Is the Keto Diet Good or Bad If You Have a Health Condition?
You want to start the keto diet, but you're worried about your health conditions. So is the keto diet good or bad for you? Read on to find out!
45 million Americans go on a diet each year.
Many of them will choose to go on the keto, or ketogenic diet. With cheerleaders like Kim Kardashian and Halle Berry, its no wonder a lot of people are interested in giving it a try.
But like any diet, before you start it, you're probably wondering if the keto diet good or bad?
Specifically, you might be wondering about it if you suffer from a health condition.
There is no blanket answer to whether the keto diet is good or bad for people, but we'll go over a few of the concerns many individuals have.
Talk to Your Doctor About If the Keto Diet is Good or Bad For You If you Have a Health Condition
If you suffer from a health condition and are thinking of using the keto diet to lose weight, you should speak to your doctor first.
It is always a good idea to consult with your doctor before you start any kind of diet or exercise program.
He or she is most familiar with you as a person and your health history. He or she can help you make the best decisions when it comes to your health and what diet or diets to consider if you're interested in losing weight.
The Keto Diet May Be Good for Epilepsy
According to recent research, the keto diet might actually be good for individuals with epilepsy. It is the condition that has been studied the most in terms of how those on the keto diet fare.
Recent research has shown that epilepsy, and seizure episodes, can improve by as much as 50% when engaging in the "classic" keto diet. This means taking in four times as much fat as carbohydrates or protein.
Some people have found that the keto diet has also improved their seizure's severity and have had "lighter" seizures after following a keto diet.
PCOS Patients Can Benefit from the Keto Diet
If you suffer from PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome, there is a mounting body of evidence that shows it can improve your condition.
PCOS is a painful disease, characterized by too many cysts on the ovaries. While most women have cysts that come and go throughout their cycle, women with PCOS are unable to get rid of these cysts. Therefore, they will build up, which can lead to irregular cycles and painful cysts.
Some women with PCOS also struggle with their weight or have excessive facial or body hair.
The keto diet has been successful for weight loss in many patients with PCOS. While many women who have PCOS struggle to lose weight and keep it off, the keto diet has worked in many of them.
There is also some evidence to support that the keto diet might help women who struggle with infertility related to PCOS might increase their fertility on the diet.
If You Have Diabetes, It Can Help Lower Your Blood Sugar
Do you suffer from diabetes? If so, your doctor has probably already told you to cut down on sugar and other heavy foods. You may have already had to change your diet drastically following your diagnosis.
Low-carb diets have been proven to help manage diabetes, and as keto is akin to the Atkins diet and is low-carb, it can help individuals with diabetes keep their weight and blood sugar in check.
The Keto Diet May Help with Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease can be devastating for individuals who live with it and/or their caretakers. It typically manifests during the later years in life. It is characterized by tremors and shaking that can make life very difficult. Some people have trouble feeding themselves or dressing themselves because their tremors are so bad.
However, the keto diet may be able to help individuals who suffer from Parkinson's disease.
One study discovered that people with Parkinson's saw a dramatic reduction in their symptoms after following a keto diet. Like with epilepsy, the individuals followed a "classic" keto diet, which meant that they are four times as much fat as protein and carbs in their diet.
The Keto Diet Might Help Migraines
If you suffer from migraines, you know that they can be devastating and debilitating. Some individuals may be out for several days during a terrible episode.
Doctors don't exactly know what cause migraines, but it is believed that diet does play a role in it. Some people are believed to be triggered by things like chocolate or caffeine, and they avoid these items in order to keep migraines at bay.
However, the keto diet might help individuals who have migraines. Preliminary studies have shown that many migraine sufferers have found improvement through the keto diet. This was in terms of frequency and intensity.
More studies are currently needed in order to confirm how accurate the results were.
Is the Keto Diet For Me?
Is the keto diet good or bad?
Well, it depends on you and what you and your doctor have discussed.
Most people see significant improvement in their health. They also often see the numbers on the scale drastically decline as they continue the keto diet.
If you're interested in the keto diet, or any supplements or extras to keep you going on your journey, visit our blog. We've got you covered!