat stores for energy rather than depending on carbs. Although this can help you shed pounds quickly, it can be highly unsustainable and could lead to several health problems.

“Markers of bone modeling/remodeling were impaired after short-term LCHF diet, and only a marker of resorption recovered after acute CHO restoration. Long-term studies of the effects of LCHF on bone health are warranted,” the study concluded.

According to UChicago Medicine, going keto could also cause low blood pressure, kidney stones, nutritional deficiencies, constipation and a significantly higher risk of heart diseases. Also, keto isn’t recommended for individuals with health conditions involving organs such as the pancreas, gallbladder or thyroid.

Newbie keto-ers can also experience what’s known as the ‘keto flu’ which exhibits symptoms including stomach discomfort, low energy, mood swings, and dizziness.

Since this fad diet restricts vegetables, fruits, whole grains as well as low-fat dairy, adhering to it can affect a person’s long term weight loss and overall well being.

The only known medical use for Ketogenic diet, according to Vice, is that it helps treat pediatric epilepsy and helps regulate blood sugar levels.