The Ketogenic or Keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that helps reduce carbohydrate intake while increasing fat intake. This puts the body into a metabolic state known as ketosis. The keto diet has been one of the most trending forms of diets for weight loss in recent years. In addition to several plans designed to fit into the keto diet, there are also supplements such as the Keto Burn Xtreme pills. This makes the keto diet option available for anyone willing to embrace it.
However, there have been concerns about this diet, which includes its safety during pregnancy. Today, more moms-to-be desire to maintain their keto diet while still pregnant or start the diet in order to lose weight.
The question of whether or not the keto diet is safe during pregnancy does not have a clear answer, as there are no studies to prove how the diet affects embryonic development in humans. To fill this gap and not put any pregnant woman at risk, a study was done on a mouse and results showed alterations in embryonic organ growth. These alterations could eventually lead to organ dysfunction and behavioral changes. Another study in 2015 also showed that the studied mice have a higher risk of anxiety and depression later in life.
How Keto Affects the Mother
Nutrient Deficiencies
While you try to follow the keto diet strictly, there is a possibility of losing out on some vital nutrients. This happens to people who aren’t even pregnant, let alone a pregnant person who is required to have an adequate supply of nutrients. For example, carbs are not allowed in this diet, which includes fruits and some vegetables with natural sugars. On the flip side, pregnant women are advised to take more fruits and vegetables to increase their intake of vital nutrients such as vitamins, iron, and folate, all of which are beneficial to embryonic growth.
Saturated Fat
Saturated fat is one of the unhealthy fats and if you aren’t careful, you may end up taking more of it in your diet. Although the keto diet allows protein intake, most people don’t watch out for the kind of protein they opt for. Some protein sources such as beef and pork contain more unhealthy fats, which could pose risks to your health due to the increased level of bad cholesterol.
Bottom Line
You might want to make the daring move to give the keto diet a try while you are pregnant but experts advise against it to protect your health and that of your unborn child. If you are concerned about your weight, you should see your physician to recommend the best practices for you to follow. A dietitian can also help you with a proper diet that contains the necessary nutrients while keeping your weight in check.
There are also side effects associated with the keto diet such as dizziness, dehydration, bloating, stomach pain, muscle cramps, bad breath, and more. You can prevent these and other possible health complications for yourself and your baby by avoiding the keto diet while pregnant.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind