Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?
Search
Close this search box.

Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?

Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?

It’s no wonder the Keto Diet has gained widespread popularity due to its proven benefits associated with weight loss outcomes, reversal of diabetic states and cognitive decline. Does this mean we should all go Keto?!

If I’ve learned anything in practice as a Nutritionist – no diet can be an umbrella for all. AND, the Keto diet can be done incorrectly and worsen certain states of health if not used appropriately. What do I mean by appropriately? The Keto diet should generally be utilized in short term, under medical supervision and ideally with the guidance of a Functional Medicine Dietitian/Nutritionist where it is deemed appropriate. The danger lies in the overwhelming amount of the population doing it on their own as they’ve self-diagnosed necessary.

There are two big problems with this: First off, Keto is easily done incorrectly.

How? Consumption of too much protein. Why is this dangerous? Very restricted carbohydrates and high fat intake in the setting of too much protein will increase blood glucose levels to provide fuel for the body. This is called gluconeogenesis. This process of increasing blood sugar over the long term can ultimately drive up cholesterol and triglyceride levels-this is NOT helpful! Therefore, to avoid this it is vital that protein intake is kept to around 20% of total calories on a keto plan. Those who go keto and increase their intake of “keto-labeled” foods like bacon, cream and cheese usually surpass this limit and can, therefore, do more damage to their bodies. The fix? Choose cleaner organic/grass-fed animal proteins like turkey, salmon or beef in 2-3 oz portions per meal.

Another big problem? Those with gut healing or intestinal permeability issues integrating a strict Keto diet. Long term no carb diets or keto can worsen states of gut dysbiosis by depriving the microbiome of prebiotic fiber via carby foods-think sweet potato, fruits, and root vegetables.  We need prebiotics! These are like food for your good gut bacteria (ie probiotics) to flourish and keep your gut healthy. In addition, when your fat sources are primarily coming from processed meats and saturated animal fats you run the risk of increasing intestinal permeability via a compound called LPS (lipopolysaccharide) that damages the intestinal lining (2). How can you go keto and still stay gut-friendly? You can still keep carbs low by choosing foods low in net carbs and high in fiber like apples and lentils.

Thinking you’d like to go keto or that you may be doing it wrong?  Schedule an individualized functional nutrition consult with Meg at Five Journeys!

  1. Cani PD, Everard A. Talking microbes: When gut bacteria interact with diet and host organs. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2016 Jan;60(1):58-66. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201500406. Epub 2015 Aug 26. Review. PubMed PMID: 26178924; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5014210.
  2. Moreira AP et al. Influence of a high-fat diet on gut microbiota, intestinal permeability and metabolic endotoxaemia. Br J Nutr. 2012 Sep;108(5):801-9. doi:10.1017/S0007114512001213. Epub 2012 Apr 16. Review. PubMed PMID: 22717075.
Our Providers
Quick Links
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test looks for the inappropriate presence of bacteria in the small intestine known as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth or “SIBO”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$299

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$179 – $400

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$425 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?
Can The Ketogenic Diet Be Dangerous?

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted