Don’t let yourself be ketoed

While reports indicate that a keto diet could have caused a renal failure that killed actor Mishti Mukherjee on Sunday, health experts in Bengaluru are urging people to be cautious when choosing diets.

“A keto diet generally contains high fat from animal sources and high protein. It is low in carbs and has less amount of hidden fibres. This diet is mainly used in treating epilepsy in children. High protein is made up of amino acids and the breakdown of amino acids happens in the kidney. Therefore, consumption of increased protein will put pressure on the kidney while removing toxins, which in turn increases the creatinine level and leads to kidney failure. Consumption of high protein requires high intensity physical activity. Without physical activity, there are high chances of elevation in cholesterol level and weight gain,” warns Pavithra N Raj, Chief Dietician, Columbia Asia Referral Hospital, Yeshwanthpur. According to nutrition and wellness consultant Sheela Krishnaswamy, fad diets are popular because of celebrity endorsements. “They make dramatic statements to lure gullible followers. Most fad diets don’t work in the long run and may lead to health problems,” she says.

Experts believe the actor’s death could have been due to multiple reasons. “Duration of the keto diet, insufficient fluid intake, or the kind of food and beverage chosen could have led to the mishap,” says Reddy Jyothsna, HOD and Chief Clinical Nutritionist, Sakra World Hospital. Keto diet is not suggested for a long term. Healthy ketogenic diet consists of about 75 per cent healthy fat, 10-30 per cent protein and 5-10 per cent or 20-50 gm of carbs, says Soumita Biswas, Chief Nutritionist, Aster RV Hospital. “Opt for high-fat and low-carb foods. A good amount of vegetables should be included in the diet. Avoid highly processed items, unhealthy fats and sugary beverages,” she says.

A non-supervised keto diet has both short-term and long-term effects like keto rash, vomiting, headache, and dehydration, says Edwina Raj, Senior Dietician, Aster CMI Hospital. Biswas goes further to say it is not advisable to follow any diet without consulting a nutritionist and a proper evaluation of the person’s medical history. “Each person’s body is different and needs different kinds of supplements and attention. Following a diet plan from the internet or based on friend’s suggestion may trigger complications,” she adds.

Nothing without supervision

Elaborating on other diets and dietary supplements that can harm the body without supervision, experts say very high protein supplements and vitamins used by bodybuilders may adversely affect a normal individual. Diets like the Mediterranean diet, which is full of raw salads and vegetables, may cause severe gastrointestinal issues among people. Going on GM diet, Atkins diet and intake of whole/ whey protein or mineral supplements without medical guidance have also proved harmful in the past.

Ideal routine during covid times

Following a strict diet plays a major role when you work from home. “Try and reduce the intake of carbohydrate and junk foods, which will add on empty calories to the body and increase weight. Include high-fibre foods and an essential amount of proteins in the diet. A high-protein and high-fat diet should be paired up with physical activities like walking and running, which need to be followed by individuals to stay fit during this time,” says Raj.