Ketogenic Diet for Kids: Is It Safe?

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has been used to treat certain medical conditions in both children and adults for nearly a century. In recent years, more pediatric patients have been going on the diet, looking to it as a potential way to manage epilepsy, a type of seizure disorder, in addition to other medical conditions.

While research on the diet is ongoing and limited, it is promising and has been effective for some children. If the diet fits your child’s needs and you agree it is right for him or her, have a look at the ketogenic diet for kids guidelines and recipes below.

1. The Ketogenic Diet for Kids

What is a Ketogenic Diet?

A ketogenic diet is a very low carbohydrate diet that drives the body into a metabolic state called ketosis. During ketosis, the body starts to use fat instead of sugar as its main energy source. While in ketosis, the body retains and uses its own water, electrolytes, and minerals much more efficiently than when consuming carbohydrates.

This is why a ketogenic diet has been explored as a way to control seizures, particularly in children.

Types of Ketogenic Diet

There are many different types of ketogenic diets; however, the most common type is the low-carbohydrate, high-fat ketogenic diet.

The classic ketogenic diet is comprised of 70% fat, 20% protein and only 10% of calories from carbohydrates.

More research is exploring the use of other macronutrient ratios, such as the medium-carbohydrate, high-fat ketogenic diet, with certain groups of people.

2. How to Start the Ketogenic Diet for Kids?

To get your child started on the ketogenic diet, you will need to work with your child’s doctor.

You can either bring your child to the doctor’s office or meet with the doctor at a nearby location if you and your child can’t make the trip to the doctor’s office.

The first step is to get a complete blood panel to check for diabetes and metabolic diseases. The blood panel typically costs around $50. Make sure your child’s doctor is willing to order the blood panel before you begin the diet.

After that, you will work with the doctor on a starting plan. The doctor will likely start you both off on a low carbohydrate ketogenic diet to assess how your child’s body responds and to determine the best maintenance dose.

3. Advantages of the Ketogenic Diet for Kids

The ketogenic diet is a very promising and growing treatment for a variety of pediatric conditions.

It has been effective for some children with epilepsy and has shown great efficacy in managing symptoms of metabolic diseases such as hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome.

It is also safe and effective for children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

4. Disadvantages of the Ketogenic Diet for Kids

Like any other diet, the ketogenic diet may have side effects. The safety of the diet has not been studied well in children under age 18 and pregnant women. The diet may not be right for your child if they have any of the conditions listed below. Your child’s doctor can help you determine if the diet is right for your child.

Gastrointestinal disorders: The diet may lead to gastrointestinal side effects, such as constipation, due to its low-fiber, high-fat nature.

Cognitive disabilities: The diet may result in cognitive disabilities, such as lowered IQ, due to its high sodium content and potential for water toxicity.

Developmental disorders: The diet may result in developmental disabilities, such as delayed motor skill development, due to its high calcium content.

Sleep disorders: The diet may result in sleep disorders, such as insomnia, due to its low carbohydrate content.

Kidney disease: The diet may result in higher levels of potassium in the blood, which can increase the risk of kidney stones.

Bone disorders: The diet may result in bone disorders, such as osteoporosis, due to its high sodium content.

Conclusion

The ketogenic diet is a promising therapy for a variety of pediatric conditions. However, more research is needed and the diet is not right for all children. Your child’s doctor can help you determine if the diet is right for your child.

If you choose to try the ketogenic diet for your child, work with your child’s doctor to establish a proper diet plan.

ALSO READING:

The 6 Best Teas to Lose Weight and Belly Fat

How to Lose Belly Fat in 1 Week: Nutrition Tips & Exercises

5 health benefits of keto diet

What is a good keto meal plan?

7Foods to avoid on Keto diet

Does a Tummy Belt Work For Weight Loss?

Free Guide about " 6 things to avoid if you want to lose belly fat". Download it HERE