The Dark Side of Keto: How It Wrecked My Health

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The Dark Side of Keto: How It Wrecked My Health

As a health-conscious person seeking to lose weight and improve my well-being, I was intrigued by the ketogenic diet, or keto for short. The idea of eating high fat, moderate protein, and very low-carb appealed to me, especially because I had tried other diets before that left me hungry, tired, and frustrated. I read many success stories online, watched inspiring videos, and joined supportive groups on social media. I felt confident that keto was the answer to my prayers.

However, after following keto for several months, I began to notice some negative effects on my health that I couldn’t ignore or justify. Here are some of the ways in which keto wrecked my health:

1. Constipation: Although I was eating plenty of leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, I found myself struggling to have regular bowel movements. I tried to increase my fiber intake with psyllium husk and magnesium supplements, but it only made things worse. I felt bloated, gassy, and uncomfortable, and I was afraid of getting hemorrhoids or diverticulitis. I realized that by eliminating most fruits, whole grains, and legumes from my diet, I was missing out on important sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

2. Dehydration: Despite drinking lots of water and electrolyte-infused beverages, I felt thirsty all the time and often had dry mouth and skin. I also noticed that my urine was darker and more concentrated than usual, a sign of dehydration. I later learned that when you cut back on carbohydrates, your body excretes more water and sodium, which can lead to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration. I tried to replenish my fluids and electrolytes, but it was a constant struggle.

3. Insomnia: Although I felt physically tired from my workouts and daily activities, I had trouble falling asleep and staying asleep at night. I felt restless, anxious, and irritable, and I often woke up in the middle of the night with racing thoughts. I tried to reduce my caffeine intake, establish a sleep routine, and take some herbal remedies, but it only helped a little. I later learned that keto can disrupt your sleep patterns due to the changes in your brain chemistry and hormone levels, as well as the lack of carbohydrates, which affect your serotonin production.

4. Hair loss: Although I had always had thick and healthy hair, I noticed that I was shedding more hair than usual in the shower and on my pillow. I also noticed that my hair looked dull, dry, and brittle, and that my nails were weaker and more prone to cracking. I tried to use natural products, such as coconut oil and biotin supplements, to nourish my hair and nails, but it didn’t solve the problem. I later learned that keto can cause hair loss due to the lack of certain nutrients, such as biotin, zinc, and iron, as well as the stress on your body from the rapid weight loss and metabolic changes.

5. Mood swings: Although I had hoped that keto would improve my mood and energy levels, I found myself experiencing more mood swings and irritability than before. I felt angry, sad, or anxious for no apparent reason, and I had a shorter fuse with my loved ones. Although I tried to practice mindfulness, journaling, and deep breathing, it only helped temporarily. I later learned that keto can affect your mood and mental health due to the lack of carbohydrates, which affect your brain’s production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, that regulate your mood, reward, and relaxation.

These are just some of the ways in which keto wrecked my health. Although I’m not saying that keto is bad for everyone or that it has no benefits, I’m sharing my story to raise awareness of the potential risks and downsides of this diet. I think it’s important to approach any diet or lifestyle change with caution, curiosity, and openness to feedback from your body and your healthcare provider. We are all unique and may have different needs and preferences when it comes to nutrition and wellness. Let’s strive for balance, variety, and moderation in our food choices, and let’s not forget to enjoy the pleasures of eating and sharing meals with others. Let’s also be kind and respectful to ourselves and others, regardless of our size, shape, or health status. Let’s remember that health is more than a number on the scale or a blood test result; it’s a dynamic and holistic process that involves our physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. Let’s embrace our diversity and learn from each other’s experiences.

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