The low-carb ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet that induces ketosis, using fats instead of carbs for energy. It was first developed in 1921 as a treatment for epileptic seizures and is still used today. It is also used for weight loss, but there are potential health risks that need to be discussed with a health professional.
A low-carb ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet that allows for moderate to low amounts of protein. Drastically reducing carbohydrates causes the dieter’s body to enter a state called ketosis, in which the body begins to use fats instead of carbohydrates for fuel and energy. Following a low carbohydrate diet is a means of losing weight and is an effective method of controlling epileptic seizures.
In 1921, the Mayo Clinic developed the first low-carb ketogenic diet as a treatment for patients suffering from epileptic seizures. However, during the 1940s, the use of diet began to decline in favor of drug therapies, only to be reintroduced as a treatment option in the mid-1990s. When used for this purpose, the proportion of fat to carbs and protein is usually 4:1, although there is some range of adjustment in terms of fat: from 2.5:1 to 5:1.
Primarily used for adolescents who have limited success with drug treatment for epileptic seizures, the diet is typically started in a hospital so doctors can closely monitor results. The regimen usually continues at home, with mandatory follow-up appointments to watch for side effects and avoid complications such as malnutrition. Successful therapy can continue for years, but with a sufficient reduction in seizures, the doctor may recommend gradually discontinuing the diet after two years.
When following a low-carb ketogenic diet for weight loss, it is believed that by reducing the intake of carbohydrate-containing foods, the desire for them also decreases. As a result, this decrease in desire is equal to a decrease in calorie consumption as well. There are several well-recognized low-carb diets that claim a high degree of success. The popularity of these diets is one reason grocery stores carry many low-sugar, low-carb alternatives to regular foods that are high in carbohydrates, like bread or ice cream.
There are certain considerations that need to be taken when using a low carb ketogenic diet. The diet puts a person in a state of ketosis, so there are potential health risks that need to be fully understood and discussed with a health professional before starting the diet. The ketones that are formed during ketosis can cause kidney stones to form and can even lead to kidney failure. Other possible side effects of this low-carb diet include decreased growth in children, dehydration, elevated cholesterol levels, and constipation.
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