What is the Ketogenic Diet?

The ketogenic diet was originally created in the early 1900s to treat epilepsy and began to become popularized for weight loss around the 1970s. The keto diet is characterized by high consumption of fats with minimal consumption of carbs. A typical breakdown of macros for the keto diet has around 80% of calories from fat, 15% from protein, and 5% from carbohydrates.

The idea is that by depriving the body of carbs as an energy source, the body will be forced to break down fat instead. Depletion of glucose in the body leads to the production of ketone bodies and a state known as ‘ketosis’. While effective for weight loss, being in a constant state of ketosis can have negative impacts on the body, such as kidney damage. Additionally, the strict restriction of so many foods can lead to micronutrient depletion. Due to electrolyte shifts and metabolic changes, it is common for those new to the keto diet to experience what has been termed the “keto flu”.

While the keto diet can be beneficial for some people, it is important that a medical professional is consulted before started to evaluate the specific nutrient needs of an individual. For the majority of individuals, maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet will be both easy to maintain and more beneficial in the long run.

For more information about the ketogenic diet, contact a Registered Dietitian or see the November/December 2018 edition of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Food & Nutrition Magazine.