Kiss My Keto Exogenous Ketones Review

Read our full review on the product Exogenous Ketones, manufactured by the company Kiss My Keto: It is claimed by this company that their product can boost energy levels immediately, increase mental focus, increase ketones, decrease hunger cravings, boost metabolism, as well as augmenting endurance and stamina. This implies that it may be used as a pre-workout supplement.

Ingredients

  • Calcium (1237 mg)
  • Magnesium (85 mg)
  • Zinc (3.1 mg)
  • Sodium (1.34g)
  • Potassium (1.14g)
  • Proprietary keto blend (14.7g) (calcium beta-hydroxybutyrate, sodium beta-hydroxybutyrate)

Dosage

The recommended daily dosage according to the manufacturer is one (1) full scoop of powder in 8 ounces of water, daily. There is a warning not to exceed two servings per day. This mixture may be taken 1) in the morning as an energy boost, 2) before a workout, or 3) as a meal replacement.

Possible Side Effects

Too many exogenous ketones may lead to an upset stomach. However, this will change as the body adjusts. Still, to be careful, reduce the dosage should upset occur, slowly increasing it to the optimal dose.

Price

An 18-ounce or 30-serving container is available online, direct from the manufacturer at $49.95 (including shipping fee anywhere in the US). No discounts are given, although the company does offer a subscription service. When locked into a subscription, the purchase price drops slightly to $42.46 (this includes shipping fee and a 15% discount). However, with a subscription service, it is often difficult to exit the contract; meantime the subscriber’s credit card continues to reflect a monthly deduction.

Guarantee

The manufacturer does offer a full-satisfaction money-back guarantee on this product. Returns must be made within 60 days of purchase. The guarantee is only applicable on orders within the US. There are many positive reviews of the product on the company’s own website. In addition, of the 197 reviews (mostly indicating that the product is average) on Amazon, our research found that 80% of these are trustworthy, and have minimal deception involved.

Our Exogenous Ketones Review – Conclusion

Exogenous Ketones appears a useful product that offers many health benefits, ranging from weight control to boosting of energy levels. The company’s website is well designed and comprehensible, allowing a consumer to make an informed decision. Another good point about this supplement is that the company offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on their product. That said, there are certain concerns to mention. The company does not offer any discounts on bulk orders, which could have made this product economical. Instead, the company offers only discounts on their subscription service, which locks a consumer in and from which it is difficult to extricate oneself. Another concern is that, even though the reviews on the company’s own website are extremely positive, our research found that on a third-party site such as Amazon, the ratings were merely average, with 80% of these being of high quality. Therefore, the reviews on the company’s website might be biased or misleading. As such, with so many similar products on the market offering better deals and having better reviews – it might be better to look into one of those instead of this product.

Click here to learn about our Top Ketogenic Products.

Swanson 7-Keto DHEA Review

The following review is for a product called Swanson 7-Keto DHEA. It is a dietary supplement that is designed to help support your weight-management program, and to promote lean body mass safely. According to the manufacturer, this product does not convert into estrogen in women, nor testosterone in men.

Ingredients

The main ingredient is 7-Keto DHEA (7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone 3B-acetate).

7-Keto DHEA is not to be confused with DHEA, which is a “parent hormone”. Unlike DHEA, 7-Keto DHEA does not convert to estrogen and androgen. It is claimed that it accelerates metabolism, which helps promote weight loss and lean body mass. It might also be able to improve cognitive function and slow down aging.

Other ingredients: Gelatin, calcium palmitate, and microcrystalline cellulose (plant fiber).

Dosage

The recommended dose is 1 capsule taken with water, two times daily.

Possible Side Effects

Individuals who are pregnant or nursing should not take this supplement.

Price

The manufacturer sells Swanson 7-Keto for a discounted price of $11.49 on their website, which is much cheaper than other similar products. The normal price is $12.99, which is still very cheap. It appears to be available from third-party retailers as well. However, when we clicked on the title the system showed a message saying that they do not have the product. It does not say it is out of stock, which might mean that they do not sell it.

Guarantee

We did not come across any information regarding a money-back guarantee. It seems that they do not offer one. This is a concern because it puts the customer at risk. Even though the product has worked for some individuals, it does not mean that it will work for everyone. You run the risk of losing your money if you do not benefit from this product because you will not get refunded by the manufacturer.

Our Swanson 7-Keto DHEA Review – Conclusion

Swanson 7-Keto DHEA seems to be a promising product, and it might be helpful in supporting and promoting weight loss and building lean mass. We like that the price is affordable, and that the manufacturer still offers discounts despite that the price is already low. However, it is even much lower when compared to similar products on the market. This may not be good to some individuals because low prices are often associated with low quality. Furthermore, the manufacturer does not offer any guarantee to customers who are unhappy about the product. This is another downside because it is not wise to buy a product that is not backed by the manufacturer’s guarantee, as you cannot return it and ask for a refund if it does not work for you. Another thing that we do not like about Swanson 7-Keto DHEA is that it is only available from the manufacturer. We looked for it on third-party retailers websites with no luck. If there is a technical problem on the website of the manufacturer, you would need to wait for it to be fixed for you to be able to buy. We recommend that you rather look for another product that has better qualities than this one.

Click here to learn about our Top Ketogenic Products.

Divine Health Keto Zone Fat-Zyme Review

If you’re on the ketogenic diet and need added support to improve or accelerate your weight loss results, this review of Keto Zone Fat-Zyme is for you. Divine Health has formulated a product which it says will support you in your weight loss efforts and is meant to help you if you’re already adhering to a keto eating plan. It is therefore not a keto replacement, but a compliment to the high fat, low carb eating patterns you’ve already put in place.

Divine Health says that the digestive enzymes and good gut bacteria in its formula are meant to  help with protein and sugar digestion and restore healthy gastrointestinal functioning. They should also improve nutrient uptake into the body and minimize nutritional deficiencies.

Ingredients

Each serving of 2 capsules contains:

  • Cellulase
  • Pectinase
  • Phytase
  • Xylanase
  • Hemicellulase
  • Beta glucanase
  • Lipase
  • Bacillus subtillis
  • Fungal amylase
  • Aspergillus oryzae
  • Rice
  • Maltodextrin
  • Hypromellose
  • Water
  • Medium chain triglycerides

It is clear from the ingredients that the product is formulated to break down fats (lipase), sugars (beta glucanase, xylanase, amylase) and proteins (pectinase) specifically. There are also several god bacteria added which create an enabling environment in the gut to further facilitate food breakdown.

Dosage

This supplement comes in capsule form. Take 2 Keto Zone Fat-Zyme capsules per day. Have the first one half an hour before breakfast, and the other half and hour before dinner.

Possible Side Effects

There are no listed side effects as the supplement consists of natural enzymes and also good bacteria to aid digestion. Keep in mind though that the enzyme lipase can cause digestive upset including but not limited to nausea, diarrhea and cramping. It should not last more than a few days. If it persists, you should consult your doctor. On the whole, lipase is largely safe to use and these side effects should be minor, not last long and not affect most people. Get doctor clearance to use this supplement if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Price

Each bottle contains 60 capsules. This will give you one month’s worth of Keto Zone Fat-Zyme. It sells for $29.99 on the product website. There do not appear to be bulk discounts.

Guarantee

A thirty-day returns policy is in place. However you will only qualify for a full return should you send back unopened bottles in their original packaging. This means you have no way of testing the product to see if it works for you.

Our Divine Health Keto Zone Fat-Zyme Review – Conclusion

The product should help to optimize healthy digestive functioning and go a long way to restoring good gut bacteria. If the gastrointestinal flora is not well balanced or overrun with bad bacteria to begin with, this impedes the working of enzymes. As the bottle contains a one-month supply of tablets, it is slightly more expensive than other similar enzyme-based supplements.

The product is what it says – and aid and not a replacement. As such, it does not contain any fat-burning ketones. If you’re looking for either exogenous or internal ketones to increase your metabolism this way, this isn’t the product for you. However, healthy digestion goes a long way towards weight loss as food is encouraged to exit the body quickly, while the necessary nutrients are absorbed. It would have helped if the manufacturer had been more transparent regarding the precise working of each ingredient, not merely the overall purported effect. On the product website, the supplement receives only rave consumer reviews but we couldn’t not find enough evidence of similar, independent consumer reviews. We are further hesitant to recommend this product because the returns policy is weak – you cannot return any opened bottles.

Click here to learn about our Top Ketogenic Products.

Left Coast Performance Keto Burst Review

We’ve reviewed a supplement called Keto Burst manufactured by Left Coast Performance. This supplement contains ketone salts that are designed to help the users shift their body into a state of ketosis and improve energy, mental clarity and athletic performance. We’ve examined its ingredients and the customer service that the manufacturer offers in order to determine if this supplement has a good value for money.

Ingredients

  • Calcium beta hydroxybutyrate
  • Magnesium beta hydroxybutyrate
  • Sodium beta hydroxybutyrate

The beta hydroxybutyrate salts are dissolved in the blood and release free calcium, magnesium, sodium and free beta hydroxybutyrate. The calcium, magnesium and sodium can be used to enhance muscle contraction and relaxation and a number of other normal biochemical reactions in the body. Beta hydroxybutyrate is itself a ketone and shifts the body into ketosis very quickly. The high levels of ketones in the blood are then taken up by muscle cells and the brain to be used as a source of energy. When these organs use the ketones for energy, they start to use fats as a source of energy more than carbohydrates. Scientific research has shown that this is able to improve energy levels and athletic performance. It also helps to control electrical activity and the brain, which can help with mental clarity.

Dosage

Keto Burst is taken in a powder form that can be mixed with water, coffee or a smoothie. Each serving is two scoops of the supplement. The manufacturer does not state how many servings should be taken per day.

Possible Side Effects

There have been no major side effects reported with the use of this product. As with any dietary supplement, pregnant and nursing mothers should consult a healthcare professional before using this product.

Price

One container of Keto Burst holds 16.9 oz which is about 30 servings. A container can be purchased online for $59.99 which includes shipping. This manufacturer does not appear to offer any bulk order purchase discounts or any subscription services that could result in a discount.

Guarantee

This product is covered by a complete money back guarantee. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not state anywhere how long this guarantee is valid for, only that the customers should contact them when they wish to return the product. They do state that customers are allowed to try the product before returning it and will not be penalized any money if they return it.

Our Left Coast Performance Keto Burst Review – Conclusion

The ingredients in the supplement are well backed by scientific research which does support the manufacturers claims about the benefits of taking this product. This product is certainly not a bad one for customers to consider, but there are a few concerns we have about it. The price is a little bit high compared to some other manufacturers and this is especially troubling because Left Coast Performance is not clear about their guarantee. This means that customers might think they are protected but will find out later that they didn’t fulfill all the conditions of the guarantee and may end up not getting their money back at all if they are unsatisfied. It might just be safer for customers to look at manufacturers which are clearer about their guarantee so that they feel more protected when buying a ketogenic supplement.

Click here to learn about our Top Ketogenic Products.

What To Expect On A Ketogenic Diet

What To Expect On A Ketogenic Diet

You may have heard many health experts talk about the ketogenic diet and praise it as the ultimate formula for weight loss. But, what exactly is it all about? A ketogenic diet is a low-carb diet that limits the intake of carbohydrates and places emphasis on foods that are rich in protein and fat.

During the ketogenic diet, the body burns fat to produce energy. The body produces small molecules called ketones. The way to produce ketones is to eat a limited amount of carbs and moderate amounts of protein.

Ketones are produced from fat in the liver. Thereafter, ketones are used in the body and the brain as fuel. The brain cannot function solely on fat, it needs the ketones for energy. When you are on a ketogenic diet, your body transitions to a fuel supply that functions mostly from fat. The quickest avenue to reach ketosis, when the body produces ketones, is by fasting.

People use low-carb diets mostly for weight loss, but it has other health benefits such as reducing type 2 diabetes risk factors, as well as metabolic syndrome.

Which Foods To Eat On A Ketogenic Diet?

To reach ketosis, the most important thing that you need to do is limit your intake of carbs. The recommended intake of daily carbs is below 20 grams.

Foods to consume:

  • Meat
  • Eggs
  • Cheese
  • Vegetables
  • Fish and seafood
  • Natural fats

You should avoid foods such as bread, juices, beer, pasta, and candy. When it comes to drinking, you should consume only coffee, tea, water and red wine.

What To Expect?

  • The biggest benefit of being on the ketogenic diet is losing weight, obviously. In order to achieve any weight loss, you will have to limit the number of calories that you consume and make sure that you are highly active. Health experts have advised you to reduce 500 calories on a daily basis. When you reduce the intake of carbs and calories you lose weight, and fat helps you to feel full for a longer period, thereby, you eat less frequently.
  • The other benefits of being on a low-carb diet are linked to your health. Studies have proven that a low-carb diet can prevent or improve certain health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases.
  • Research has also shown that low-carb diets are able to improve high-density lipoprotein cholesterol more than other carb diets.

What Are The Risks?

If your body is used to a certain amount of carbohydrates on a daily basis and then you drastically lower the amount, your body may have an adverse reaction. Some of the most common symptoms of being on a ketogenic diet include bad breath, headache, skin rash, fatigue, and constipation or diarrhea.

Since the intake of carbohydrates is very restricted, you may experience a deficiency in vitamins and minerals in the long haul, as well as increase the risk in several chronic diseases. For you to remain healthy, you need to choose foods that contain healthy unsaturated fats and healthy proteins.

Ketosis Rules For Weight Loss

Ketosis Rules For Weight Loss

The ketogenic diet is pretty controversial but it was actually made popular by Dr. Robert Atkins. A ketogenic diet requires a decreased consumption of carbohydrates and an increased consumption of fats and protein. With a lack of carbohydrates, the body is then forced into a state of ketosis, which is a form of fat metabolism. The diet claims to help you lose weight because the production of insulin is reduced and that then causes your body to not be able to store as much body fat. There a few rules you must follow to see the best results and most weight loss. You should be in contact with your doctor about any changes you make to your diet and stay connected just in case it causes you any negative symptoms.

Drink, Drink and Drink Water

As with most diets and even for people that are not on diets, staying hydrated is very important. At the start of the ketogenic diet, you will first shed water weight. This happens because carbohydrates are stored in the form of glycogen with water to keep you hydrated. A lack of carbohydrates will, therefore, cause you to get dehydrated more quickly. The amount of water needed per day depends on your daily physical activity. You should be drinking 2-3 cups of water per hour of a workout in addition to 6-8 cups per day. You should also increase your intake if you are in the heat.

High Fiber

It is recommended for women to eat at least 20 grams of fiber a day and men need over 30 grams a day. A lot of fiber is found in carbs, so you may accidentally reduce your fiber intake by eliminating carbs. You will need to consume other forms of fiber to help with digestion. Certain vegetables are high in fiber and low in carbohydrates. There is also the option to fill your fiber need by taking a supplement containing psyllium husk. Fiber is crucial for weight loss and a healthy digestive tract. It also helps get rid of hunger.

Calorie Reduction

Even though you aren’t required to count calories on the ketogenic diet, you will still need to cut down your daily calorie intake for the best weight loss results. The only way to lose weight is to consume less calories than you burn, how you get to that point varies, but you still have to watch your calorie intake. You don’t need to actually count but you do need to be aware. You may find this difficult because you are allowed to eat high-calorie foods on a ketosis diet, but it is possible and will aid in your weight loss goals.

The Takeaway

For the best results in a ketosis diet, you will need to stick with it. Getting to a ketosis state isn’t easy but has been shown to be well worth the effort. You should consult with your doctor before starting any new diets or adding any supplements to your daily routine. The ketosis/ketogenic diet seems like it could be what’s necessary to help with weight loss.

Source Naturals 7-Keto DHEA Metabolite Review

If you’re on the high fat, low carb eating regime that is the keto diet, one of your base aims will be to raise your metabolism so your can burn fat faster, and lose weight. This review looks at a supplement which aims to help that process. It is called 7-Keto DHEA Metabolite. As a metabolite, it is a product which ignites metabolism.

The manufacturer, Source Naturals, says that its supplement is designed to increase your metabolic rate through 7-Keto. This is a naturally occurring metabolite of DHEA. DHEA is the most plentiful adrenal steroid in the body. Dehydroepiandrosterone is manufactured in the adrenal gland, but is not converted to testosterone or any other sex hormone. Controlled studies have shown that as 7-Keto increases metabolic rate, it can help your weight loss goals especially if you’re already on an eating plan that promotes ketogenesis.

Ingredients

  • 7-oxo-DHEA Acetate -100 mg
  • microcrystalline cellulose
  • stearic acid
  • magnesium stearate

Research has shown that 7-Keto induces thermogenesis, which means that the body burns fats at a higher rate, and also faster. 7-Keto is not converted to estrogens or androgens, so there is no fear of this side effect occurring. As an exogenous ketone,  it should synthesize well with the naturally occuring ketones as a result of the ketogenic diet and other factors. The overall fat-burning process should result in nett weight loss, but is meant to go hand-in-hand with the keto diet and exercise and not replace it.

Dosage

The supplement is in tablet form. Take 4 tablets per day. Take two, twice a day, preferably with meals and water. There are both 50 mg tablets and 100 mg tablets available.

Possible Side Effects

7-Keto DHEA Metabolite is vegetarian-safe. It is free of yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, corn, soy or wheat. There is no sugar, starch, salt, preservatives, artificial color, flavor or fragrance present in the tablets, further minimizing the risk of allergens.

However, you should consult your healthcare practitioner if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive.

Price

A bottle of 30 and 60 tablets of the 100g concentration 7-Keto sells for $26.98 and $52.50 on the product website respectively. A bottle of 30 and 60 tablets of the 50g concentration 7-Keto sells for $19.50 and $36.98 on the product website. No bulk discounts were evident at the time of compiling this report. It is less expensive on Amazon.

Guarantee

Our research did not uncover any definitive guarantee or money-back or returns policy.

Our Source Naturals 7-Keto DHEA Metabolite Review – Conclusion

The product is vegetarian safe. 7-Keto is backed by preliminary research which does suggest that indeed it can increase the rate at which your body burns fat. This should result in you being able to see centimeters off your waistline as well as weight loss. Use it to kickstart your metabolism into ketosis or if you’re already on the ketogenic diet, stay the course and increase your exercise levels to see the maximum benefits. This product also has anti-aging benefits.

This is an exogenous ketone and as such is synthetic. If you are looking for an all-natural product, this is not the one for you. The manufacturer does not state how long before you can expect results. The matter is compounded by the fact that despite the hype and evidence of pre-trial success in relation to the metabolite, the manufacturer shows no real confidence in its product by way of a clear guarantee. You may therefore be embarking on a risky purchase.

Click here to learn about our Top Ketogenic Products.

MPA Ketoxygen Review

In order to test the merits of MPA Ketoxygen, we’ve taken a look at its ingredients and the level of customer support that the manufacturer offers. MPA Ketoxygen is a supplement that contains ketones. Ketones are believed to increase your aerobic capacity during cardio exercise and enhance mental focus.

Ingredients

  • Rhodiola Rosea Extract
  • N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
  • Acetyl-L-Carnitine
  • Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Salt Blend
  • Cordyceps Militaris
  • Pleurotus Eryngii
  • Gonaderma Lucidum
  • Lentinula Edodes
  • Hericium Erinaceous
  • Trametes Versicolor

Arguably, the most important ingredient in this supplement is the beta hydroxybutyrate salt blend. These salts release minerals which can be used in the body for a number of chemical reactions – like those that produce muscle contraction. They also release beta hydroxybutyrate, which is a ketone. When there is enough beta hydroxybutyrate in the blood, the body is considered to be in ketosis. Ketones can be used as a form of energy by muscles and the brain, and there is some scientific evidence that they are more efficient forms of energy, in certain circumstances. Ketosis also causes the body to metabolize fat as a source of energy instead of carbohydrates, which releases more ketones to maintain the state of ketosis.

The other ingredients are plant and mushroom extracts which have a number of health benefits associated with them. Research is still ongoing about the effects of these ingredients, but there’s no harm really in adding them to the supplement.

Dosage

The supplement is taken in a powder form. One scoop must be taken a day, although the manufacturer doesn’t explain how. From our research we believe it should be mixed with 8 ounces of water and taken several hours before or after meals.

Possible Side Effects

There aren’t really any major side effects associated with using ketogenic supplements, but pregnant or breastfeeding women should be careful and ask a doctor before using it. People taking chronic medication should also consider consulting a healthcare professional before using this supplement.

Price

20.88 oz of MPA Ketoxygen can be purchased online for $69.99. This is the only pricing option this manufacturer offers so there are no subscription services or bulk order discounts. The price does not include shipping or taxes.

Guarantee

The product is not guaranteed but the manufacturer will accept unopened products if the customer contacts them within 7 days of receiving their order. The manufacturer explicitly states that returns are at their own discretion, meaning that even if these conditions are met, they may still choose not to refund the customer.

Our MPA Ketoxygen Review – Conclusion

Some of the ingredients in MPA Ketoxygen have really strong scientific backing while some do not. No clinical trials have been conducted on this particular set of ingredients together, so it is difficult to decide whether the inclusion of some of these mushroom extracts is helpful or not. In light of this, we find the price of the supplement to be quite unreasonable because it’s effectiveness is not guaranteed. This is indicated even more strongly by the fact that the manufacturer is unwilling to give their customers their money back if they are unsatisfied with their results. We advise that customers look at supplements that are more scientifically valid and that come with a guarantee.

Click here to learn about our Top Ketogenic Products.

Calories In The Ketogenic Diet

Calories In The Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet is a form of the low carbohydrate diet. The idea is to reprogram the body’s metabolism to use fats as the major source of energy. By doing this, the energy is more sustained and the body breaks down some of the fat storage that it has. When the body is severely low in carbohydrates, the main source of glucose, it breaks down fats to release glycerol which can be converted to glucose. It also oxidizes the fatty acid chains which are released in order to make substrates that can enter the chemical reactions that produce energy. These processes generate a byproduct called ketones. This is where the diet gets its name from. But fats are very calorie dense foods and a person who follows a ketogenic diet can easily overshoot their recommended calorie intake. This article, therefore, determines how many calories a person should take in whilst following a ketogenic diet.

The foods that the diet includes

The diet suggests cutting out all forms of refined carbohydrates such as bread, rice, potatoes sugar and sugary drinks. Many people use refined carbohydrates as a staple in their diet. The ketogenic diet recommends using fats as a staple instead. A person conducting the ketogenic diet should also include high protein sources in their diet. Examples of these are red meat, chicken, fish, butter, olive oil and flaxseed oil. Individuals should also include normal sources of minerals as long as they do not contain high carbohydrates. For example, milk as a source of calcium, vegetables as a source of vitamins and minerals, restricted fruit intake and a reasonable amount of salt. These foods are also said to improve satiety – the feeling of being full – so that the person on the diet feels a less frequent need to eat.

Any sort of cheating on this diet should be considered very carefully because any form of carbohydrates completely disrupts ketosis (the formation of ketones through the breakdown of alternative energy sources).

The ketogenic ratio

The ketogenic ratio is the ratio of fats to other dietary sources (such as proteins and carbohydrates) in a person’s diet. For a ketogenic diet to be effective, a person’s ketogenic ratio should be between 2-to-1 and 5-to-1. This ratio can help a person to determine the estimated amount of fat they should be consuming on a ketogenic diet. The recommended daily calorie intake for men is 2500 kilocalories and for women is 2000 kilocalories. If you break that down according to the optimal ketogenic ratio, a man should be consuming between 1650 kilocalories and 2080 kilocalories of fat per day. This equates to between 6.5 and 8 oz. of fat per day. A woman should be receiving 1350 to 1650 kilocalories of fat per day. This equates to 5.3 to 6.5 oz. of fat per day. The remainder of the calories should be mostly in the form of proteins, but can be in a small part from natural carbohydrates. For a man, this is between 3.7 and 7.5 oz. per day of proteins and carbohydrates together. A woman should consume between 3 and 5.7 oz. of proteins and carbohydrates together.

Keto Diet – The Importance Of Checking Crucial Nutrients

Keto Diet – The Importance Of Checking Crucial Nutrients

Besides people who are epileptic, many people are using the ketogenic diet as a way of losing weight. In many ways, this type of diet is effective in accomplishing this, as the diet consists of three elements: low intake of carbs (less than 50 grams), a moderate intake of protein, and intake of large amounts of fats. The body uses carbohydrates for fuel. When carbohydrate levels are low, the body use fats as an energy source. This is referred to as a ketogenic state. However, being on such a restrictive diet could mean that insufficient potassium or sodium is ingested. It is therefore vital to ensure that you do not deprive your body of nutrients and minerals which it needs to function correctly. Health problems may result, impeding physical performance.

Why is sodium important in your diet?

Sodium, normally associated with salt, helps the body maintain water in the body. In addition, it functions to keep the brain healthy, assisting the correct functioning of electrical signals in the brain. An imbalance of sodium can be problematic. Foods that are ketogenic-friendly, such as eggs, are sources of sodium. Supplements are an option; however, with a ketogenic diet, you should be able to obtain sufficient sodium to meet your daily requirements. Those who exercise a lot may need more sodium to replace that lost in sweat. There are health risks if you take in too much sodium, as sodium builds up in the blood. In addition, the heart has to work harder, applying pressure on the blood vessels. This could lead to a stroke, heart attack, or high blood pressure. In addition, too much sodium can lead to renal failure – in particular, as a result of kidney disease.

Why is potassium important to your diet?

The mineral potassium helps with metabolism, and in regulating acid. Also, it supports muscle and organ growth, ensuring correct heart functioning. Unlike sodium that can lead to strain on the heart, potassium helps to relax the blood vessels. Foods that are ketogenic-friendly include milk, fish, peas, various types of meat and broccoli. The ketogenic diet can lead to potassium deficiency, which is a concern. The cooking process destroys much of this mineral. Supplementation is, therefore, an alternative way of overcoming this problem.

The bottom line on sodium, potassium, and the ketogenic diet

As with any diet, especially a very restricted diet like this, do consult a doctor first. Health professionals can monitor sodium and potassium levels via blood tests. Sodium levels should be around 136 to 145 mmol/L, and potassium in the region of 3.5 to 5.1 mmol/L. Anything below or above these ranges can be problematic: your health may be at risk. Those on a ketogenic diet may become ketogenic. This affects hormone balance, especially insulin levels. Insulin helps to control sodium. Without insulin, sodium passes through the body allowing low levels of sodium. This can hamper focus and energy levels. On a ketogenic diet, you may require extra salt. The same is true of potassium: its levels are linked to those of sodium. Making sure there is enough salt in the diet can help with the potassium and sodium balance.