Planning to Follow a Keto Diet? Take a Look at the Potential Side-Effects

The potential side-effects of a keto diet

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There are different diets that have been doing rounds, from Keto to Mediterranean to MIND; the list can be pretty long. It is important that you follow a diet that helps you achieve your goals. But, it is also necessary that your diet provides you with the essential nutrients so that your body doesn’t suffer due to a deficiency. However, every diet comes with its pros and cons.

While the pros of some diets might outweigh the cons of it, you should always be mindful of what you’re eating. Your diet should consist of all necessary vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other important nutrients. The Keto diet, also known as ketogenic diet is where one eats less carbohydrates and more fats and proteins. When an individual follows a keto diet, the body burns fats for energy rather than sugar, which eventually helps in weight loss.

However, this diet too comes with its own side effects. Here, take a look at the potential side effects of following the keto diet.

Can cause dehydration

When you follow the keto diet, your body might start to lose water before fat. Loss of water can lead to dehydration which can then cause dry mouth, dizziness, increased thirst, tiredness and fatigue among others.

Can lead to gastrointestinal problems

Following the diet can cause problems like constipation, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting. These problems tend to happen frequently which might affect the daily life of an individual.

Can cause kidney stones

People following the keto diet might also develop kidney stones. This is because following a diet that is animal-based and also high in fat can damage your kidneys in the long term. Kidney stones might form due to decreased citrate and pH levels and increased calcium levels in the urine.

Nutritional deficiency

Following the keto diet might bard you from consuming certain fruits and vegetables due to their carbohydrate content. This also lowers the intake of essential vitamins and minerals which can eventually impact your overall health. People tend to suffer from deficiency of vitamins A, B6, B12, C, E, and K and also minerals such as folate, thiamin and others.

Can lead to weight regain

When you return to your usual eating patterns after you’ve followed the keto diet for a while, you tend to regain the lost weight.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.