Today we’re talking about the Ketogenic diet again, with a guest who became an unlikely expert in the topic. Dr. Harlan Kilstein is one of the foremost marketers working today, generating over 100 million dollars in sales in the past 20 years. Harlan is also the owner and publisher of the Dodington Post: The Internet’s Newspaper for Dogs, which reaches approximately 2.5 million people each week.
But that’s not what he’s on the show today, although you might still hear a little bit about dogs! I wanted to talk to Harlan because he experienced a powerful transformation after switching to a Keto lifestyle, and now he’s helping thousands and thousands of others do the same with Completely Keto. He has garnered over 1M followers on Facebook since launching in 2017, with hundreds of thousands devouring his Keto recipes each week.
Metabolic Syndrome & Keto
Nearly 35 percent of all U.S. adults and 50 percent of those 60 years of age or older were estimated to have the metabolic syndrome in 2011-2012, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
And if someone has Metabolic Syndrome, any type of sugar or sweetener can be problematic. So, Keto can be a great option for individuals with Metabolic Syndrome, also called Syndrome X.
There is No One-Size-Fits-All Diet: Who Shouldn’t Try Keto?
Although Keto can be transformative for some people, it can be dangerous for others. I look at it a bit like a hammer: you are either a glass jar or a nail!
So, who shouldn’t go on a strict Keto or low-carb diet?
- Anyone taking medication for diabetes (insulin)
- Anyone taking medication for high blood pressure
- Anyone who is currently breastfeeding or pregnant should consult with a medical professional
- Kids and teenagers should consult with a physician, as their carbohydrate needs are different from adults
- People with gallbladder problems or who have had their gallbladder removed should consult with a medical professional about whether they can safely try Keto
The Good, Bad, & Ugly of Keto
First, an overview of what the Keto Diet looks like, nutritionally:
- 70-85 percent from fat
- 15-20 percent from protein
- Less than 10 percent from carbohydrates
Potential downsides:
- Possible symptoms of extreme carbohydrate restriction that may last days to weeks include hunger, fatigue, low mood, irritability, constipation, headaches, and brain “fog”
- “Keto Flu”
- Constipation
- The keto diet is high in fat, including more harmful saturated fat. Burton said that studies have shown that if you eat a diet high in saturated fat, your risk for a heart attack is four times higher than if you ate the recommended amount of saturated fat each day. That amount is between seven to 10 percent of your total calories.
- You may develop nutritional deficiencies. When you cut out entire food groups, you miss out on important nutrients essential to your health
- Some negative side effects of a long-term ketogenic diet have been suggested, including increased risk of kidney stones and osteoporosis, and increased blood levels of uric acid (a risk factor for gout).
Cyclical Ketosis?
Another option is Cyclical Ketosis, which can help reduce some of the long-term effects listed above while still garnering many of the benefits of a Keto diet.
The benefits of a cyclical keto diet include:
- Satisfies carb cravings, so it’s easier to follow the keto diet long-term
- Keeps you lean
- Improves sleep
- Better immune function
- Healthier balance of gut bacteria (which influences your health and your mood)
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Resources:
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Disclaimer: The activities and research discussed in these podcasts are suggestions only and are only advised to be undertaken following prior consultation with a health or medical professional. Fitness training, nutrition, and other physical pursuits should be tailored to the individual based upon an assessment of their personal needs.
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The Rebel Health Coach Podcast is produced by Crate Media
