The keto diet changes how your body creates energy. An average diet consists of carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Each of these is used as a fuel source, but carbohydrates are the go to source of energy for the body.
For people who want to lose a few extra pounds, the keto diet may be ideal. There are many success stories with people who went on the keto diet, but it may not be for everyone.
Below is a quick introduction to keto, as well as some supplements from Integrative Therapeutics and Metagenics that may provide support for keto and your weight management goals.
What to Know Before Starting a Keto Diet
Harvard Medical School warns of not getting sucked into the marketing of keto for weight loss without first knowing how to do it right, as well as the medical risks.First, a keto diet is different than a low carb diet. In a keto diet, you are trying to get your body into ketosis, a process that takes place in the liver. Basically, your liver stores glucose, but once these stores are depleted, the liver releases ketone bodies that turn stored fat into energy. Most of your body prefers glucose, but it is adaptable and will convert to other sources of energy provided by ketosis.
This is one reason why the keto diet requires you to eat a greater quantity of fats. Fats are a great source of fatty acids, which your body will use as fuel until you start eating carbohydrates again.
Keto Diet Risk
Be warned that ketosis can have risks. The primary risk is acidosis. Acidosis is a process that occurs with a buildup of ketone bodies that break apart into acetone. Acetone is a volatile and reactive substance that can make the blood more acidic, damage bodily tissue, reducing organ function, and could lead to coma or death if not reversed.
When you are in ketosis you may notice your breath or urine smells fruity. This is caused by excess acetone. When acidosis becomes severe and needs to be reversed is a discussion for you and your primary care physician.
It can take a few days to get into ketosis depending on the person, and in that time you may experience mild to moderate side effects like confusion, mood swings, or a general feeling of low energy. If other people rely on you for their safety, like in a warehouse or medical field, you may want to give additional thought to how you approach keto.
How Long Can You Stay on the Keto Diet?
Once in ketosis, don’t stray from your diet. If you eat too many carbohydrates your body may leave ketosis. Once successfully underway, you should consider stopping after three months or sooner.
Finally, losing more than half a percent of body weight per week may be unsafe, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. Meaning that if you weigh 200 pounds, you might expect to lose up to 12 pounds over a three month period on keto. If you are losing more than that and are experiencing side effects, you may want need to speak with a dietician or primary care physician.
If you’ve tried to get on keto but struggled, you may be able to help the process along or encourage the body to burn more fat with your current diet by using a keto supplement.
See how in the next section!
Supplements for Keto and Weight Management
Keto supplements don’t necessarily put your body into ketosis, but they may help you to maintain ketosis or a healthy weight.To help you maintain or get into ketosis, you may want to consider the Ketogenic Shake formula from Metagenics. This formula contains 14 grams of fat with 3 grams of medium-chain triglycerides per serving, plus 20 grams of protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Some people struggle with a keto diet because they can’t find foods they enjoy eating. This shake is flavorful and provides many nutrients that your body will need while in ketosis.
You may also consider a supplement that promotes the natural fat burning process in the body through heat, known as thermogenesis. 7-Keto Lean from Integrative Therapeutics contains seven natural compounds that seek to activate enzymes that breakdown fat, helping you to maintain a healthy weight, and potentially supporting energy levels and a healthy thyroid gland. Combine this formula with healthy exercise and diet for optimal results.
Metagenics and Integrative Therapeutics are two trusted and high quality brands that people have trusted for their individual health needs. Check out the formulas above and see if they support your healthy weight loss efforts.
