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The Keto Diet or Ketogenic Diet is a diet that contains high fat, moderate protein and low carbohydrate value. The aim of this diet is to rely on ketone bodies, a type of fuel that the liver produces from stored fat instead of glucose that comes from carbohydrates.
Our body normally utilizes carbohydrates for fuel. But, with the keto diet, the body is deprived of carbohydrates. Thus, putting the body in a metabolic state, known as ketosis. During ketosis, there is an increased production of ketones in the body. Here, the body starts getting the energy from ketones, produced from fat. During this, the protein intake is kept moderate as too much protein can interfere with ketosis.
This leads to a significant reduction in insulin and blood sugar levels. It has been known to be helpful in epilepsy, particularly in children.
Remember that the keto diet itself comes with certain adverse effects, such as high cholesterol in the body, weak bones leading to fractures, constipation, retarded growth, kidney stones, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a dietician before starting a keto diet as it needs to be tailored as per individual needs and health conditions.
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