What Is The Keto Diet
The Keto (Ketogenic) Diet is a low-carb, low to moderate protein and super high-fat diet. Carbs are restricted to trace amounts whereas fats are increased to fulfil as much as 80% of your macronutrient consumption. The reason for this is that the goal of this diet is to switch your body's primary fuel source from carbohydrates and glycogen (stored carbohydrates) over to ketones. Ketones are made in the liver from fat and are a type of acid your body can use for fuel in the absence of carbohydrates.
What Are The Benefits of The Keto Diet?
Weight Loss
A 2013 meta-analysis found that those following a ketogenic diet lost 2lbs more than their counterparts following a simple low-fat diet. Another found a more impressive 5lbs difference over the course of a six-month diet.Brain Function
There are a growing number of studies which appear to point to ketones as a superior fuel source when compared to carbohydrates for supporting brain function. They have also been shown to be beneficial when managing conditions like Alzheimer's disease.Disease Prevention
Various studies have shown that a ketogenic diet can help avoid or manage diseases including dementia, bipolar disorder, Parkinson's, diabetes and some cancers.
Is The Keto Diet Easy To Follow?
The diet is notoriously difficult to follow correctly. Many people think they've achieved a state of ketosis (where your body prioritises ketones as fuel) when they, in fact, haven't. The best way to find out is through ketone level testing. This can be done in several ways. The most popular two are urine strips (questionable accuracy but an affordable option) and blood testing (more accurate, more expensive). The temptation and problem a lot of people face is to eat a lot of fried and processed foods. As with any diet, you should try to eat cleaner, keto diet-friendly options wherever possible.Does Keto Work?
There are a significant number of studies which appear to show some benefit to the general population in using the ketogenic diet. Weight loss and brain function, in particular, appear to be supported by ketosis. The diet is still relatively new, and there isn't concrete proof that you should make the switch yet, but, anecdotally, many have reported significant improvements in health.Allergy Tests
Before starting any new diet, it is essential to consider allergy tests. When you introduce new foods to your diet, you run the risk of exposing yourself to previously unidentified allergens and the symptoms that come with them. We have a range of allergy tests that are suited to all budgets. Check out our allergy tests here.
