The ketogenic diet centers on the idea of ketosis. Ketosis is a bodily state that naturally occurs when the body is low in food. In these situations, the body produces ketones, which are substances that help break down fats in the liver. In other words, the body is using fat stores for energy. In a normal metabolic state, the primary source of energy is glucose. Glucose is produced when you eat foods that are high in carbohydrates. This is why you often hear of carbs being the bodys most immediate energy source. But, when the body is lacking in glucose from carbohydrates or sugar, it then turns to fat as energy. Ketosis typically occurs when the body is lacking food and calories. But, a ketogenic diet in no way severely limits food intake. Rather, it mimics this effect in order to put the body into a state of ketosis by strictly limiting the number of carbs consumed, and, thus, the amount of glucose available. This means the body will burn fat for energy, which is why the diet is popular among people trying to lose weight or increase their muscle mass.​

The ketogenic diet centers on the idea of ketosis. Ketosis is a bodily state that naturally occurs when the body is low in food. In these situations, the body produces ketones, which are substances that help break down fats in the liver. In other words, the body is using fat stores for energy. In a normal metabolic state, the primary source of energy is glucose. Glucose is produced when you eat foods that are high in carbohydrates. This is why you often hear of carbs being the bodys most immediate energy source. But, when the body is lacking in glucose from carbohydrates or sugar, it then turns to fat as energy. Ketosis typically occurs when the body is lacking food and calories. But, a ketogenic diet in no way severely limits food intake. Rather, it mimics this effect in order to put the body into a state of ketosis by strictly limiting the number of carbs consumed, and, thus, the amount of glucose available. This means the body will burn fat for energy, which is why the diet is popular among people trying to lose weight or increase their muscle mass.​

As previously mentioned, the fat-burning power of a ketogenic diet attracts many people who are trying to lose weight. Oftentimes these are people who have tried other strategies to no avail, who are interested in the unique approach of the keto diet and its emphasis on fats and whole foods. By nature, getting your body into a state of ketosis will help you lose weight as your body burns fat for energy. This is also useful for people who are not trying to lose weight, but increase their bodys muscle mass, as a decrease in body fat will help them become more lean and emphasize their muscles. In addition to that fat burning power of ketones, a ketogenic diet helps dieters in other ways. A high fat diet increases feelings of satiety, and fat is a stable energy source. A high fat, low carbohydrate, low sugar diet like the keto diet reduces blood sugar spikes and keeps energy stable throughout the day. This means you are less likely to crave snacks that could throw your diet off course. Beyond promoting weight loss, the ketogenic diet has an array of more benefits. One of them is increased mental focus many people feel while following a ketogenic diet. It is known that fatty acids are essential for brain health, so this high-fat diet is full of brain boosting power.​

No. Ketosis is beneficial for your body. It’s a normal metabolic process that your body undergoes when your glucose levels decrease. The goal of ketosis is to produce an alternative fuel source called ketones.

The keto flu is a collection of symptoms that people experience when they transition into ketosis. Such symptoms include low energy levels, brain fog, dizziness, irritability, headache, vomiting, sugar cravings, muscle cramps, and diarrhea/constipation.
Keto flu happens as a result of the body’s reaction to the reduction of carbohydrates. Eventually, the body gets used to burning fat for fuel and keto flu symptoms will pass.