Interested in trying our FREE 7-day healthy diet plan? If you’ve keto candied almonds considered following a diet, make sure you have all the facts first.

Discover our full range of health benefit guides and read more about popular diets such as the 5:2 diet and Atkins diet. How does the ketogenic diet work? Under normal circumstances our body uses glucose from carbohydrate foods for energy. In the absence of glucose, a process called ketosis occurs.

This is a state in which the body burns fats instead of carbohydrates as its main fuel source. When we don’t eat carbs, the liver breaks down fat stores to produce energy. How are ketogenic diets used in a medical setting? Ketogenic diets were originally developed to treat epilepsy in children as it appears to reduce the frequency of seizures. What foods are allowed on a ketogenic diet?

Foods that are generally allowed include high-fat meats, fish, oils, nuts, high-fat dairy such as cheese, and low-carb vegetables such as leafy greens. Unsurprisingly, reducing carb levels means cutting out bread, pasta, rice, and most conventional baked goods. However, achieving such low levels of carbs also means skipping legumes, root vegetables, most fruits and starchy veggies, such as potatoes. This eating plan certainly contradicts most people’s understanding of a healthy, balanced diet which typically promotes the consumption of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Is it effective for weight loss, and is it sustainable? Ketogenic diets usually do cause weight loss and may improve insulin sensitivity in patients with diabetes.

How do the various versions of ketogenic diets differ? What should I do before starting a ketogenic diet? If you are interested in adopting this sort of diet you should consult your GP to confirm it is appropriate and safe for you to do so. Before you start the diet, focus on liver-supportive foods like garlic and onions and try to reduce your intake of sugar, caffeine and alcohol. Who should be more careful about following a ketogenic diet?

Diabetics, especially, type 1 diabetics are at risk of complications if they attempt to follow a ketogenic diet. For this reason diabetics and anyone with a blood sugar management issue should discuss the potential implications with their GP and healthcare team before embarking on such a regime. What are the long-term effects of ketogenic diets? The symptoms associated with ketosis are often temporary and may relate to dehydration. These may include headache, dry mouth, bad breath, fatigue and nausea. Please note: if you’re considering attempting any form of diet, please consult your GP first to ensure you can do so without risk to health. A registered Nutritional Therapist, Kerry Torrens is a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including BBC Good Food.

If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information. Have you tried an intermittent fasting diet, or do you have any further questions about them? This website is published by Immediate Media Company Limited under licence from BBC Studios Distribution.