Keto is a diet that has low quantities of carbohydrates and high-fat content. It is a diet that many people adopt for its health benefits, like boosting blood sugar regulation. Keto for women is essential in improving certain factors in their health.
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How keto affects women
Before getting into the proven effects of keto for women, it is important to understand that more research is being done, and many other benefits are yet to be explored. Here is what nutritionists and other health professionals know so far.
1. Hormones
The ovaries in women produce two vital hormones; Progesterone and estrogen. These hormones play a critical role in regulating your menstrual cycle and play an important role in childbirth, pregnancy, and menopause. Your hormones also fulfill other functions like regulating your weight or appetite. Progesterone helps improve your appetite while estrogen suppresses food intake. The ovaries also produce testosterone in small quantities. Testosterone is a hormone that can boost your appetite during high levels because of polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS. When testosterone levels are high, you are at risk of developing conditions such as infertility and obesity. The keto diet helps women balance these hormones. A study showed that women with a ketogenic diet in the regimen noticed a significant reduction in their weight.
2. Menstrual Cycle
Every month, women have to deal with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Its symptoms adversely affect your stay in ketosis. You may experience intense cravings for carbs and might struggle to deal with trigger factors like adverts on TV. At the same time, you understand that carbs can affect your stay in ketosis. PMS symptoms such as headaches can worsen keto flu. You can experience mild discomforts and headaches as you try to get used to your new routine.
3. Pregnancy
Many women who have adapted to the keto diet want to understand the impact of keto on fertility. Health professionals have confirmed the benefits of keto in addressing health conditions that lead to infertility. Keto boosts your chances of conceiving. You might be wondering what it does for you if you are already pregnant. Keto during pregnancy is not always recommended. Extensive research is yet to be done to confirm the effects of low-carb diets during pregnancy. Furthermore, nutrients are essential for the baby’s growth in the womb. Glucose is vital for providing energy for the fetus and placenta. The bottomline is that pregnant women should reconsider taking low-carb diets, cutting calories, and reducing weight.
4. Breastfeeding
It is not advisable to restrict your food intake when breastfeeding. Consuming low-carb diets can cause problems such as insomnia, and stress which will, in turn, affect your milk production. If you are lactating, it would be best to eat fruits and whole-grain products. Carbohydrates are essential during this time. They supply the body with nutrients, increase your milk supply, and provide energy.
Bottom Line
For the keto diet to work, ensure that you don’t limit your fat intake, take enough minerals and vitamin supplements, and vary your workouts. It is also essential to outsmart your PMS (premenstrual syndrome) cravings. Stay on top of your keto diet to meet all your body’s needs.
