dangers and side effects, what is it?

Definition: what is ketosis?

Ketosis is a metabolic state in which the body, in the absence of glucose, begins to burn fat for energy. “The ketogenic diet consists of banish all sources of carbohydrates to force the body into ketosis so that it ends up transforming fatty acids into ketone bodies. The first 3 days, the body draws its reserves from the liver and the muscles, then it attacks fat“ says Dr. Nina Cohen-Koubi, nutritionist. “This method forces the body to draw on its fat reserves. THE ketogenic diet is very fashionable at the moment yet it has many health risks“ warns our expert.

What are the signs of ketosis?

When a person enters ketosis, several signs can signal it. “A breath that smells of sour apple, a noticeable weight loss, a increased satiety and an decrease or even loss of appetite” develops Dr. Cohen-Koubi. “After the first three days of the ketogenic diet, some people experience a kind of euphoria, others a great fatigue“ adds the specialist.

What are the benefits of ketosis?

“The health benefits of ketosis are unproven. Glucose is a source of energy for cells and the brain, but ketosis, by requiring you to stop eating carbohydrates, forces the body to draw on these reserves” defends the nutritionist doctor.

Completely eliminating a family of foods, here carbohydrates, is not recommended and even less so in the long term.

The most accurate way to tell if you are in ketosis is to measure ketone levels in your body using urine dipsticks. The ketosis level reveals the formation of ketone bodies in the urine.

“People with diabetes should fBe careful not to go into excessive ketosis, called diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a medical emergency“ warns our interlocutor.

Does ketosis make you lose weight?

Ketosis can help with weight loss by using body fat for energy and reducing appetite. However, it is important to note that this method must be part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle. “The ketogenic diet is too restrictive which causes frustration. Most patients who have tried this diet have lost quickly but usually end up not gaining more.“says the expert. “If you want to do it, you have to limit it to a short period of time to avoid the boomerang effect and the weight regain.“. Always consult a healthcare practitioner before beginning a ketogenic diet.

What foods are recommended to induce ketosis?

To enter ketosis, you must eat foods high in fat, such as avocados, oils, fatty fish and meats. The afoods to avoid are those that are high in carbohydrates, such as breads, pastas, and high-sugar fruits. “JI much prefer to recommend to my patients the Mediterranean diet or the Okinawa diet, which are less frustrating and better for general well-being” defends the nutritionist doctor.

What are the potential risks and side effects of ketosis?

Ketosis can have side effects like fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and irritability. It can also lead to ailments and deficiencies. It is also important to note that ketosis is contraindicated for people with certain medical conditions:

► The state of ketosis can aggravate the problems related eating disorders (hyperphagia, anorexia, bulimia etc) due to its restrictive approach.

► People suffering from diseases (of the pancreas, liver, thyroid in particular) must avoid ketosis because it can worsen the condition of patients.

► The pregnant and breastfeeding women : The ketogenic diet can be dangerous for the development of the fetus.

“Ketosis forces the body to enter into a mechanism that is not natural. Reducing the quantities of food, removing some of the sugars that are bad for your health can help improve your lifestyle, but completely eliminating a family of foods, here carbohydrates, is not recommended and even less so in the long term“concludes our expert.

Thanks to Nina Cohen-Koubi, nutritionist doctor in Paris.