Keto could pose health risks, particularly for people with certain medical conditions. People with kidney or liver conditions should not attempt a keto diet. Some experts caution that the diet can lead to muscle loss.
The keto diet isn’t for everyone: Pregnant or nursing women, underweight people, women with a history of eating disorders or anyone with heart disease who hasn’t first consulted a doctor should avoid the diet. Hormonal changes aren’t always beneficial, as the diet can have a dramatic effect on insulin and reproductive hormones. The use of the keto diet for people with diabetes is controversial, and some dietitians advise against it. A person with diabetes, especially someone taking insulin, would require careful monitoring.
Keto diets take different paths, and your nutritional mileage may vary. You could incorporate healthy fats such as avocados and nuts as much as possible and focus on whole, unprocessed foods. In that case, the diet might have disease-preventing properties. On the other hand, if you choose to max out on the least-healthy sources of animal fats and protein like nitrate-packed processed meats, the diet could become part of the problem.
Side effects/precautions: If you have a kidney or liver condition, keto is not right for you. Early on for anyone, carb withdrawal can lead to temporary muscle aches, headaches, fatigue and mental fogginess.