7 Potential Dangers of the Keto Diet
- Nutritional deficiencies: The keto diet can be low in certain nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This can lead to deficiencies in these important nutrients.
- Liver damage: The keto diet may put stress on the liver, potentially leading to liver damage or dysfunction.
- Kidney damage: The high protein content of the keto diet may put stress on the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney damage or dysfunction.
- Increased risk of heart disease: The keto diet may increase the risk of heart disease, due to its high saturated fat content and lack of certain nutrients.
- Increased risk of cancer: The keto diet may increase the risk of certain types of cancer, such as prostate cancer.
- Constipation: The low fiber content of the keto diet may lead to constipation and other digestive issues.
- Difficulty sticking to the diet: The strict and restrictive nature of the keto diet can make it difficult for some people to stick to, leading to feelings of deprivation and frustration.
- Bad breath: The keto diet can cause bad breath, also known as keto breath, due to the presence of acetone in the breath.
- Low blood sugar: The keto diet can cause low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, due to the low carbohydrate intake. This can lead to symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and confusion.
- Increased risk of osteoporosis: The keto diet may increase the risk of osteoporosis, due to its low intake of fruits, vegetables and grains, which are all good sources of calcium and other bone-strengthening nutrients.
- Increased risk of kidney stones: The high-protein, low-carb nature of the keto diet may increase the risk of kidney stones.
- Increased risk of gallbladder problems: The keto diet may increase the risk of gallbladder problems, due to the high-fat nature of the diet.
- Interference with medication: The keto diet may interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications, such as blood sugar-lowering medications for people with diabetes.
- Keto flu: Some people may experience symptoms similar to the flu, such as fatigue, headaches, and nausea, when transitioning to the keto diet.