Nutritionist Questions Keto Diet

Keto Diet?

I would like to know if the keto diet is safe? Keto Diet?


7 Answers

I do not recommend the keto diet- it is high in saturated fats and low in fiber.
It depends on one's current health status, principally related to GI health.
Yes, a Ketogenic (Keto) diet is definitely safe for most people BUT that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be effective or a good fit for you personally. Many people do lose weight on Keto Diets especially in the begining but as time goes on weight loss starts to plateau and many people find the diet unsustainable long term. Short term changes are only even going to give you short term results. It can be difficult to achive true ketosis and then once you have it can be hard to maintain for an extended length of time.

Also keep in mind that anytime you are eliminating entire food groups (grains and fruit in this instance) there are going to be some serious drawbacks. You could be missing out on essential vitamins and fiber as well as the overall balance and satisfaction that comes from eating a wider variety of food. Most people don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables as it is so any diet that further restricts those categories gets a big red flag in my book.

I recommend that you follow an eating pattern that works best with your lifestyle and preferences and that can be followed long term without missing out on anything essential. Chances are when you really think about it Keto isn’t it.

Ruth T Murillo RD, LD
Hello! The keto diet can be safe when implemented with the help of a professional. It can be harmful if not done properly and may interact with some medications or pre-existing medical conditions. In order to understand the best approach to starting the keto diet, I would recommend reaching out to a Dietitian for individualized support. If you would like support, I would be happy to help!
The keto diet is safe for most people, although not necessarily optimal. The keto diet has been shown to be effective for weight loss, although it is not sustainable for many people in the long term and there may be negative side effects for gut health.
I am personally not a fan of the keto diet. It was developed in the 1920s as a way to starve carbohydrates from the brain of epileptic children. It has been effective in decreasing the number of seizures in these children in many cases. However, as glucose is the main source of fuel, I do not feel this is a healthy choice for those not experiencing uncontrolled seizures. The minimum amount of carbohydrates needed per day is 130 grams for proper brain and red blood cell formation. Keto reduces the amount of carbohydrates down to 30 grams or less. This diet can also prevent foods that have anti-inflammatory benefits to the body. 
Generally this diet is safe. Due to the dietary restrictions, make sure to drink plenty of water and incorporate extra fiber into your diet. If you have high cholesterol, I recommend first consulting with your doctor.