The keto diet can be used to medically recover from health issues: particularly by improving blood sugar, aiding cancer treatment and body fat reduction. However, before choosing a diet, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons, especially if you are looking at making health improvements.
Studies on keto diets are applicable to both men and women. Still, there are a few studies just focused on the needs of women, who may see the diet as a quick way to shed weight. A recent article published by Healthline highlighted how the keto diet can help women with a range of health concerns.
For instance, women with PCOS tend to be overweight since the condition is accompanied by hormonal imbalances and infertility. Research indicates that the keto diet may help them fight obesity through dietary changes.
Here is one such study that elucidates further the benefit of the keto diet.
A case study conducted by Bethel University that was published in 2019 revealed how a 65-year old woman reversed type 2 diabetes and major depressive disorder through the ketogenic diet. She had suffered from both conditions for the last 26 years without a solution in sight.
The woman from the study was clinically treated with the ketogenic diet based on her resting metabolic rate, body fat percentage, lean body mass and level of nutrition. Apart from following the diet, she also underwent high-intensity interval training (HIIT) as per her cardiovascular conditioning. Additionally, she also attended eight psychotherapy sessions for 45 minutes each, which focused entirely on solutions to counter her mental health problems.
“The results of the 12-week intervention were statistically significant. The patient’s HgA1c dropped out of diabetic range (8.0%) and normalized at 5.4%. Her average daily glucose measurements declined from 216 mg/dL to 96 mg/dL; the HOMA-IR and triglyceride/HDL ratios improved,” the researchers concluded.
Risks Of Following The Keto Diet
As the keto diet is mainly fat, it could be problematic to people with poor heart health. Saturated fat in general can increase bad cholesterol or LDL cholesterol. However, more research is needed to study this with reference to the keto diet. A well-rounded diet that is balanced with dense foods may be a smarter choice for people since the keto diet is restrictive and tough to maintain in the long-term.
Healthline recommends that you try other diets prior to testing out the keto diet. As being in ketosis is the primary goal of the diet, a healthcare professional, like a registered dietician, could assist an individual trying the diet for the first time.
