The ketogenic diet is not a new weight loss plan, but in recent years, it has gained a great deal of popularity. Many people are attracted to this diet because it can offer benefits and it's less restrictive in terms of the amount of food you can eat throughout the day compared to other plans. However, the ketogenic diet is not for everyone. Before beginning this weight loss plan, it's important to speak with your primary care physician.

Intense Physical Activity

If you work in a role that requires intense physical activity throughout the day, the ketogenic diet might not be safe for you. The body requires a great deal of fuel to perform at higher activity levels, and the source of this energy is carbohydrates. If you follow a low carb plan and still engage in this physical activity, you will likely feel very fatigued and you might be unable to perform at the same level.

Hypoglycemia

If you have been diagnosed with hypoglycemia, it's important to speak with a physician before you begin any low carb diet. Hypoglycemia is a condition that causes an individual's blood sugar levels to drop very low. When you follow the ketogenic diet, a similar effect occurs in the body. As a result, a person's blood sugar levels might drop dangerously low. A diagnosis of this condition does not necessarily mean that you cannot try the ketogenic diet, but it does mean that you have to track your blood sugar levels very closely.

Liver Conditions

With a ketogenic diet, you typically reduce the number of carbohydrates that you intake, while simultaneously increasing the amount of fat that you eat. When you eat high amounts of fat, the body must metabolize the fat. For people with liver conditions, metabolizing even low levels of fat can be an issue, so a significant increase in the fat you consume can make your liver condition even worse. Your doctor will likely need to help you tailor a plan based on your condition.

Gallbladder Disease

Individuals with gallbladder disease should also be cautious about jumping into a ketogenic diet plan. Again, this low carb diet comes along with high fat intake. The gallbladder plays a critical role in the fat digestion process, and if you don't have a gallbladder or have gallbladder disease, it will be hard for your body to properly digest this additional fat. Close monitoring by a medical professional is essential in this instance.

Before beginning any weight loss plan, it's important to get clearance from your primary doctor. Make an appointment with your physician to discuss your weight loss plans.

For more information, contact a clinic like Premiere Medical Center Med Partners.