Ketosis occurs when the body produces ketones from using its own fat for energy, often triggered by low-carb diets. There is confusion between dietary ketosis and ketoacidosis, which is uncontrolled and typically triggered by type 1 diabetes. While some side effects of ketosis are temporary, there are potentially dangerous side effects such as gout, kidney stones, and organ failure. More long-term studies are needed to clarify any potentially dangerous side effects of ketosis.
Ketosis occurs when the body produces ketones as it uses its own fat for energy. Certain diets, especially diets that require very low levels of carbohydrate intake, can trigger this process. Not all health professionals agree that ketones produced by a controlled diet are harmful, but many believe that there are some potentially dangerous side effects of ketosis. These can include gout, kidney stones and the possibility of organ failure.
When people talk about ketosis, they often don’t distinguish the cause or the level of ketones they’re referring to. There is a degree of confusion between ketoacidosis, which is an uncontrolled situation typically triggered by type 1 diabetes, and dietary ketosis; many refer to both situations simply as ketosis. The blood ketone level from dietary ketosis, typically caused by a low-carb diet, is relatively moderate compared to the ketone level resulting from diabetes. Ketoacidosis can lead to ketone levels up to ten times higher than dietary ketosis. The difference in the amount of ketones can make a big difference when considering the side effects of ketosis, as higher levels are more likely to cause problems.
Blood ketones are considered by many to be toxic, especially at high levels; however, not all ketosis side effects are permanent or dangerous. Temporary side effects include feelings of weakness, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. Constipation or diarrhea can also result from a low-carb diet. All of these effects typically wear off as the body adjusts to the reduced levels of carbohydrates and the resulting increase in ketones.
Dangerous side effects of ketosis can include an increased risk of heart disease or cancer, but, according to the Mayo Clinic, these have not been proven. There are also possible problems related to the formation of kidney stones or other kidney and liver problems related to excess toxins in the blood, as the body works to filter out the additional ketones. Gout, another condition related to kidney function and high uric acid levels, is considered by some to be among the most common side effects of ketosis, but there appears to be limited evidence linking the two.
According to many researchers, while there is concern about very low-carb diets and dietary ketosis, the serious problems associated with being in ketosis aren’t necessarily caused by ketosis. Instead, ketosis itself can be the result of more serious problems, such as diabetes. More long-term studies are needed to clarify any potentially dangerous side effects of ketosis.
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