Keto Diet and Heart Health
A ketogenic diet focuses on consuming foods high in fat while reducing the number of carbohydrates. It is not just for people who want to lose weight, but it is also often recommended for patients who suffer from epileptic seizures and whose bodies do not respond well to natural treatments.
Studies indicate different findings for ketogenic restrictions and benefits. Some evidence shows that the original version can increase the risk of a heart condition, while other evidence shows that the weight-loss version of the diet actually reduces the risk of heart disease. However, the most compelling reason for a keto diet is its restriction on carbohydrates, something nearly all individuals can benefit from.
Over-consumption of carbohydrates is often one risk factor for heart disease. It increases the blood glucose and insulin levels in your body until your body becomes resistant to it. If this happens, glucose will cause inflammation that can damage body tissue.
Carbohydrates may elevate triglyceride levels that increase the risk of a heart attack and the chance of developing a metabolic syndrome. This condition is characterized by the formation of small and dense glycated LDL cholesterol in the blood.
Carbohydrates also increase the level of insulin levels in the body, which can lead to diabetes, and diabetes is a leading factor in an increased risk of heart attack.
So, how exactly can a ketogenic diet help in the risk reduction or prevention of heart disease?
- It drops triglyceride levels.
- It causes the small and dense LDL cholesterol to enlarge and transform into a non-dangerous kind.
- It reduces lipoprotein, a cholesterol derivative that causes a heart attack.
- It increases the level of HDL cholesterol.
- It improves metabolic factors.
Eating balanced meals following the keto rules is one way to avoid heart disease. Make sure your food contains enough vitamins and minerals to keep you going. Too many carbohydrates, protein, and fats can cause inflammation, so make sure to keep those at a minimum. You need to consume nutritionally dense foods with anti-oxidants and vitamins to ensure your body is able to fight off free radicals and toxins.
Keep in mind that while on a ketogenic diet, you only need to consume a minimal amount of protein. If possible, keep your protein to between four and six ounces of organic meats to prevent accumulating too many Omega-3 fatty acids, as they are another source of inflammation in the body.
If you would like to learn more about my Join my Keto Webinar and learn the other many benefits of the Ketogenic diet. Click Here to Join
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Yours in health and wellness,
Wendy Purviance, FMCHC
