Is Keto Diet Good or Bad for Heart Disease?

Why Keto Diet helps for Heart Disease

Following a high carbohydrate diet has been directly linked to the many risk factors leading to atherosclerosis heart diseases.

Given that the keto diet is low in carbs, it has been found that this diet can reduce the various risks factors leading to atherosclerosis, including cholesterol, triglyceride, blood sugar, high blood pressure, and promote weight loss. Hence, the diet decreases many of the risk factors associated with heart diseases.

A study titled “Effects of low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets: a randomized trial” found that that a low-carbohydrate diet is more effective for weight loss and cardiovascular risk factor reduction than a low-fat diet.

Another study titled “ Low-Carbohydrate-Diet Score and the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Women” showed also that women who ate a low-carb diet that was high in vegetable sources of fat and protein, had a 30 % lower risk of heart diseases as compared to women who ate a high-carb, low-fat diet. 

Furthermore, it was noticed that women who ate low-carbs diet that were high in animal fats and protein did not show the same beneficial results. Hence, this study shows that it is important to limit proteins as well while reducing carbs to the minimum. 

Accordingly, a keto diet that is extremely low in carbs with limited proteins can be more effective than an Atkins diet that only reduces carbs but doesn’t limit proteins consumption.  

In addition to this, the keto diet is quite effective for weight loss. This factor is very important especially for obese and overweight individuals that are at high risk of developing heart diseases. 

Accordingly, it is believed that the keto diet can help in reducing risk factors associated with heart diseases. It can even help in preventing the occurrence of heart diseases.

How Keto Diet works for Heart Disease

The keto diet is a regimen high in fat, moderate in protein, and very-low in carbohydrate. It consists of 75% fat, 20% proteins, and only 5% carbohydrates. By restricting carbs to only 5% and limiting proteins to a maximum 20%, the diet is believed to reduce the various risk factors associated with heart diseases.

Furthermore, the diet incorporates a variety of healthy fats while strictly limiting carbohydrate sources. 

This diet is believed to help in treating and preventing heart diseases by influencing the various risk factors associated with atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease (CVD). 

Hereafter, we cover in details how the keto diet works to achieve this:

- Lower bad cholesterol: small particles of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) pose a higher risk of heart diseases. Current researches suggest that low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are associated with a higher consumption of carbohydrates.

A study titled “Effect of short-term low-and high-fat diets on low-density lipoprotein particle size in normolipidemic subjects” provided evidence that following a low carbs diet that is high in fat can increase the size of (LDL) particles or bad cholesterol, and at the same time decrease the percentage of small LDL particles. 

Accordingly, by lowering carbohydrates consumption, the keto diet is believed to decrease the percentage of small LDL particles, and this aspect would lower the risks of heart diseases.

- Increase good cholesterol levels: people with low levels of HDL or good cholesterol are at greater risk of heart diseases.  Current researches suggest that lower levels of HDL are associated with a higher consumption of carbohydrates. 

A review study titled “Effects of Low-Carbohydrate Diets Versus Low-Fat Diets on Metabolic Risk Factors: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled clinical Trials” showed that following a low-carb diet increases HDL levels more than following a low-fat diet.”

Accordingly, by lowering carbohydrates consumption, the keto diet is believed to increase the level of HDL, and hence would lower the risks of heart diseases. Plus, this diet promotes the good fat which would increase further the HDL level.

- Lower triglyceride levels: it is commonly known that high levels of triglycerides in the blood increase the risk of heart diseases. Current researches suggest that these elevated levels of triglycerides are associated with the consumption of carbohydrates, especially refined sugars. 

A review study titled “Effects of Low-Carbohydrate Diets Versus Low-Fat Diets on Metabolic Risk Factors: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled clinical Trials” showed that a low-carb diet decreased triglycerides levels in all populations. 

By lowering carbohydrates consumption, especially refined carbs and sugar, the keto diet is believed to reduce the level of triglycerides in the body. Hence, this would lower the risks of heart diseases.

- Reduce blood sugar levels: it is commonly known that high blood sugar levels and diabetes are both factors that can lead to heart diseases. 

Current researches suggest that increased blood sugar levels and insulin secretion are associated with high carbohydrates diet consumption. 

A study titled “The Effect of Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus” showed that a low carb diet can improve blood sugar levels more than a low-fat diet.

Studies have also shown that at least 50% of diabetic patients had to reduce or eliminate their diabetes medication after following the keto diet for 6 months.

Accordingly, by lowering carbohydrates consumption, the keto diet is believed to reduce blood sugar and insulin levels, and hence would lower the risks of heart diseases. Click to learn everything about keto diet for diabetes.

- Lower blood pressure: it is commonly known that hypertension is a risk factor leading to heart diseases. Current studies have shown that low carb diets, may be helpful in reducing high blood pressure levels. 

Accordingly, by lowering carbohydrates consumption, the keto diet is believed to reduce hypertension, hence lowering the risks of cardiovascular heart disease.

- Weight loss: being overweight is commonly known to be a risk factor leading to heart diseases. 

Current researches have shown that excessive consumption of carbohydrates and sugar leads to weight gain. Therefore, limiting these elements in the diet can help reducing weight. 

The keto diet is a very low carbs diet and is known to be very effective for weight loss. This happens mainly because in the absence of carbs, the body is forced to burn fat for energy, hence fat storage gets reduced in the body. click to learn everything about keto diet for weight loss.

Misconceptions about the Keto Diet for Heart Disease

There are two common misconceptions people always hear about the keto diet and heart disease: 1- Keto diet increases cholesterol; and 2- keto diet promotes heart disease.

While it is true that the keto diet increases cholesterol level, however it is important to note that the diet actually increases the HDL (good cholesterol) and lowers the LDL (bad cholesterol). So, on the contrary, this increase in cholesterol is actually good for heart health.

The second misconception suggests that the keto diet can cause heart diseases. This is also based on the previous false claim stating that keto diet increases cholesterol.

Furthermore, it has been long believed that cholesterol plays a major role in blocking the heart arteries and leading to a heart attack or a stroke. Currently, this claim is thought to be false and is being highly challenged.

Accordingly, current researches suggest that inflammation is the primary cause of atherosclerosis and increasing the risks of heart diseases, not high cholesterol as it was wrongly assumed.

Keto Diet for Heart Disease: Diet Guidelines

The ketogenic diet suggests consuming 70% to 80% of fat, 10% to 20% of protein and around 5% of carbohydrates only (less than 50 grams per day).

There are no specific guidelines about the duration of the diet. However, it is generally recommended to follow it for at least three months.

Currently, there’s not enough data related to the long-term effects of the keto diet. Accordingly, it is not agreed yet whether this diet can be adapted as a lifelong eating plan or it should be applied only for specific durations.

It is recommended also to consume enough proteins to preserve the tissues and muscles. However, it is important to maintain the protein amounts within moderate limits of 20%. Any excess of protein can be converted into glucose in the body. Hence, this would push the body out of ketosis.

What are macros

It is very common to encounter the word “macros” while reading about the ketogenic diet. This term is short for macronutrients that include carbohydrates, fat and protein. These three substances provide our body with energy (calories) when we eat. 

Accordingly, if you wish to follow a ketogenic diet and make sure to maintain the “state of ketosis”, it is imperative for you to understand what are these macronutrients, and what you should do to balance them properly. 

Below is a brief explanation about each macronutrient and its main functions:

Carbohydrates:

Carbohydrates are made up of sugar and starches, and they are the body’s first source of energy. However, it is possible to survive on minimal quantities since fat and protein become the sources of energy when carbohydrates are not available. 

It is important to count net carbs as the total carbohydrate intake. Net carbs or impact carbs are common terms used in the ketogenic diet. It is the amount of carbs directly absorbed by the body that will contribute to calories, while indigestible (unabsorbed) carbohydrates that we know as dietary fiber, are subtracted from this amount.  In other words, the amount of net carbs is the total amount of carbohydrates minus the dietary fiber.

1 g of carbohydrates = 4 calories

Protein: 

Proteins have many important functions in the body since they play different roles as antibodies, enzymes and hormones. They are needed for immunity, growth, tissue repair and to preserve lean body mass.

Amino acids are what makes proteins and they are known to be the building blocks of proteins. There are twenty amino acids, nine out of them are considered to be the essential ones. These are not produced by the body, instead they come from the food we eat.

Any deficiency in proteins intake may lead to several health conditions. That’s why the ketogenic diet requires to consume enough protein in order to preserve lean body mass. 

The general requirements are 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight to preserve muscle mass and 0.8-1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight in order to gain muscle mass. It is important to note 0.8 g/kg is the minimal requirement to maintain good health.

1g of protein = 4 calories

Fat:

Fats provide energy for the body and support cells growth. They help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, D, E, K) and nutrients. They also help protect the organs and keep the body warm.

Fats are made up of fatty acids and glycerol. There are two essential fatty acids called linoleic acid and linolenic acid (omega 3 and 6) that the body cannot produce. Accordingly, these should come from the food we eat. 

Consuming fats is also known to influence satiety as it gives a feeling of being full for longer.

1 g of fat = 9 calories

Keto Diet Macro Calculator:

1- Calculate your BMR ((Basal Metabolic Rate): The Mifflin equation

The number of calories required by the body per day is called the Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TEE). This is equal to the sum of the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), which is the number of calories the body needs to function at rest, plus the amount of physical activity achieved daily.

To maintain your current weight, you should fulfill your TEE needs. In order to lose weight, you should subtract calories from your calculated TEE. Make sure to always check with a health professional regarding the number of calories you can reduce from your diet.

The Mifflin equation is used to calculate the BMR. It works as such:

Women

BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) = (10 x weight in kg) + (6.25 x height in cm) – (5 x age in years) -161

Men

BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) = (10 x weight in kg) + (6.25 x height in cm) – (5 x age in years) +5

2- Calculate the TEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure):

To calculate the TEE, the activity level should multiply the BMR.

3-    Calculate your macros:

Once the TEE is determined, the macronutrients can be calculated accurately.

Example of macronutrients calculation: 

TEE = 1,600 for a woman.

Fat = 75 % = 1,200 cal = 133.3 g (each gram of fat is 9 calories)

Protein = 20% = 320 cal = 80 g (each gram of protein is 4 calories)

Carbohydrate = 5% = 80 cal = 20 g (each gram of carbohydrate is 4 calories)

This is a typical example of how many grams should be consumed daily depending on the TEE and percentage requirement of each macronutrient. The goal is to be able to choose foods properly that meet these needs.

Keto Diet for Heart Disease: Food List

The various food types incorporated in the keto diet are high in good fat and very low in carbohydrates. Maintaining the proper proportions is critical to maintain the state of ketosis.

Proportions should be done as per the macro calculation provided in the diet structure section. 

Below is a list of the various food types for Keto diet: 

- Healthy fats: incorporate healthy high fat foods daily such as some oils (coconut, olive), avocados, nuts (macadamia, walnuts, almonds, pecans), and seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, sesame, flax). 

- Meat: it is suggested to consume grass-fed beef instead of grain-fed, and free-range poultry because they contain higher amounts of omega-3. Pork, bacon and organ meats can be consumed in moderation.

However, it is important to avoid eating too much meat in order to maintain the protein restrictions. It is also important to note that processed meats like sausages and cold cuts contain added carbohydrates. You should avoid them. 

- Dairy: some dairy products are allowed such as butter, high fat cheese, and high fat yogurt, because of their low lactose content. Low fat dairy products should not be consumed as they tend to be higher in carbohydrates.

- Fish: it is suggested to consume fatty fish like salmon, wild-caught fish being the best option. Avoid breaded fish because it contains carbohydrates. 

- Non-starchy vegetables: non-starchy vegetables (low carb) include leafy greens (kale, Swiss chard, spinach, lettuce), cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, bell peppers, onions, garlic, mushrooms, cucumber and celery. Mostly, all vegetables that grow above the ground are lower in carbohydrates, and hence can be consumed.

- Fruits: fruits that are low in net carbs such as berries are allowed. 

- Nuts: nuts can be consumed in moderation as a snack. Avoid cashews and peanuts since they are high in carbohydrates.

- Dark chocolate: 90% dark chocolate and cocoa powder are allowed. Only higher than 70% dark chocolate can be consumed. For example, one ounce (28 grams) of unsweetened chocolate (100% cocoa) has 3 grams of net carbs.

- Drinks: water is the best choice in order to stay hydrated since it has no carbohydrates. Unsweetened coffee and tea can also be consumed. It is critical not to add any sugar. For example, 1 teaspoon of sugar is equivalent to 4 grams of carbohydrates. Hence, this will make it so difficult to remain within the recommended carbohydrates amount if you add any sugar.

Keto Diet for Heart Disease: recommendations

- Always check food labels: some hidden carbs may be present in spices, vegetables, and drinks. Always read food labels carefully before you buy any product.

- Always stay hydrated: make sure you always drink enough water to stay hydrated. Carbohydrates retain water in the body, so a low-carb diet can lead to dehydration and constipation.

- Consume enough salt, electrolytes, and magnesium: minerals can be lost along with water while following a keto diet. It is important to consume enough salt and take electrolytes or magnesium if necessary.

- Restrict your calories consumption: always restrict your diet within the allowed daily calories requirements. Do not exceed the recommended calories, otherwise this will result in weight gain.

Keto Diet for Heart Disease: What you should Avoid

- Limit grains and starches: avoid wheat-based products like rice, pasta and cereals since they are high carbohydrate sources.

- Limit sugary foods: avoid soda, beverages and juices with added sugars, smoothies, cake, and candies.

- Limit fruits: avoid fruits that are not considered low net carbs and all fruit juices because they are high carbohydrate sources.

- Limit beans and legumes: avoid eating beans, lentils and peanuts because they have high carbohydrate content.

- Limit root vegetables: avoid potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots and parsnips because they are high in carbohydrates.

- Limit high lactose dairy: while dairy can be high in fat, most are also high in lactose sugar. Be aware of the amounts of carbohydrates present in the dairy products consumed.

Avoid highly processed dairy such as ice cream because they are higher in sugar content. 

- Avoid low fat or diet products: pay attention to low fat products because they are usually high in carbohydrates.

- Limit unhealthy fats: while a high fat diet is recommended, avoid consuming too much bad fat found in processed vegetable oils and mayonnaise.

- Limit alcohol: avoid full carbohydrates wine, beers, and cocktails with added sugars.

- Avoid processed food: processed foods should be avoided even if they are low in carbohydrates. They are composed of bad fats and increase the risk of several diseases.

- Be aware of sweeteners and sugar: sugar is naturally present in fruits and dairy, and hence these should be consumed in limited amounts. Watch out for sweeteners as well, and go instead for keto-friendly sweeteners or Stevia.  

- Avoid eating farmed fish: While eating fish is great for keto but you should avoid eating farmed fish because of the fewer benefits they might have and the chemical additives they might contain. Check out this video about farmed fish.

Additional Keto Diet benefits

The ketogenic diet includes many benefits besides its suggested potential to treat and prevent heart diseases. For instance, the diet is known for its ability to control blood sugar, increase mental performance, increase energy, reduce blood pressure, reduce weight, and reduce cholesterol. The diet can also help in epilepsy treatment, Alzheimer, type 2 diabetes, and solving acne problems.

Below is a list of the keto diet various benefits:

- Weight loss: the diet is quite effective for reducing weight as it increases the amount of fat burned in the body which contributes to weight loss. Plus, the diet triggers satiety much quicker. Hence, fewer calories are consumed, resulting in additional weight loss.

- Improve physical performance: the body has large amounts of fat stores that are not used effectively. However, when the body starts burning fat efficiently for energy instead of carbs, it can benefit from large fat fuel reserves available. Hence, a long-lasting energy burning process. Accordingly, this diet can sustain improved energy and physical performance. 

- Triglycerides: the diet reduces drastically the triglyceride levels found in the blood. High levels of triglycerides are associated with heart disease.

- Cholesterol: the diet increases the level of good cholesterol called HDL and reduces bad cholesterol. High levels of HDL cholesterol lower the risk of heart diseases, because it helps in balancing the cholesterol ratio. 

- Blood pressure: the diet may also decrease blood pressure levels. Hypertension is associated with many diseases such as heart disease and kidney failure. 

- Diabetes: the diet is beneficial for diabetes because it reduces carbohydrate intake and control levels of glucose in the blood.

- Alzheimer’s disease: the diet can reduce symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. This is mainly due to the ketones that can be used as an alternative source of energy and nutrition for the brain.

- Epilepsy: the diet reduces significantly seizures in epileptic patients, especially children. Studies have shown that a keto diet can reduce epilepsy, 50% among adults, and 90% among children.

Other conditions: following a keto diet has also shown to have beneficial effects for other conditions such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, acne, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, more research and findings are needed in order to support these statements further.

Keto Diet for Heart Disease: precautions

Before you start your keto diet, it is important to take some precautions in case you are taking some medication or if you have any medical condition. Always consult with a health expert especially if you have any of the following conditions or you are taking any medication.

- Blood-pressure: a combination of blood pressure medication and a low carb diet is risky because there’s a possibility of decreased blood pressure from the diet. Low blood pressure may occur within the first days and sometimes might take months to happen. If low blow pressure occurs, it is important to contact a doctor.

- Diabetes: the keto diet will reduce blood sugar levels due to the reduced carbohydrate intake. If you are taking any diabetes medication such as insulin to reduce blood sugar levels as well, it is important to discuss this with your doctor before starting the diet to avoid any possible complications. 

- Pregnancy / breast feeding: it is not advised to restrict any food groups if you are pregnant or breast feeding. A balanced diet is highly required for developing babies. Since the keto diet eliminates completely some food groups, this can be risky for them. Always make sure to discuss this with a specialized nutritionist before starting any diet to make sure you avoid any sort of nutrient deficiencies. 

- Nutritional deficiencies: it is important to watch out for any possible nutritional deficiencies since the keto diet does not include all food groups. Other reasons that may lead to deficiencies are fewer calories that are consumed because they are subtracted from the TEE in order to promote weight loss or because less food is consumed due to increased satiety. Always make sure to follow up with a nutrition expert before starting this diet.

Keto Diet for Heart Disease: side effects

The ketogenic diet is mainly safe, however there are some side effects that need to be taken into consideration:

- Keto flu: the keto flu is a series of symptoms such as fatigue, headache, nausea and cramps that are experienced by some people following the keto diet. These symptoms are quite common especially at the beginning of the diet. However, this problem will be resolved in few days by the time the body starts adapting to lower carbohydrate intake and starts burning fat properly. To avoid these symptoms, it is recommended to reduce carbohydrates gradually out of the diet so that the body gets used to this gradually.

- Cramps:  leg cramps are common with the keto diet. It’s an indication of mineral deficiency, mainly magnesium. This is because carbohydrates retain water in the body. Hence, less carbs mean less water retention, resulting in fewer electrolytes as well. It is important to stay hydrated and consume enough salt as this helps retain magnesium in the body. 

- Constipation:  the main cause behind constipation is dehydration, due to less water retention from the reduced carbohydrates intake. It is important to drink enough water while making sure the vegetables consumed contain some fiber.

- Heart palpitations:  during the transition period, the heart may beat faster and harder. This is quite common especially because of dehydration and lack of salt. Accordingly, you should always make sure to have enough water and salt. This should usually solve this problem. However, if this situation continues, you should immediately seek medical assistance.

- Fatigue: at the initial stages of ketosis while the body is shifting to using fat for energy instead of carbohydrates, people would feel tired. Their physical performance might be affected as well. However, this should be resolved once the body adapts to the new process and starts burning fat properly to produce the required energy. 

- Ketoacidosis: this happens when the buildup of ketones results in higher levels of acids in the blood (byproduct of burning ketones). Ketoacidosis can affect the livers, kidneys, and the brain.

Ketoacidosis can occur for people following a low carbohydrates diet, though it is very rare. However, this can be a more common problem for people that suffer from diabetes. Accordingly, if you have diabetes, it is important to contact your doctor before starting the keto diet. 

- Hypoglycemia: this is when glucose levels become very low in the blood. Accordingly, people might experience blurred vision, headaches, and confusion. This might become dangerous if left untreated as it can cause seizures. In some cases, it can even be fatal. Hypoglycemia happens mainly because our bodies are not used to run on ketones from fat instead of glucose from carbohydrates, this might lead in some cases to hypoglycemia.