May 3, 2024

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Ketogenic Diet Linked to Heart Diseases and Cancers

Ketogenic Diet Linked to Increased Risk of Diseases Including Heart Diseases and Cancers



 

Ketogenic Diet Linked to Increased Risk of Diseases Including Heart Diseases and Cancers.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of global mortality and ranks as the top cause of death in many countries.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly 18 million people die from cardiovascular diseases each year, accounting for over 30% of the total global deaths.

The high rates of cardiovascular disease-related deaths and incidence make it an urgent global public health concern.

The ketogenic diet (Keto Diet) is a dietary regimen characterized by high fat, low carbohydrate intake, and an appropriate balance of protein and other essential nutrients. In recent years, the ketogenic diet has gained immense popularity, particularly among individuals seeking weight loss, making it a prominent trend in the world of dieting.

When individuals follow a ketogenic diet, the low carbohydrate intake forces the body into a state of “mimicked starvation,” where the body extensively breaks down fats to provide energy, ultimately leading to rapid fat burning and weight loss.

Recently, researchers from St. Paul’s Hospital and the University of British Columbia in Canada presented a new study at the American Heart Association’s annual scientific conference and the World Congress of Cardiology.

The study found that the ketogenic diet could lead to elevated levels of “bad” cholesterol, doubling the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including cardiovascular events, heart attacks, and strokes.

Typically, the ketogenic diet restricts carbohydrates to 10% of daily calorie intake, limits protein to 20-30%, and derives 60%-80% of daily calories from fat.

 

Ketogenic Diet Linked to Increased Risk of Diseases Including Heart Diseases and Cancers

 

In this study, researchers analyzed data from approximately 70,684 participants in the UK Biobank database, collecting dietary information through questionnaires and examining cholesterol levels through blood tests. Researchers defined a low-carb, high-fat diet (LCHF) as consisting of less than 25% of total daily energy from carbohydrates and more than 45% from fat. Compared to a strict ketogenic diet, LCHF diets contain slightly higher carbohydrate levels and lower fat content.

Using these dietary criteria, researchers identified 305 eligible participants and matched them with 1,220 participants following a regular diet based on age and gender, with an average age of 54 years. The study then assessed the relationship between the low-carb, high-fat diet and the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The study found that, compared to those following a regular diet, participants on the LCHF diet had significantly higher levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B, a protein component on low-density lipoproteins and other atherosclerotic lipoprotein particles. Earlier research suggested that elevated apolipoprotein B levels might be a better predictor of cardiovascular disease risk than increased levels of “bad” cholesterol.

Over an average follow-up period of 12 years, 9.8% of LCHF diet participants experienced new cardiovascular diseases, while only 4.3% of regular diet participants did, indicating a twofold increase in risk for those on the LCHF diet.

The study found that LCHF diet participants had a two-fold higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral arterial disease, compared to those following a regular diet.

Furthermore, among LCHF diet participants, those with the highest levels of bad cholesterol faced the highest risk of cardiovascular events.

The researchers emphasized that this is an observational study and can only show an association between the LCHF diet and an increased risk of major heart events, not causation.

Previously, a study titled “Ketogenic Diets and Chronic Disease: Weighing the Benefits Against the Risks” was published by researchers from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine in collaboration with New York University in the journal “Frontiers in Nutrition.”

This study provided the most comprehensive evaluation of the ketogenic diet to date and suggested that it may pose long-term health risks when considering its potential benefits.

The research indicated that the ketogenic diet increases the risk of various diseases, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease, outweighing its potential benefits.

 

Ketogenic Diet Linked to Increased Risk of Diseases Including Heart Diseases and Cancers

 

 

In summary, a balanced and healthy diet is paramount. Regardless of the dietary approach chosen, it is essential to combine it sensibly for the benefit of health.

An improper diet can have detrimental effects, as most diseases are closely linked to dietary patterns.

Adjusting dietary habits and improving dietary structure are key to preventing diseases.

 

Ketogenic Diet Linked to Increased Risk of Diseases Including Heart Diseases and Cancers

Paper Links:

https://www.acc.org/About-ACC/Press-Releases/2023/03/05/15/07/Keto-Like-Diet-May-Be-Linked-to-Higher-Risk

https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.702802

(source:internet, reference only)


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