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Ketogenic Diet Side Effects

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Ketogenic Diet Side Effects During the first few weeks of adopting a ketogenic diet, you may experience some side effects as your body transitions from burning glucose for energy (as it’s been doing for decades) to burning fat for energy. This is a transition period where your body undergoes certain biological adaptions, including an increase in fat breakdown and a reduction in insulin. When this occurs, your liver will produce large amounts of ketones to supply energy for your brain. Side effects of the ketogenic diet are usually mild and short-lived, and all part of the healing process. Let’s take a look at what you may experience during your transition, so you know what to expect. Increase in Urinary Frequency You may notice you have to visit the …show more content…

Resist the urge to give into temptation. Instead, practice relaxation methods, yoga, the Emotional Freedom Technique, or engage in some light exercise to take your mind off the cravings. Digestive Complaints Whenever you make a substantial change in your eating habits, you increase your risk of digestive complaints such as gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. The most common digestive side effect of the ketogenic diet is constipation. According to a single-center, retrospective study of 48 children using a ketogenic diet as an alternative treatment for epilepsy, 65 percent experienced constipation. Once your body gets used to digesting and breaking down the healthier food you’re eating, you should notice a return to your usual elimination habits. For now, you can ease this temporary discomfort by eating plenty of low-carbohydrate vegetables and drinking lots of water. Unusual-Smelling Breath A few weeks into the ketogenic diet, you (or others) may notice a fruity smell on your breath. This is due to the increased levels of acetone in your

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