Ketosis is a metabolic state that is unhealthy because there is an imbalance in the body. Due to the absence or lack of carbohydrates in the diet, the liver has no more glycogen available to provide your blood with glucose. Fat is broken down and used to supply energy to your body cells, but as a result of this unnatural process, ketones are created, and the body goes into starvation mode.
If you go for more than 24 hours without eating, your body will start producing ketones as a result of your fat stores being utilised. In theory, this sounds like the perfect solution to easy weight loss, but unfortunately it is not. This system is flawed and dangerous, as it causes damage to your body and your inner organs. There is also a high likelihood of rebound weight gain once the diet is over and you revert to your previous eating habits. Actually, statistics have shown that most people on ketogenic diets regain all the weight they've lost within six months to a year!
As I point out in my book, 'The Magic of Sensible Dieting', rapid weight loss is not only dangerous but also ineffective, especially in the long term. Ketosis results when the body does not receive enough nutrients that it can convert into energy needed to function properly. 'Good' carbohydrates are actually essential for enhanced health, energy and fat burning, as they allow you to build muscle, while enabling you to reach peak athletic performance. Low-carb, high-protein and high fat diets like the Atkins Diet and other similar diets, are based on the ketogenic technique and they do work - but only in the short term. On top of that, you lose a lot of water initially, which gives you the illusion of even more dramatic weight loss - due to your body being depleted in fluids and electrolytes, which can cause further problems.
Once your body enters ketosis, you also begin to lose muscle, which is bad news, as all your hard work at the gym will be for nothing. You can't build muscle without supplying your body with energy in the form of healthy carbohydrates. Developing your body's muscles helps boost your metabolism, so you can burn fat more easily. Eventually, you will become extremely fatigued, weak, irritable and depressed while on the ketogenic diet, which only works because it makes you sick. The problem is that once you enter starvation mode, it becomes even harder to lose weight, as your metabolism slows down and weight loss almost comes to a halt. This is how nature helps us survive food shortages and famines, which were frequent during our evolution as humans.
Ketosis can damage your heart, which is also a muscle. In the long term, ketogenic diets can lead to liver and kidney damage. Eating too much protein puts a lot of strain on your kidneys, and research has shown that it shortens your life span. By exceeding your daily protein needs every day, you will destroy your kidneys, while not necessarily becoming slimmer. The ketogenic diet is also bad for your liver, which is not only the main detoxification organ, but also the biggest energy burning organ in your body. If you liver suffers, your metabolism will be affected negatively. Another setback is the risk of osteoporosis when eating large amounts of protein, as this type of diet causes calcium to leach from your bones, leaving them brittle and prone to fractures, especially as you age.
In my book, I recommend that you include complex carbohydrates in your diet, to satisfy your hunger and energy requirements. Complex carbohydrates are the body's natural fuel and contrary to popular belief, they do not make you fat. They will help you slim down and retain a healthy body shape, as long as you stay clear of all sugars, including honey and other sugar substitutes. Stay away from white bread, white pasta and white rice. Most manufactured products like biscuits and cakes contain lots of white flour, refined sugar and transfats, so stay away from them. Stick with fresh fruit and vegetables instead, as well as whole grains, beans, lentils and brown rice. Healthy carbs are also rich in fibre, which is another advantage.
The 'keto' diet can do more harm than good, even though it seems promising at first glance, and most people like the idea of being able to eat as much protein and fat as they like, while losing weight at the same time. But there is a price to pay and the price is way too high!
I hope this article has helped you understand why these diets are not good for you. For a diet that works, you can purchase a copy of my book, available as a softcover or ebook - just click on the lick at the top left of my blog or google your favourite online book retailer, like Amazon or Book Depository.
With my best wishes for your success and wellbeing,
Bella
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