Often when we hear of a diet that puts the body into a state of ketosis, we are horrified to hear that ketosis is a potentially dangerous imbalance of blood sugar that results from a low-carbohydrate, high-fat, high-protein diet. the result is. Ketosis results when the body switches from burning glucose for energy to burning ketones for energy. Glucose comes from the carbohydrate that is the body’s first choice to metabolize for energy. Ketones are used for energy when there is not enough glucose (from carbohydrates) present in the bloodstream to be used for energy.
Clinically stated, “Ketosis is a condition in which the level of ketones (ketone bodies) in the blood is elevated. Ketones are formed when glycogen stores in the liver are depleted. Ketones are used for energy. Ketones are small carbon fragments that fuel the breakdown of fat stores. Ketosis is a potentially serious condition if ketone levels become too high.”
Most bariatric surgery patients are instructed to follow a high protein, low carbohydrate diet with a moderate amount of fat. The body only needs proteins and fats to build and repair tissue and cells, carbohydrates play no part in this metabolic function. Additionally, the body can get all of its energy from fat and protein. A ketogenic diet, first developed in the early 1900s, is a high-fat and low-carbohydrate diet. When following a ketogenic diet the body will transform from a carb-burning machine to a fat-burning machine. As a result, weight is reduced.
Perhaps the best-known ketonic diet is the Atkins plan in which ketosis is intentionally achieved through a high-fat high-protein and low-carbohydrate diet. Proper monitoring through urine testing according to the Atkins program will keep ketosis within safe limits and the dieter can reach an ideal body weight without suffering from unbearable hunger. Most weight loss surgery patients are discouraged from following an Atkins-type diet because of the high fat content. Surgery reduces the amount of gastric juice available for digestion and many patients do not tolerate high-fat foods.
Talking to the general population (not necessarily weight-loss surgery patients) experts are divided about the benefits of the ketogenic diet versus the health risks. Some experts say this is dangerous because if ketone levels are not properly monitored it can put a strain on the kidneys, and a significant loss of calcium excreted through the urine can lead to kidney stones or osteoporosis. Could Proponents of the ketogenic diet cite human evolution in their argument, saying that during most of the time humans have existed, we have been a hunter-gatherer species living in a ketogenic state for extended periods. Documented studies show that human physical endurance is not affected by ketosis after a period of 2 to 4 weeks of adaptation. Some studies go so far as to suggest that humans do not need high carbohydrate intake to replace depleted glycogen stores for energy.
Weight loss surgery patients should work closely with their bariatric center to develop a diet and lifestyle program specific to their state of obesity and recovery. While many consider the primary goal of weight loss surgery to be weight loss to improve physical appearance, higher goals are better health, energy, and longevity.
Source by Kaye Bailey
