Within the last several years, the Ketogenic diet has become another health fad that many people talk about. But perhaps what made it more popular is the overwhelmingly positive feedback from those who have tried it. It is considered as a promising method of losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Nevertheless, many people with little information about the diet think that it could cause more harm than good.
But like any diet meant to change the way you eat, it is essential to do it right and get as much information as possible. Yes, there are many myths and misconceptions floating around about the Keto diet, and this article aims to dispel these myths and help you gain more understanding about Keto.
What is the Ketogenic diet?
The main goal of going on a Ketogenic diet is to help your body reach ketosis, which is a metabolic process that uses fat as an energy source. For the longest time, we have relied on carbohydrates and sugar to fuel the body. Unfortunately, overconsumption of sugar and carbohydrates lead to weight gain and diseases like diabetes.
The body is naturally capable of ketosis through regular fasting, but unhealthy lifestyles and too much sugar prevent people from ever entering this metabolic process. By going on a Ketogenic diet, you will replace 70% of your calories from carbohydrates with fat, about 10-25% protein, and 5% or fewer carbohydrates.
Myths and misconceptions about the Ketogenic diet
Low-carb diets are quite common today, and none is more popular than Keto. However, some myths prevent people from trying it because they feel it will be bad for them. Here is what you need to know about these misconceptions.
- Keto diet will make you lose muscle. Athletes and bodybuilders are concerned that going on a strict Keto diet will make them lose muscle mass. Although you are consuming minimal carbohydrates, your body will not convert protein into energy. Specific metabolic processes that require glucose will break down the protein that you eat as part of your diet, and not the protein in your muscles.
- Keto diet is bad for your thyroid. Some of the hormone T3 produced by your thyroid gets used to metabolizing glucose. It is only natural that with less carbohydrate intake, your thyroid will also produce less T3. Many people think that this lack of T3 production is bad for your thyroid which cannot be farther from the truth. Keto diet helps maintain a healthy metabolism. Nonetheless, thyroid problems are not entirely eradicated, even if you are on a Keto diet. Since several factors may cause these problems, it is not conclusive to single out Keto as the cause of thyroid problems while a person is on this type of diet.
If you want to learn more about Keto, there is much scientific research conducted to dispel myths and help people appreciate its benefits. Nevertheless, it is also essential to take the necessary precautions before making any changes to your eating habits. Like any diet, it is best to consult a physician first, especially if you are suffering from certain health conditions.
