Keto Diet, full name ketogenic diet is a high-fat low-carb diet that forces your body to burn fat rather than carbs. Many chose to take the Keto diet as it “burns fat” and helps to lose weight effectively. It attracts postpartum mums to try having a Keto diet as they want to get back in shape as soon as possible. But if you’re a breastfeeding mama, read below, and consider twice before you start following the high-fat low-carb diet.

Ketogenic Diet – A Medical Diet?

You probably don’t know this but the Keto diet was originally designed to treat epilepsy in children, reducing the number of epileptic seizures from happening. So keto diet isn’t designed for weight loss and it’s a medical diet that risks are associated.

Burns Fat Instead of Sugar

Many people got into Keto diet as they heard it forces your body to burn fat, is it true?

Yes, the Ketogenic diet makes your body burn fat instead of burning sugar/ carbs. It relies on fueling ketone bodies which are created by your liver, ketone bodies then become the replacement of sugar as the source of energy in your body.

Keto Diet Risks

We are not going deep into what keto diet requires you to eat and the amount of fat or carbs you should consume each day. But to keep in mind, sources of carbs include – fruits and veggies. There are restrictions on the type and amount of fruits and vegetables if you’re following the Keto Diet.

Ketoacidosis

When not handled properly, the rise of ketone bodies can lead to ketoacidosis that lowers your blood pH level and requires immediate medical treatment.

Constipation

Since you’re cutting on foods that are rich in fibre – rice, grains, starchy veggies, etc.

Read more about pregnancy constipation here. 

Mood Swings

Having a low-carb diet can make you experience some severe mood changes, so do dehydration and low electrolytes. So make sure you’re getting all the nutrients needed.

Read more about mood swings during pregnancy. 

To learn more about keto diet health risks, visit this article published on Harvard Health Publishing. 

For Breastfeeding Mums

• You don’t and shouldn’t strictly stick to a low-carb diet, increasing your carbohydrate intake will be safer for breastfeeding mums as nursing itself requires extra energy. Lookup liberal low-carb diet.
• Research on breastfeeding and Keto diet is still very limited. Nevertheless, you should consider consulting with your GP on whether you can follow the Keto Diet or not.
• Following point 2, it is still unsure whether a keto diet will lead to low milk supply. Remember to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated – whether or not you’re following a high-fat low-carb diet.
• Have a balanced diet. Severe reduction of certain nutrients can pose health risks to you especially if you just delivered.