Is The Keto Diet Healthy?

For many people, dieting is a way to slim down and maintain a healthier body. However, certain diets exist to supplement your body and help with problems like type 2 diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, and epilepsy. The keto diet is recommended for those who wish to lose weight, stay thin, or manage their blood sugar levels.

The Atlantic Medical Group has locations in Kinston and Jacksonville, North Carolina, and gastroenterologist Dr. Eric Ibegbu can help you determine whether the keto diet would benefit you and your lifestyle. Everyone needs a diet tailored to their unique needs, and a gastroenterologist is the best person to ask if you have concerns about your digestive system.

What is the keto diet?

The ketogenic diet refers to a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that replaces your carb intake with fat. This essentially means eating more butter, meat, and dairy instead of things like bread, rice, and pasta. A typical keto meal plan includes plenty of cheese, eggs, meat, and vegetables, along with certain oils and fats.

This diet encourages your body to burn fat instead of carbs, and lowers insulin and blood sugar levels in the body. It also causes the liver to produce more ketones, which provide energy for the brain. This results in more energy, mental clarity, and weight loss.

How healthy is the keto diet?

Many dieticians and bloggers have been recommending keto, but how healthy is it? While it comes with many benefits, there are also some concerns surrounding a long-term keto diet, including a low fiber intake. People often have a hard time keeping up with their keto diets, and experience the side effects of carb withdrawal in the first few weeks.

The benefits of keto

Higher energy levels
Better focus and concentration
Weight loss
Lower blood sugar

The downsides of keto

Bad breath/dry mouth
Constipation
Headaches
Dehydration
Difficult to maintain long-term

Should I try keto?

There is no miracle diet, and every meal plan comes with downsides. However, understanding your needs and your digestive system will give you a better idea of what foods you need and which you should avoid.

If you’re interested in trying the keto diet, or just want to know if it could help you, Dr. Ibegbu can help you make an informed decision about what diet would benefit you most. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, manage conditions like IBS or chronic constipation, or just want to lead a healthier lifestyle, change starts with your stomach. Contact either of our offices to set up an appointment today to learn more.