Just like any societal trend in our world (especially when it comes to health), many of the details are often overlooked and can lead to unwanted health consequences for some while others may benefit tremendously. At enov.one, our goal is to give you the tools you need to make an educated decision for yourself.
Variations of the Keto Diet
It’s important to note that there are different versions of the keto diet, each tailored to individual health needs and goals. Here, we’ll outline these variations and suggest which type might suit different individuals best.
Note: “It’s important to note that a large percentage of the global population (about 68%) has difficulties with lactose absorption and may not be able to consume dairy products. A popular and common component of the keto diet is cheese or other forms of dairy products. It’s advisable to assess your tolerance for dairy and adapt your dietary choices accordingly.”
Standard Keto Diet
- This is the most common type, focusing on high fat, moderate protein, and very low carb intake, typically with a ratio of 75% fat, 20% protein, and 5% carbs. It aims to induce ketosis, where the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates.
Cyclical Keto Diet
- This variation involves alternating between periods of strict keto and higher carb intake. For example, following keto for five days and then having two higher carb days. It may help athletes or individuals with intense physical activity replenish glycogen stores while still reaping the benefits of ketosis.
High Protein Keto Diet
- Similar to the standard keto diet, but with a higher proportion of protein, typically with a ratio of 60-65% fat, 30-35% protein, and 5-10% carbs. It’s often favored by those who are more physically active or aiming to build muscle while still maintaining ketosis.
Mediterranean Keto Diet
- Combines the principles of the traditional Mediterranean diet with keto guidelines, focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods like fish, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and plenty of vegetables. It emphasizes healthy fats and leans towards a lower intake of red meat compared to standard keto.
Dirty Keto (we don’t recommend this)
- This approach prioritizes low-carb and high-fat foods without much regard for food quality. It may include processed and fast foods as long as they fit the macronutrient ratios of the keto diet. While it can lead to weight loss, it may not support overall health due to the lack of emphasis on nutrient-rich foods.
Incorporating Keto Into Your Lifestyle
When it comes to implementing keto into your lifestyle it’s helpful to start with education. Read different blogs, visit various websites, but always remember that food quality is most important. Many people are well intentioned but may lack
Plan your meals, start slow, gradually reduce carbohydrate intake overtime, and consider supplementing with electrolytes during the first month of following the keto diet.
What is the Keto Diet?
Some people follow the diet religiously for an extended period of time while others use it as a short-term tool that addresses a specific purpose or health goal.
The goal of the keto diet is to induce ketosis, a state in which the body uses fats for energy instead of carbohydrates or sugar. Research suggests this process can be beneficial for many processes within the body.
Summary
Just like any societal trend in our world (especially when it comes to health), many of the details are often overlooked and can lead to unwanted health consequences for some while others may benefit tremendously. At enov.one, our goal is to give you the tools you need to make an educated decision for yourself.
Supporting Research
Stanford Mental Health Study
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165178124001513
Keto-Mojo: What should your ketones be?
https://keto-mojo.com/article/testing-what-should-ketone-levels-be/
Country, regional, and global estimates for lactose malabsorption in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28690131/
Keto diet and the brain
https://nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1749-6632.1997.tb48632.x
A low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet to treat type 2 diabetes
https://nutritionandmetabolism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1743-7075-2-34
The Role of Ketogenic Diet in the Treatment of Neurological Diseases
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/23/5003
The effects of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet on the polycystic ovary syndrome: A pilot study
https://nutritionandmetabolism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1743-7075-2-35
Induced and controlled dietary ketosis as a regulator of obesity and metabolic syndrome pathologies
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871402116303137?via%3Dihub
The Ketogenic Diet for Refractory Mental Illness: A Retrospective Analysis of 31 Inpatients
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.951376/full