By now the most concerning thing in everyone’s life is a Covid-19 and immunity against it. The current situation shows that those with weak immunity have a higher risk of getting infected. Amid the search for the cure and following SOPs, many immunity-boosting myths against corona have come forward. As we all know crisis gives rise to rumors and nowadays some of the rumors claim that certain diets could protect you from ongoing viral infection by strengthening your immune system like Ketogenic Diet (keto diet).
A recent study has shown that this low carb and high-fat diet could decrease the symptoms of Influenza by boosting immunity. Therefore, theoretically, it should work for coronavirus too.
But how authentic are these claims? Is keto diet even giving you enough nutrition to be the savior of your immune system?
Is Keto Diet an immunity booster?
It would be far-fetched to say that ketogenic diet will prevent or cure the viral infection in the human body. Right now there is no cure, but some people on keto diet claim that this diet might possibly increase immunity. One of the claims says that keto controls diabetes and since diabetics (like other people with pre-existing medical issues) are more vulnerable to become severely ill by Covid-19 infection, controlling the blood sugar might boost immunity.
Another study was conducted at the University of Yale on mice. According to that, the mice on the keto diet developed immunity against the influenza virus by increasing mucus production in the lungs.
But even after all these studies; one thing remains the same that all of these are just claims without any solid evidence. What worked on a small population of mice could not form a solid foundation for what will work on humans.
So, starting this diet with the intention of getting rid of the virus might not be a good idea and those who are doing ketogenic diet should keep in mind not to suggest this as a cure to their circle. What worked for you might be fatal to someone else.
It is generally advised to always ask for your doctor’s opinion before jumping on a vigorous diet especially if you have any medical issues.
But not everyone is doing it for immunity…
Clearly, not everyone is looking to boost immunity during lockdown by this diet. The pandemic has not only left finances, job opportunities, and summer plans in ramshackle, it has also deeply affected the lifestyle.
The sedentary lifestyle has become a major concern for weight watchers and gym-goers. Sitting, eating, sleeping, and repeating the cycle would only contribute to weight gain and health problems. So many people want to start keto during lockdown to overcome their weight issues and stay in shape.
Keto diet might be fast in making you skinny but studies show that there is only a difference of a pound or two as compared to other diets. The only difference is that keto is quick as compared to other balanced that require consistency and regular exercise.
The other diets might be slow but remember you didn’t put all this weight on your body in a week.
Nutrition and Keto diet:
There are few types of keto diet. They all have same basic formula.
Fat > Protein > Carbs
The standard keto diet says that you should take 70 % fats, 25 % proteins, and 5 % carbs. Hence, replacing fats with carbohydrates as an energy source by activating ketone bodies.
But cutting off carbohydrates means that you have to drop the sweet richness of your favorite fruits, most of the vegetables and dairy products. Of course, there are few exceptions for the mentioned food groups but would they be enough to give you proper nutrition?
Cutting off these food groups means that you are excluding a significant amount of minerals and vitamins from your body.
Minerals and vitamins helps in repairing body cells, blood formation, maintaining healthy bones and a strong immune system.
But there are also keto supplements…
Of course, one can argue that these minor nutrients could be replaced by supplements but even that is debatable.FDA says that certain conditions could make supplements harmful.
- Taking them with other medicines.
- Combining these supplements
- Replacing them with prescribed medicines
- Overdosing on supplements.
Therefore, people who are on medications for cardiovascular disease or cholesterol could put themselves at risk by starting this diet.
Possible risks:
As this is a fad diet, it is safe to assume that it would not work for everyone. Just because it worked for your friend doesn’t mean it would work for you. All the human bodies function differently based on their diet, genetics, and medical record. It is just like exchanging medicine for the same ailment that your doctor prescribed to you, might be effective for some but harmful for others.
- The starting phase of ketogenic diet results in a condition known as keto-fever could compromise the immune system by weakening it. The symptoms include dizziness, nausea, keto rash, headache, constipation, hair loss, etc.
- There are anecdote claims saying that this diet might lower your cholesterol levels but for that to happen you have to intake high-fat food first and there is no 100 % guarantee that it will work. Instead of lowering cholesterol, this diet method might backfire and cause more complications than benefits.
- People who are too old with medical issues should completely avoid this diet as they are the high risk group for Covid19. If you are diabetic and the claim that keto could control sugar tempt you then you should remember that other diets can do this too. A balanced will keep the chronic disease away from you.
So, if you are thinking about starting keto then you might reconsider since now might not be a good time to start this fad diet. Staying active at home and eating healthy might be a safer bet these days.
Conclusion:
- The main thing to remember is that keto is not the cure/prevention for coronavirus so experimenting on yourself without any consultation could be harmful not only for you but others around you.
- Skipping nutritious foods that play a role in immunity might not be a very wise choice during this pandemic.
- Instead of keto, a balanced diet with indoor exercise can help you lose weight and improve immunity.
- If you still want to do this diet then asking a professional for guidance is a good idea.
