You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Please enable scripts and reload this page.
+
-
Gray Colour
Green Colour
ع
Home
Ministry
About the Minister
- Minister’s CV
- Minister's Office
- Contact the Minister
MOH Officials
- Vice Ministers
- Deputy Ministers
About the Ministry
- Overview
- Vision
- Mission
- Health Indicators
- Organizational Structure
- Strategy
- Health Policies
- Achievements
- Budget
- Tenders and Procurement
- Contact Us
- Help & Support
Share Your Opinion with Us
- Prominent E-Participations
Patient Satisfaction Survey Results
Regulations
Forms
We Care About You
Unified Health File
MOH Initiatives & Projects
Knowledge Management
National E- Health Strategy
Life Events
Partnerships
About MOH Portal
Interactive Map
Awareness
Patients’ Rights
Educational Content
- First Aid
- Chronic Diseases
- Health Tips
- Healthy lifestyle
- Oral Health
- Educational Series
- Seasonal and Festival Health
- Child’s Health
- Women's Health
- Various Topics
- Elderly’s Health
Health Tools
- BMI Calculator
- IBW Calculator
- Calorie Calculator
- Best Time To Get Pregnant
- Pregnancy Due Date Calculator
- Visual Acuity Test
- Prediabetes Risk Test
World Health Days
Health of Visitors and Residents
Premarital Screening
Command & Control Center
Pilgrim’s Health
E-Services
Media Center
MOH News
MOH Announcements
Events and Activities
MOH Publications
Important Links
Open Data
Sign In
Sign In
Health Awareness
Educational Content
Food and Nutrition
Ketogenic Diet (Keto)
Food and Nutrition
Listen
Ketogenic Diet (Keto)
Page Image
Image Caption
Page Content
Overview:
The ketogenic diet (or “keto”, for short) is a low-carb, high-fat diet. It involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat. This reduction in carbs, according to experts, puts the body into a metabolic state called ketosis. When this happens, your body becomes incredibly efficient at burning fat for energy. It also turns fat into ketones in the liver, which can supply energy for the brain. Ketogenic diets can cause massive reductions in blood sugar and insulin levels. This, along with the increased ketones, has numerous health benefits.
Ketogenic diet (keto):
A low-carb, high-fat, moderate-protein diet that involves a drastic reduction in the carbohydrate intake (to less than 50 grams per day), and replacing it with fat and protein. This reduction in carbs, according to experts, puts the body into a metabolic state called ketosis.
How does keto work?
Keto is a high-fat, moderate-protein and a very low-carb diet, with no more than 50 grams of carbohydrates per day, which is opposed to most recommendations and guidelines for healthy nutrition. That is because most of the foods rich in essential nutrients are sources of carbohydrates. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk and leben. Besides, carbohydrates are the main source of energy. When no sufficient carbohydrates are available, the body will start to break down fat into ketones. Whereupon, fat will serve function as the main source of energy, from which the heart, the kidneys, and the rest of the muscles, shall derive the energy necessary for their functioning. Besides, ketones will function as an alternative source of energy for the brain—which is why this diet is called “ketogenic” in the first place.
The ketogenic diet (keto):
Standard ketogenic diet (SKD): It is a very low-carb, high-fat, moderate-protein diet; at a daily macronutrient ratio of 70% fat, 20% protein, and 10% carbs.
Cyclical keto diet (CKD): This diet involves increasing carbohydrates at certain times. For example, one can follow keto for five days, and enjoy a more balanced diet, with higher carbohydrate intake, for two days.
Targeted keto diet (TKD): TKD allows increasing the carbohydrate intake at the times of vigorous physical activity.
High-protein keto diet (HPKD): HPKD involves increasing the protein intake, and adjusting the macronutrient ration to: 35% protein, 60% fat, and 5% carb.
Advantages and disadvantages of the ketogenic diet:
Advantages:
Starting in 1924 as a treatment for epilepsy, the keto diet was subsequently associated with other advantages, including: fast weight-loss, control of type 2 diabetes, lowering the level of glycated hemoglobin, reducing the dose of sugar-lowering medications, and lowering the level of triglycerides in the blood.
According to the American Diabetes Association, several comparative studies have compared between the levels of glycated hemoglobin in individuals on a low-carb diet (e.g. keto), and individuals following a high-carb diet. The findings of those studies showed that the level of glycated hemoglobin is lower in the low-carb group than the high-carb group over a span of 3-6 months only, and is more or less the same over longer periods of time (one year or more).
Another study compared between the levels of glycated hemoglobin in individuals on a low-carb diet (e.g. keto), and individuals following a low-fat diet over a time span of six months. The findings showed that the level of glycated hemoglobin in the low-carb group is lower than the low-fat group.
Disadvantages:
Keto is not recommended for individuals with any of the following medical conditions:
Pancreatitis
Liver diseases
Thyroid disorders
Eating disorders, or a history of eating disorders
Cholecystitis
Chronic kidney diseases
Pregnancy
Besides, there are short-term and long-term health risks associated with the ketogenic diet. The short-term health risks associated with keto include: Flu-like symptoms (e.g. gastric disorders, headache, fatigue, dizziness (the so-called keto-flu), and sometimes sleep disorders.
Lowering the intake of vegetables, fruits, and the whole grains rich in fiber increases the risk of constipation. Sometimes, a person on keto will have to take fiber supplements, after consulting with a healthcare professional. The keto diet may also be diuretic, and lower the level of glucose in the blood. Therefore, it is essential to consult a nutritionist before following the keto diet, to avoid dehydration, and reduce the dose of insulin and other diabetes medicines, and hence to avoid too low blood sugar.
The long-term risks associated with keto, on the other hand, include: the risk of kidney stones, liver diseases, and deficiency of vitamins and minerals (e.g. folate, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin H, etc.)
Final conclusions:
A balance of all nutrients should be stricken and with appropriate proportions. A too little intake of any nutrients can be harmful. All nutrients should be taken in amounts that are healthy and useful.
The research recommends the keto diet for treating epilepsy, under medical supervision; it is a very complicated treatment. As for treating obesity, losing weight, among other health benefits, keto remains under study.
For long-term diets, moderation should be maintained. However, studies have shown that the keto diet may be useful for achieving fast benefits, such as short-term weight-loss. On the long run, though, keto may increase the risk of diseases or death.
For a useful and convenient diet, consult with a nutritionist, who will design a programme that is appropriate for your body and health status, helps you lose weight, without prejudice to other health considerations.
Clinical Education General Department
For inquiries, contact us by
email
:
in this
Section
Addiction and Drugs
First Aid
Diseases
Immunization
New in Health
Public Health
Food and Nutrition
Currently selected
Health Blog
Child Health
Women's Health
Elderly Health
Coronavirus
Smoking Control
Photo and Video Gallery
Miscellaneous Topics
Also
You may be interested
Last Update :
06 February 2020 02:38 PM
Reading times :
All Rights Reserved – Ministry of Health – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ©
Educational Content
Immunization
Immunization Schedule
Vaccines Frequently Asked Questions
Immunization (Vaccines)
New in Health
First 3D X-ray Mammography Imaging System of the Breast
LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System
Formula Balloon-Expandable Renal Stent System
Food and Nutrition
Currently selected
Nutritional Value of Milk
Steps and Guidelines on Taking Care of Food
Poor Nutrition
World Food Day (Family Farmers)
Food Calorie Calculator for Weight Loss
Triglycerides
Protein Supplements and Anabolic Steroids
Fish
Vegetarian Diet
Ketogenic Diet (Keto)
Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)
Nutrition for Students
Healthy Nutrition for Athletes
Sugar-sweetened Beverages
Addiction and Drugs
Smoking Control
Women's Health
Breast Cancer
Health Awareness Campaigns
Pregnancy and Work
Home Exercises to Strengthen the Abdominal Muscles
Your Health before Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Exercise during Pregnancy
Mother and Child Health Passport
Hyperprolactinemia (High Prolactin)
Preeclampsia
Menstrual Cycle
Nutrition and Pregnancy
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Vaginal Yeast Infection
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Urinary Incontinence in Women
Physical Activity and Pregnancy
Trichomoniasis
Anemia and Pregnancy
Vaginoplasty
Childbirth Pains & Back Injections
Child Health
Breastfeeding Encouragement Campaign
Elderly Health
Healthy Life with Aging
Alzheimer's Disease: Definition, Treatment and Guidelines
Overview of Alzheimer's
What Is Aging?
Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's Disease
Mental Health of Older Adults
Elder Abuse
Healthy Nutrition for Older Persons
Physical Activity for Older Adults
Older Adults and COVID-19
Coronavirus
Walking
Cosmetics
Tanning
Handwashing
Summer Heat
Physical Activity
Frostbite
Sleeping Late
Solar Eclipse and Eye Safety
Healthy Sitting
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
Long COVID: Long-Term Effects of Coronavirus
First Aid
Tooth Injury
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (C.P.R.)
Splint
Chemical Poisoning
Injuries and Hemorrhage
Burns
Eye Injury
Bites
Fractures
Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergy)
Head Injury
Wounds
Seizures
Epistaxis (Nosebleed)
Bites and Stings
Dealing with Toxins and Toxic Fumes
Diseases
Otorhinolaryngological Diseases
Otitis Media (OM)
Allergic Rhinitis
Sore Throat in Children
Hearing Loss
Cardiovascular Diseases
Heart Diseases
Hypertension
Cardiovascular Diseases … Prevention and Treatment
Hypercholesteremia (High Cholesterol)
Cardiac Catheterization
Heart Failure
Venous Thromboembolism
Arteriosclerosis (Atherosclerosis)
Angina Pectoris
Hypertension and COVID-19
Communicable Diseases
HIV/AIDS
Tuberculosis
Malaria
Malaria
Meningitis
Measles
Swine Influenza
Dengue Fever
Bilharzia
Vector-borne Diseases
Immunization
HIV/AIDS
Elephantiasis
Mumps
Leishmaniasis
Lice
Plague
Bilharzia (Schistosomiasis)
Zika Virus
Musculoskeletal System Diseases
Polio…Facts and Figures
Disability: Reasons, Types, Treatment and Rehabilitation
Persons with Disabilities
Polio
Disability
Nervous System
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Stroke
Parkinson's Disease
Spina Bifida
Sciatica
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Headaches
Migraine
Multiple Sclerosis
Anorexia and Bulimia
Bell's Palsy
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Viral Hepatitis
Crohn's Disease
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Hepatitis C Awareness Campaign
Ulcerative Colitis
Functional Dyspepsia
Celiac
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Diarrhea in Children
Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) Infection
Hematology
Thalassemia
Hypertension
Genetic Blood Disorders
Hemophilia
High Blood Pressure
Blood Donation
Sickle Cell Anemia … Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment
Sickle Cell Anemia
Why Blood Donation?
Thalassaemia
Iron Deficiency Anemia in Women
Orthostatic Hypotension
Malaria
Infant Jaundice
Endocrine Diseases
Lymphoma
Diabetes
Cushing Syndrome
Diabetes Insipidus
Hyperthyroidism
Underactive Thyroid Gland
Goiter
Diagnosis of Goiters
Diabetes-related Diseases
Diabetes and COVID-19
Diabetes Guide
Diabetes and Hajj
Type 2 Diabetes Medications
Gestational Diabetes
Victoza Injection
Diabetes and Oral & Dental Health
Diabetic Foot
Glucagon Injection
Toujeo Insulin
Managing Diabetes during Illness
Type 2 Diabetes
Insulin Pump
Diabetes and Kidney Care
Type 1 Diabetes
Orthopedic Diseases
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis .. Silent disease
Osteoporosis...Facts and Instructions
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Gout
Arthritis
Rickets
Shin Splints
Osteoarthritis
Flat Feet
Eye Diseases
Educational Messages on Eye Diseases
Keratoconus (KC)
Eye Health and COVID-19
Dry Eye
Eye Allergies
Conjunctivitis
Glaucoma
Contact Lenses
Lazy Eye
Eye Health
Cataracts
Dermatology
Ringworm (Tinea)
Shingles
Scabies
Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers)
Athlete’s Foot
Boils
Pityriasis Rosea
Impetigo
Ichthyosis
Scalp Ringworm (Tinea Capitis)
Warts
Vitiligo
Psoriasis
Sunburns
Heat Rash
Eczema
Skin Cancer
Albinism
Cancerous Diseases
Breast Cancer
Cancer
Childhood Cancer
Cancer.. Facts and Guidelines
Lung Cancer
Cancer disease
Colorectal Cancer
Thyroid Cancer
Liver Cancer
Leukemia
Cervical Cancer
Causes and Prevention Methods of Cancer
Bladder Cancer
Chest Diseases
Asthma: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Asthma
Mental Illness/ Psychological Disorders
Mental Health Disorders
Mental Health
Depression
Insomnia
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Stress
Schizophrenia
Depression
Bipolar Disorder
Non-Communicable Diseases
Obesity
Lupus
Malnutrition
Premature Babies
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Varicose Veins
Disability
Alopecia Areata
Wheat Allergy
Stroke
Down Syndrome
Oral and Dental Diseases
Facts on Oral and Dental Health
Dental Caries: Facts and Guidelines
Lumineers
Veneers
Dental Care
Pregnant Women’s Oral and Dental Health
Teeth Whitening
Milk Teeth
Rare Diseases
Swine Flue
Minister's Letter
Definition
Diagnosis & Treatment
The National Plan
Other Diseases
Disabilities
Viral Hepatitis.. Types and Tips
Malnutrition (Risks, Causes, and Instructions)
Viral Hepatitis… Types… Symptoms… Treatment
Schizophrenia
Autism
Stroke
Obesity and Overweight
Preterm Birth
Health Blog
2018 Blog
2017 Blog
2016 Blog
2015 Blog
2013 Blog
Nutrition for Older Persons
World Immunization Week
Physical Activity.. Facts and Guidelines
2012 Blog
Uses of Milk
2011 Blog
Childhood Cancer
2010 Blog
2009 Blog
Diabetes and Hypertension
2008 Blog
2007 Blog
Health Blog
2019 Blog
Photo and Video Gallery
Photo Gallery
Video Gallery
Video Gallery
Public Health
Premarital Screening
Walking
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Salem Tool – Event Health Risk Assessment
Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
Expanded Testing
Blood Donation
COVID-19 Vaccine
Hand Hygiene
Miscellaneous Topics
Walking
Cosmetics
Tanning
Handwashing
Summer Heat
Physical Activity
Frostbite
Sleeping Late
Solar Eclipse and Eye Safety
Healthy Sitting
Choosing the Right Shoes
Sleep
Sunblock Creams
Head Lice
Stem Cells
Hand Disinfection
6 Steps to Better Family Communication
Physical Activity for Students
Anabolic Steroids
Tourist Cruise Ship Travel
It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again.