7 warning signs you need to stop following the keto diet

Keto diet has gained immense popularity over the past few years. The high-fat, moderate protein, very low-carb diet has gained a major following in the recent past after many people who tried it shed weight pretty quickly. In a survey done this year, 8 per cent people said that they have tried the keto diet.

A ketogenic diet is all about adjusting your metabolism by consuming a specific amount of macronutrients. Getting your total daily calories from 75 per cent fats, 20 per cent protein and 5 per cent carbohydrates forces your body to enter a metabolic state called ketosis, where body is forced to burn fat for fuel.

This might sound very fascinating to some, but this eating is not for everyone. In fact, changing your macros drastically can result in some very unpleasant side effects. In fact, experts say keto is not a diet that can be followed in the long run to keep the weight off.

So how does one know if the diet is suiting them or not? Here are seven signs that may indicate that keto is not the best choice for you.

Do you feel you can't get up from the bed? Keto diet might be the culprit. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for our body, so cutting them off completely from the diet can lead to the feeling of fatigue for some. Having said that,

Keto diet is only successful when carbs are restricted severely. But missing out on carbs means missing on fibre. The healthy carbs like whole-wheat also have fibre. The longer one stays on the keto diet, the more their digestion will slow down. Long term

In the process of ketosis, the body gets rid of the fluid faster (you pee more often). Moreover, your insulin levels also go down because you are eating fewer carbs. As a result of all this, you feel dehydrated and may get frequent headaches.

Eating too much fat can disrupt your digestion because your body is not accustomed to metabolizing fats in large quantities. The body simply expels it, increasing your trips to the bathroom. For some people, the keto-related diarrhoea never stops as long as they follow the diet.

Many people have reported feeling nauseous and throwing up shortly after they start keto. If you are unable to handle these symptoms, it indicates that the diet is not for you. This is called Keto flu, which is a common symptom and can last anywhere from a few days to one-two weeks. Having plenty of water, electrolytes can help minimise the symptom. But if it doesn't help, it's time to stop the diet.

Getting into ketosis might be tricky. If you are unable to follow the macros closely, your body won't produce ketones and stay in nutritional ketosis. If your body does not go into ketosis, you will not lose weight quickly. It might also be happening because you might be overdoing your calories due to so much fat intake.

You thought going on the keto diet will make your whole body feel better, but your periods are missing now (and you are not pregnant). Keto might be the culprit. The diet can affect hormonal signalling. Not getting your periods after following a diet is a sign that it is too restrictive.