Keto diet: Constipation is a common side effect of keto diet

The very popular keto diet is known to offer quick weight loss results. The diet involves eating carbs in low amounts, fats in high amounts and proteins in moderate amounts. Only 5% of tour total daily calories should come from carbs. This forces your body to enter the state of ketosis, in which the body turns to fat for fuel. Giving up on one food group entirely is not considered a very healthy practice. It can lead to irritability, mood swings and several other side effects that may not be good for you in the long run.

Keto diet may be effective for weight loss, but there are side effects you need to look into

Nutritionists and health experts rarely advise following fad diets to achieve quick weight loss goals. In fact, just losing weight should not be your only goal. Getting fitter and stronger, with better stamina, good sleep quality and peace of mind.

Also read: Keto Diet For Beginners: 5 Tips That Can Make The Transition To Ketosis Easier

All of these goals can be achieved by following a healthy balanced diet, regular exercise and being physically active. Following are a few side effects of keto diet that may signal you should quit it instantly:

1. Constipation

Cutting down on carb-rich foods may restrict you from eating foods that are also rich in fibre. Whole wheat, rice, pulses and several other vegetables contain both carbs and fibre, and can help in keeping constipation away. Constipation is one of the most common side effects of following the keto diet. Make sure you eat sufficient amount of healthy fats and protein in order to prevent. If you still don’t have regular bowel movement, it may time to quit keto diet.

2. Diarrhoea

This may be a side effect which occurs from eating fat in excess. The body is not used to metabolising fats in large quantities. Once you resume regular eating habits, your keto-related diarrhoea is likely to go away.

Keto diet may cause constipation and diarrhoea
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Also read: Keto Diet: Low Carb, Moderate Protein And High Fat, Plus 5 Lifestyle Tips For Effective Weight Loss

3. Keto flu

The infamous keto flu is a common side effect of keto diet. It can make you feel nauseous and give the feeling of throwing up as soon as you start following the keto diet. When following the diet, make sure you drink plenty of water and maintain your electrolyte intake to prevent keto flu. If symptoms don’t go away, it’s best you stop following the diet.

4. Irregular periods

Skipping one entire food group can cause hormonal imbalance and nutritional deficiencies. This may be the reason why your periods have become irregular. Stop following the diet instantly in this scenario.

5. You are not losing weight

Usually, the keto diet shows almost instant results. And if this is not the case, you are probably consuming too many calories from fats and proteins. It is better to eat a balanced diet and practice portion control, with regular exercise, for effective weight loss.

Also read: If You Have Stopped Losing Weight On Keto Diet, This Is What You Should Know

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.