The following is prompted by an interaction with a chiropractor on YouTube who was promoting the ketogenic diet. He is presently banned from doing such because of poor scientific support (YES!!). I do wish Facebook would do the same thing, and also ban all anti-science quackery that I constantly flag as "misleading or a scam"!:
"A ketogenic diet has numerous risks. Top of the list: it's high in saturated fat. McManus recommends that you keep saturated fats to no more than 7% of your daily calories because of the link to heart disease. And indeed, the keto diet is associated with an increase in 'bad' LDL cholesterol, which is also linked to heart disease." (1)
"Other potential keto risks include these:
Nutrient deficiency. 'If you're not eating a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and grains, you may be at risk for deficiencies in micronutrients, including selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamins B and C,' McManus says.
Liver problems. With so much fat to metabolize, the diet could make any existing liver conditions worse.
Kidney problems. The kidneys help metabolize protein, and McManus says the keto diet may overload them. (The current recommended intake for protein averages 46 grams per day for women, and 56 grams for men).
Constipation. The keto diet is low in fibrous foods like grains and legumes.
Fuzzy thinking and mood swings. 'The brain needs sugar from healthy carbohydrates to function. Low-carb diets may cause confusion and irritability,' McManus says." (1)
"Being low in fibre, high in saturated fat and red meat, and extremely restrictive, the keto diet does not really align with nutritional guidelines issued by government experts. The diet’s critics say it is, at best, a passing trend and, at worst, a socially acceptable form of disordered eating." (2)
"Published research to date has not shown any meaningful benefit to following a keto diet for athletic performance, he says; in fact, it may impede the ability to exercise at higher intensity." (2)
" - - - following a keto diet is hard. You have to be disciplined, vigilant, and hyperfocused on every food choice – you can’t casually knock back an apple because that may push you out of ketosis. This is not simply a matter of 'willpower'; it is also a question of means, energy, resources and time." (2)
" - - - in reality, we have little evidence to show that keto is more effective in the long run than any other diet – or, indeed, that any diet succeeds in keeping off weight." (2)
" - - - the keto diet may result in weight loss and lower blood sugars, but it’s a quick fix. 'More often than not, it’s not sustainable. Often, weight gain may come back, and you’ll gain more than you lost.'" (3)
" - - - it is ultimately not realistic or sustainable. The diet restricts fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy that can help with long term weight loss and overall health." (3)
" - - - it's important to compare a keto plan to its weight-loss counterparts, like the well-substantiated Mediterranean diets and its spin-offs, like DASH, MIND, and TLC. Those plans incorporate wholesome, nutrient-dense foods that encourage improved eating patterns and manageable weight loss." (4)
" - - - If we were talking about a medication instead of food, would you consider it sound advice to say that taking a certain drug 'might be safe, but definitely not safe for everyone, and it may only work temporarily and cause damage to other biological systems?' Not so much." (4)
"The high-fat, low-carb keto diet tied for second-to-last place among 39 diets in US News & World Report's annual rankings. Despite increasingly popularity and ongoing, often encouraging research, experts say it can be risky to physical and mental health." (5)
