The benefits of the ketosis diet are not only weight loss

The ketogenic diet, which takes advantage of the state of ketosis in the body, has recently been hotly discussed as a way to lose weight. Have you ever heard of it? Or, are you interested in trying it? Before continuing with your intention, you should first find out what the real state of ketosis is when on a ketogenic diet. Is it really beneficial for the body without "side effects"?

What is ketosis?

Everyone's body may have been in a state of ketosis. Your body must have experienced it, but you are not aware of it.

Ketosis is actually a normal metabolic process that occurs in everyone's body. This situation occurs when the body does not have enough carbohydrates from food to provide energy to cells. So, to overcome this deficiency, the body uses fat to provide energy.

Ketosis usually occurs when you are fasting or when you are limiting your carbohydrate intake (when on a low-carb diet, for example). You can also apply a ketogenic diet - a diet that is currently trending - to reach a state of ketosis in the body.

What are the benefits of the ketogenic diet?

Some of the benefits of the ketogenic diet are:

1. Lose weight

Because the body ultimately burns fat into energy, ketosis is now widely used as a way to lose weight. When you apply a ketogenic diet to reach a state of ketosis, you are advised to eat less carbohydrates and increase your intake of healthy fats. That way, the body will use more fat as a source of energy.

Research in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2008 also supports this. Research has shown that a ketogenic diet can reduce hunger and reduce overall food intake, which can help with weight loss.

2. Control blood sugar levels

Not only for weight loss, it turns out that ketosis can provide other benefits, such as controlling blood sugar levels. This may be very helpful for those of you who suffer from diabetes.

When applying the ketogenic diet, the body only gets a small intake of carbohydrates. So, this can help you control blood sugar levels. When carbohydrate intake is low, the body will be better able to use carbohydrates for energy. So, the sugar level will not be excessive in the blood.

3. Make the brain more focused

Ketosis produces ketone compounds which can be a longer lasting energy source for the brain than glucose. This makes the brain more focused and concentrated.

When glucose becomes the source of energy for the brain, it will only last for one to two days. This makes the work of the brain decrease when glucose reserves are running low. Conversely, when ketones become a source of energy for the brain, they last for weeks. Thus, the optimal work of the brain will last longer.

4. Controlling epilepsy

Actually, before the ketogenic diet or ketosis is used to lose weight, this diet is used to treat epilepsy first. Experts believe that ketone compounds that are produced when the body is in a state of ketosis can be a better source of energy for the brain than glucose. Ketones can also protect brain cells from damage.

This has been proven through various studies. Many studies have shown that a ketogenic diet can reduce seizures in epileptic patients.

Not only that, several studies have also shown that a ketogenic diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's.

Danger of ketosis if not done carefully

The state of ketosis produces ketone compounds for the body. Ketones can actually be accepted by the body and are not dangerous if the amount does not exceed the limit. However, overproduction of ketones can make the body acidic. This condition is called ketoacidosis and can be dangerous to health.

Ketoacidosis can be caused due to hunger or when the body does not produce enough of the hormone insulin (in diabetics). This situation can cause symptoms such as thirst, dry mouth, frequent urination, dry skin, fatigue, stomach pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and confusion. In fact, severe ketoacidosis can lead to coma and death.