26 Times You Should Say 'No Thanks' to the Keto Diet

9. If You Have Mineral Or Vitamin Deficiencies

Fruits and vegetables. Photo Credit: Dreamstime @Daer

A potassium deficiency can cause constipation, muscle cramps, skin problems, and weakness. The lack of this mineral can also cause poor performance while exercising and degeneration of lean muscle mass. In more severe incidents of potassium deficiency, individuals experience a host of heart problems. Incorporating spinach, avocado, kale, or mushrooms into a ketogenic diet is a great way to get natural potassium. Low magnesium and sodium levels in the body will also have adverse effects on a ketogenic diet. A low level of magnesium in the body can lead to leg cramps, and there are many supplements available to replenish this mineral. During the initial phase of the diet, sodium levels become lower than usual, so an easy way to avoid a lack of sodium is to drink pink Himalayan salt tea.

10. Other Special Medical Conditions

Under medical care. Photo Credit: San Pedro Hospital @Salle

Individuals who suffer from gallbladder disease will find that fat becomes more difficult to digest. This organ is an integral part of the digestive and metabolic process, and the condition will negatively impede fat digestion and the progress of a ketogenic diet. Pancreatic insufficiency is also a common impediment to proper fat metabolism and will have the same effect. Gastric bypass surgery is becoming increasingly common in obese individuals, and this operation can cause difficulty in absorbing and digesting the high amount of fats in the ketogenic diet. Kidney stones will cause sodium and fluid balance to become abnormal and can also interfere with the diet. Also, rare metabolic disorders that interfere with fat metabolism will impede the effectiveness of this diet method.

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