Keto Diets: The Anti-Inflammatory Benefits and Long-Term Risks
The ketogenic (keto) diet is often praised for its anti-inflammatory benefits, especially in the short term. By significantly reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing healthy fats, the body enters ketosis, burning fat for fuel instead of glucose. This metabolic shift has been shown to lower inflammatory markers, reduce insulin resistance, and help manage weight. For many, this translates into decreased joint pain, improved energy, and fewer inflammatory conditions.
However, long-term adherence to a keto diet can create issues for some and I for one am not a fan of longterm use of a Keto diet & I always recommend ongoing support from a healthcare practitioner if you are going to use a keto diet.
** In a Texas study it was reported that while a ketogenic diet improves certain health conditions and is popular for weight loss, pro-inflammatory effects also have been reported. They stated that as cellular senescence has been implicated in the pathology of organ disease, our results have important clinical implications for understanding the use of a ketogenic diet, as with other nutrient interventions, you need to ‘take a keto break. **
The Impact on Organs
The Impact on Organs
- Kidneys: The high fat and protein content of keto can put extra strain on the kidneys, especially if there’s an existing kidney condition. Too much protein can lead to increased production of urea, potentially harming kidney function over time.
- Liver: Since the liver is responsible for producing ketones, the by-products of fat metabolism, a keto diet can overburden the liver. This may be problematic for those with pre-existing liver issues or for people consuming an unhealthy amount of saturated fats.
- Gut Health: Keto’s restriction of fiber-rich foods, like whole grains and many fruits, can negatively affect gut health. The lack of dietary fiber may lead to poor gut diversity, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal issues over time.
Long-Term Health Implications
While keto may offer temporary relief from inflammation, weight loss, and other metabolic benefits, it is important to consider the long-term impact. Nutritional balance is key for sustainable health. Relying solely on high fat and protein for extended periods may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic imbalances, and organ dysfunction, particularly in the kidneys and liver.
In Conclusion
If you’re considering the keto diet, it’s important to be mindful of the long-term consequences. While it can provide short-term anti-inflammatory benefits, keeping a balanced diet rich in whole foods, vegetables, and varied sources of protein is essential for maintaining overall organ health. Always consult a healthcare provider or nutritionist to ensure the diet is right for your body and health goals.
**Ref – University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. “A long-term ketogenic diet accumulates aged cells in normal tissues, study finds”
