The metabolic adaptation of keto involves a shift from use of carbohydrates to lipids (fat) as the primary energy source. As such, a patient with a disorder of fat metabolism might develop a metabolic crisis in the setting of a ketogenic diet. Therefore, before initiating this diet (or any other), you should be fully aware of your limitations and/or medical conditions (if any); and, in any case, always check with your doctor.

Why is individualization so important?

The thing is, two individuals with the exact same characteristics, may react differently to keto.

That’s why contextualization is essential and there should always be a “trial period” to assess the safety of this diet individually (2-3 days should be more than enough).

How do I know if keto is right for me? 🙋🏼

Having said that, people who should avoid keto are the ones with any type of inborn error of fat metabolism and enzyme deficiencies.

If that’s not your case, there are still other complicating risk factors incompatible with keto that you should be aware of…

Here’s a list:

• Renal stones
• Severe dyslipidemia
• Significant liver disease
• Failure to thrive
• Severe gastroesophageal reflux
• Poor oral intake
• Cardiomyopathy
• Chronic metabolic acidosis
• Patients receiving SGLT2 inhibitors

Special situations 🛑

Besides these risk factors, there are also groups of people who require special consideration.

These are:

• People who take medication for diabetes
• People who take medication for high blood pressure
• Women who breastfeed

For these three, keto is compatible (in most cases), but will need to be studied thoroughly and go under detailed supervision.

For the rest of the people, keto is perfectly safe and you shouldn’t worry about anything!