Why is supplementation on a keto and low carb diet necessary?
A balanced diet should provide us with all the nutrients necessary for the body to function properly. However, a ketogenic diet, such as one low in carbohydrates, is associated with a lack of valuable micronutrients and vitamins. The Keto diet eliminates the intake of most sources of carbohydrates, including many vegetables, fruits and grain products. This new way of eating can lead to deficiencies in magnesium, zinc, calcium, phosphorus or vitamin B.
In addition, on a ketogenic diet, not enough sugar is supplied to the body and water reserves are lost during the first few days. The kidneys excrete magnesium, potassium and sodium and it is difficult to keep the electrolyte balance normal. Electrolyte deficiency causes, especially in the beginning, a number of unpleasant symptoms such as headaches, feeling tired, nausea, muscle aches and cramps. Adequate hydration levels are extremely important for all diets, especially the ketogenic diet, which is based on the exclusion or elimination of an ingredient or a significant cut in calorie intake.
How do keto supplements work?
The main purpose of supplements is to improve the functioning of the body. During a ketogenic diet, they are also intended to ease the transition into a state of ketosis and negate side effects such as keto flu symptoms and feelings of fatigue.
Using good quality supplements on the keto diet helps to keep muscles in good condition, eliminates inflammation, fatigue, pain and dizziness.
The keto dietary supplements offered by BeKeto are a guarantee of providing all the necessary macronutrients that the body needs to function properly. Thanks to the high quality of the ingredients, we are sure that the supplements will do their job regardless of whether we are just starting out on the ketogenic diet or are at an advanced stage.
How to use supplements on keto?
MCT oil - healthy fatty acids
MCT oil is a fat classified as a medium-chain fatty acid, but unlike long-chain saturated fatty acids, it does not raise cholesterol levels or increase the risk of heart disease. On the contrary, MCT oil is readily converted into ketone bodies, its consumption allows you to enter a state of ketosis more quickly and thus it supports weight loss. MCT fats bypass the standard digestion process, going directly to the liver and producing effects just minutes after consumption. MCT oil is worth using before training to increase performance, and also after training to aid muscle recovery.
Digestive enzymes - support at the start of a diet
Gastrointestinal complaints, such as diarrhoea or constipation, are side effects that sometimes occur on a ketogenic diet. The solution may lie in the use of digestive enzymes, which help to properly digest fats and thus get rid of digestive problems. Digestive enzymes can also be helpful when switching to a keto diet from a diet that was not high in fat.
Exogenous ketones - increasing ketone bodies
Keto adaptation can sometimes be a difficult and unpleasant process for our bodies. Exogenous ketones have the effect of increasing the number of ketone bodies and thus allow you to get into a state of ketosis more quickly. They are an ideal product to start on the road with a ketogenic diet. In addition, exogenousketones support brain function and affect memory and concentration. It is also an excellent product to put your body on the right track after eating a 'cheat meal'.
Omega-3 fatty acids - support brain function
Omega-3 fatty acids exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, influence the proper functioning of the nervous system, and inhibit the development of Alzheimer's and type II diabetes. They are irreplaceable in the bone-building process, as they facilitate the absorption of calcium. The best natural sources of omega 3 fatty acids include oily fish such as salmon or mackerel, seafood and nuts.
Vitamins and minerals - essential in the diet
Vitamin D is essential for the proper functioning of the skeletal system. It also prevents diabetes and respiratory problems, and supports the absorption of other components, such as calcium. Products rich in vitamin D are mainly fish, mushrooms and eggs.
B vitamins, such as B1, B3 and B12, are particularly important for keto adaptation. They help the body to go into ketosis, lower cholesterol, and have a positive effect on the endocrine and digestive systems. Legumes, which are forbidden in the keto diet, are a rich source of these vitamins, so appropriate supplements are necessary.
Vitamin C is not only a natural fat burner, but also helps to get rid of feelings of fatigue, and has a beneficial effect on the skeletal and circulatory systems. It can be found in citrus fruits, kale and also blackcurrant. Some of these foods cannot be consumed on a ketogenic diet due to their high carbohydrate content and supplements are required.
Electrolytes
The use of electrolytes on a ketogenic diet is advisable due to several important aspects. Firstly, electrolytes help prevent 'ketosis flu', which often occurs at the beginning of the diet when the body switches to burning fat instead of glucose. Symptoms such as fatigue, headaches and dizziness can be caused precisely by the loss of electrolytes, so their supplementation is key to alleviating these conditions.
Secondly, the keto diet leads to lower insulin levels, which in turn results in reduced water retention in the body. Along with water, important electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and magnesium are lost, which are essential for many bodily functions, including proper muscle function, maintaining fluid balance and regulating blood pressure.The body's water retention is reduced.
Also, a lack of adequate amounts of keto electrolytes in the keto diet can lead to problems with nerve and muscle function, fatigue and even muscle cramps. Regular replenishment of electrolytes contained, for example, in the supplement keto electrolytes is therefore crucial to maintaining optimal health and well-being while on a ketogenic diet.
Keto versus low-carb supplementation - differences
Both the low-carb diet and the ketogenic diet are based on low-carbohydrate meals. The difference between the diets lies mainly in the restrictiveness. With the low-carb diet, more carbohydrates can be taken in, and deviations from the diet do not result in a discontinued state of ketosis. For this reason, the amount of supplements taken may be less than on the much more restrictive ketogenic diet.
Supplementation at the beginning of the ketogenic diet and beyond
In the early stages of the ketogenic diet, we may experience negative side effects associated with the withdrawal of carbohydrates and the switch to energy intake from fat. For the first few days there is a loss of water, the kidneys excrete keto electrolytes to keep the body in balance. This can result in headaches and muscle cramps.
Keto Electrolytes Ketolytes from BeKeto minimise keto flu symptoms by replenishing essential minerals such as magnesium, potassium, zinc and calcium. They will be ideal for those starting out on a low-carb diet.
It is also worth bearing in mind the dosage of MCT oil. Excessive amounts of MCT oil may increase blood cholesterol levels, which directly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is assumed that for physically active people (in a moderate way), the daily dose should not exceed 50 ml. It is a good idea to start with a small amount and increase it as the diet continues until the optimal dose is reached. At the beginning of the MCT adventure, powdered versions of MCT can be used; they are very gentle on the stomach and do not cause digestive discomfort.
Who should and who can use keto supplements?
The dietary supplements proposed by BeKeto are a beneficial solution not only for those on a ketogenic diet, but also for anyone who wants to lose weight without giving up carbohydrates. The ingredients in the supplements help maintain adequate blood sugar levels, as well as improving metabolism and preventing fat accumulation. Supplements, such as BeKeto Keto Burn, support the building of muscle mass and improve the performance of the body and are great for regular physical activity and sports training.
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