Keto Safe Long Term For Epilepsy
A keto diet focuses on fat, proteins and some carbohydrates to alter the body’s energy metabolism, resulting in a state of ketosis, where the liver uses fatty acids as fuel. This shift can help some people manage certain health conditions, including epilepsy. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, studies have shown that a ketogenic diet can reduce seizures in those who don’t respond to medication. However, more research is needed to understand the mechanism of action.
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Many people follow a keto diet to lose weight, but it’s important to know that the restrictive eating pattern may pose health risks long term. A recent study found that those who eat keto regularly have an increased risk of heart disease, and some evidence indicates that it increases cholesterol levels and raises triglycerides. These are considered “bad” cholesterol readings, which could put those at high risk for cardiovascular disease at risk.
Registered dietitians say that the keto diet may also lead to nutrient deficiencies, particularly if it’s followed for more than a few months. This is because restricting major food groups can lead to an imbalance of nutrients, including fiber, calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Is Keto Safe Long Term For Epilepsy?
The keto diet is also high in saturated fat, which can raise triglyceride and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels. In some individuals, the diet can cause a surge in these numbers, referred to as the lipid response. These individuals, called lean mass hyper-responders or LMHRs, can see their LDL levels rise significantly.
A long-term keto diet can also decrease lean body mass, and one study found that people who follow a ketogenic diet often end up regaining weight after a period of time. This can be a problem for those who are trying to maintain a healthy weight or manage other health issues, like metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Those who follow a keto diet should also speak to their doctor before beginning the eating plan, especially those with health conditions or who take medications. The dietary restrictions of keto can interfere with some medicines, such as the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors used to treat type 2 diabetes, and the diet may increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is dangerous.
In the short term, the keto diet can offer a variety of benefits to those who follow it, but it’s important to understand the long-term effects and discuss them with your doctor. It’s also important to find a dietary pattern that you can sustain over the long term, whether it’s a more moderate keto diet or a whole foods plant-based diet. Changing diets too frequently can be stressful on the body and can cause a loss of momentum with other healthy habits. It’s best to work with a registered dietitian to create an eating plan that can be sustainable over the long run.
