11 Hidden Dangers of the Keto Diet

The keto diet promises quick weight loss and more. But there can be negative side effects and even serious health consequences for those who are unaware.

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The keto flu

The keto diet is an ultra-low-carb and high-fat diet that restricts total carbohydrate numbers to just 20 or 30 net grams of carbohydrate per day. That’s the equivalent of a single piece of fruit or half a bagel. The keto diet differs from other low-carb diets because rather than emphasizing proteins, it centers on fat, which supplies 60 to 80 percent of daily calories, with 5 to 10 percent from carbs and 10 to 30 percent from protein.  When you cut carbs, your body’s preferred source of energy, you require your body to suddenly shift to fat for fuel. This raises blood levels of ketones and puts you in a state of ketosis—hence the name “keto diet.” Once this shift happens, you will lose weight. However, you may also experience some negative side effects. This is commonly referred to as the keto “flu.” “The keto flu is a very real side effect as the body transitions to a ketogenic diet,” says Suzanne Fisher, RD, in Fort Lauderdale, FL. “Brain fog, fatigue, dizziness, and insomnia are common with the keto flu.”

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Low blood sugar

Once ketosis is established, most people experience more stable and lower blood sugar levels. Low-carb diets can be an effective way for people with type 2 diabetes to get a handle on glycemic control—and carb monitoring has long been thought to be an effective way to control blood sugar. Anecdotal evidence abounds from people with type 2 diabetes who used the keto diet to stabilize their blood sugar. Many were also able to quit taking their diabetes medication. But it’s not recommended that people with diabetes begin the keto diet without first talking to their doctor. Keep in mind that one study published in a 2015 issue of the journal, Diabetes Therapy, concluded that low-carb diets are not necessarily a better long-term strategy than other diets.

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Nutritional deficiencies

The low-carb, high-fat approach to the keto diet limits the types of foods you can have, and entire food groups are eliminated entirely. Beans, legumes, and whole grains are out, as are many fruits and vegetables. Many of these foods carry vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients you can’t get from any other source, and without them, you may start to experience nutritional deficiencies.

“Keto is not a great long-term diet, as it is not a balanced diet,” says Nancy Rahnama, MD, an internal medicine and bariatric specialist in Los Angeles. “A diet that is devoid of fruit and vegetables will result in long-term micronutrient deficiencies that can have other consequences,” she says. “The keto diet can be used for short-term fat loss, as long as it is under medical supervision.”

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Constipation and bowel changes

Eliminating most fruits and vegetables can have other consequences, too. Without fiber-rich foods, you may begin to experience bowel changes, including difficulty having a bowel movement and eventually constipation. Luiza Petre, MD, a board-certified cardiologist and weight management specialist in New York City, suggests focusing on eating more low-carb, fiber-rich foods to help beat this bowel issue. “Try fibrous vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, and cabbage, consume more fat like MCT oil, coconut oil, or ghee, and, as always, drink plenty of water,” she says.

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Loss of electrolytes

As ketosis begins, your body will start dumping glycogen, which is an energy source of carbohydrate stored in the muscles and liver. This will increase how often you urinate and can lead to an inevitable loss of electrolytes, Dr. Rahnama says. Electrolytes are essential to cardiac function and normal heart beating. “The loss of electrolytes, such as sodium, magnesium, and potassium will put the dieter at risk of a cardiac arrhythmia,” Dr. Rahnama adds.

Look for natural sources of electrolytes or take an over-the-counter supplement. “Avocados, leafy greens, asparagus, and cruciferous veggies are great for providing important electrolytes, says Josh Axe, a doctor of chiropractic, certified doctor of natural medicine and clinical nutritionist in Nashville, TN. Axe also suggests a magnesium supplement to help you sleep and avoid cramps or constipation.

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Decreased serum sodium

The average American eats entirely too much sodium, but on the keto diet, you may struggle to eat enough. “One main concern from a dietary standpoint is an increased risk of dehydration and hyponatremia (low blood sodium),” Fisher says. She adds that this is especially true when exercising intensely in a hot environment. Low levels of sodium in your body can lead to leg cramps, decreased energy, confusion, and even vomiting. So, be cautious of this; it’s one of the dangers of the keto diet you may overlook. “Add a pinch of salt to every meal,” Dr. Petre says. Consider sea salt, which provides traces of minerals. Try adding a little salt to any one of these 10 keto recipes that are so good they’ll make you forget you’re on a diet.

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Dehydration

People in the early stages of the keto diet are prone to dehydration issues. “A ketogenic diet is known as a water-flushing diet, due to a lessening of inflammation and a reduction of glycogen stores in your muscles and liver,” Dr. Petre says. She suggests preventing dehydration by drinking more water—at least 2.5 liters per day. She also recommends doing so as soon as you begin cutting carbs in preparation for the diet. Dr. Axe adds that you should limit caffeine and alcohol, too. While they may be liquids, they aren’t necessarily hydrating. Plus, alcohol adds carbs to your day.

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Kidney stones and kidney damage

If not treated or reversed, dehydration can lead to acute kidney injury, Dr. Rahnama says. That’s not the only way the keto diet can put your kidneys at risk, however. “Kidney stones or damage to the kidney may also be a side effect,” says Grace Derocha, RD, a certified diabetes and certified health coach at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. High levels of nitrogen created by excess protein can also increase pressure in your kidneys. This can lead to the formation of more stones and damage your kidney cells. “People with kidney, liver, and gout issues should use caution when embarking on such diets as they may increase their risk for further kidney failure, may overwhelm an already taxed liver, or may precipitate a gout flare,” says Adam Splaver, MD, a cardiologist in South Florida.

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Muscle loss

The longer you’re in ketosis, the more fat you burn. Unfortunately, you may also start to lose muscle tissue, too. While protein is considered the powerhouse muscle builder, your muscles need carbs for adequate formation and maintenance. Without those carbs, your body may start breaking down muscle. “Since your body starts to eat away at muscles as it enters ketosis, your heart, being a muscle, may also be damaged in the process,” Derocha says. However, this may be true of other calorie-restricted diets too. A 2006 study found that people on both a very low carb and a low-fat diet lost more lean mass as a proportion of their weight loss (about 30%) compared with 21% for those on a diet with highly unsaturated fat and more carbohydrates. (Although those on the very low carb diet lost more weight overall.)

Additionally, you may find it difficult to eat adequate calories on a daily basis because fat is so filling. Some people even opt to fast for several hours each day. While this may help with weight loss, your body needs those calories for proper maintenance. Without them, it may turn to burning muscle for energy, and that can accelerate muscle loss.

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Cardiac problems

Losing heart muscle may not be the only heart-associated dangers of the keto diet, Derocha says. “If you have high blood pressure and are taking medication, the prescription mixed with the diet may cause abnormally low blood pressure test results,” she explains. Before you start the keto diet, she suggests you talk with your doctor to avoid low blood pressure. This condition can be dangerous, even deadly. (Here are some home remedies you can try to balance low blood pressure.)

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Bad breath

During ketosis, your body produces ketones, or byproducts of the fat-burning process. Your body uses several tactics to remove the ketones from your body, including exhalation. When your lungs excrete ketones, they leave as foul-smelling acetone. Because of this fat-burning process, you may develop bad breath while you’re in ketosis. Drink plenty of fluid to help your mouth stay hydrated and reduce the risk for bad breath. If the situation becomes particularly smelly, you can turn to sugar-free mints or gum to mask the situation.

Sources
  • Suzanne Fisher, RD, Fisher Nutrition Systems, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
  • Diabetes Therapy: "Low Carbohydrate Diets and Type 2 Diabetes: What is the Latest Evidence?"
  • Nancy Rahnama, MD, internal medicine and bariatric specialist, Los Angeles.
  • Luiza Petre, MD, board-certified cardiologist and weight management specialist, New York City.
  • Josh Axe, doctor of chiropractic, certified doctor of natural medicine and clinical nutritionist, Nashville, TN.
  • Grace Derocha, RD, a certified diabetes and certified health coach, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Michigan.
  • Adam Splaver, MD, cardiologist, South Florida.
  • Harvard Medical School: "Should You Try the Keto Diet?"
Medically reviewed by Elisabetta Politi, CDE, MPH, RD, on September 02, 2019

Kimberly Holland
Kimberly Holland is a lifestyle writer and editor based in Birmingham, Alabama. When not organizing her books by color, Holland enjoys toying with new kitchen gadgets and feeding her friends all her cooking experiments.