Perhaps no other diet in recent memory has aroused such a passionate debate than the Keto diet. Many who follow this high fat and low carbohydrate plane are convinced that it is the solution to many health problems. Others believe that can cause considerable health risks if they are followed in the long run. People love or hate - there seems to be no middle ground, and science is still trying to recover.
Add pregnancy to the diet discussion of Keto, and the decision becomes even more difficult for the expectant mothers who want to control their weight. Keto diets can be extremely limiting, and for most pregnant women, doctors suggest a diet with a variety of food.
If you are pregnant and wondering if the Keto diet can be right for you, here are some things to consider both for you and your baby.
Keto Macros For Fat Loss - Are Keto Diets Safe for Pregnant Women?
Keto is a term commonly used for diets that are high in fats and proteins and low carbohydrates. Popular diets such as Atkins, South Beach and Paleo, often fall into the Keto category. However, the real diet "Keto" focuses more specifically on the percentage of fat eaten.
The real Keto diet has been used since the 1920s for the treatment of epilepsy. It requires about 75% to 90% of daily calories come from fat, and is done for specific health reasons, often under medical supervision. In recent years, this type of Keto diet became the hottest plan for anyone who wants to lose weight.
The Keto diet - in the traditional sense - is based on a function known as ketogenesis. This term refers to the production of organic compounds of your body named ketones. The cells of your body depend on glucose as a source of energy. When you consume less carbohydrates, less glucose is available, so your body begins to burn fat by energy. Ketones are the by-product of burning this fat. When this happens, your body is in a state known as ketosis.
When excessive ketones are produced, the pH of the blood falls below the normal base of 7.35 and the body enters a state known as ketoacidosis. A healthy body uses insulin to maintain Ketona's body production in balance, then ketoacidosis can be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes and can become a health emergency.
What you eat during pregnancy is important because your body is working overtime to maintain a healthy weight while providing the nutrients needed for a fetus to develop. On average, a fetus will require 340 calories daily for healthy development. The nutritional makeup of these calories is extremely important and includes the following recommended nutrients:
- Calcium
- Iron
- iodine
- Choline
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Folic Acid
Following a Keto diet during pregnancy represents two specific risks:
A Keto diet is low on carbohydrates and high in saturated fat, making it difficult for pregnant mothers to follow these guidelines and get enough nutrients. Instead, doctors recommend a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, lean protein and dairy products to ensure that the nutritional needs of mother and baby be met.
Although the Keto diet remains popular, many questions remain unanswered about their safety. For healthier people, a short-term keto diet is harmless, although most people regain weight when they start eating carbohydrates. If you have chronic health conditions - especially renal or hepatic disease - the risk of worsening these conditions may not be worthwhile short-term weight loss.
For pregnant women, it is widely believed that restricting food can be dangerous to the woman and the baby. A real Keto diet, in which you severely limit carbohydrates, it is not recommended. Although there are exceptions to rule, women should avoid a keto diet when they are trying to conceive, pregnant or lactating.
Check with your doctor about any significant diet changes you are considering - especially if you are pregnant or expects to be soon. They can help you make the best decision for you and your future package of joy.
