IS KETO SAFE? (IF SO, FOR HOW LONG?)
/Weight Loss Fluctuations (7.28.2025 to 8.3.2025)
We live in an interesting time for many reasons. We live in weird times. For many reasons. But most times throughout human history have been interesting, weird, trying, dangerous, wondrous, scary, inspiring, and depressing. We humans make it that way. One of the most pressing "interesting and weird" things at the moment is our approach to food. In much of the world, we have an embarrassment of riches regarding food accessibility. And it has made many of us sick.
That's the weird part: food is supposed to fuel and nourish us and is integral to our survival. Yet we've managed to contort what should be nutrition into delayed reaction bombs. We wreck our health via our food choices. Let's not pretend we don't know this to be true. Does any grown person believe that eating a deep-dish, stuffed-crust pizza followed by a pizza-sized brownie dessert is a wise dining decision? Delish? Yes. Given tacit approval by lots of other people? Yup. Food that will enhance our health? Don't make me say it.
So, there are those foods that we know aren't good for us. And some foods are promoted as nutritious and that we should eat as often as possible and in unlimited amounts. Salad, anyone? But what about comestibles that, although consumed by our ancestors going back millennia, have been labeled as risky for us?
'Red meat consumption should be avoided lest it make your heart explode."
"Eggs? Are you crazy? They might as well be made of strychnine considering the cholesterol in them!"
We're advised to eat plenty of fruit and nuts, edamame and honey. We're admonished if we admit that those foods aren't our thing.
Clearly, opinions and recommendations are variable depending on whose opinion and recommendations are offered and who the recipient of said suggestions might be. What works for me may not be helpful to you, and vice versa.
It can, and often does, lead to confusion, even anxiety about whether this food or that is beneficial or riskier than calling your current spouse by your former spouse's name. The ketogenic protocol, in particular, is singled out as being close to a hazmat diet. If you've embarked on laying off the carbs and opting for fatty sources of meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs, you may have been asked about—or warned about—the safety of doing so. I know I have been.
Is keto safe? If my eleven-plus years of following the diet are sufficient testament that eating lovely cuts of steak, cheese omelettes, charcuterie, and all manner of goodness is not only not perilous but, on the contrary, it has been propitious. I started eating this way because of my health. I had given up on losing weight, but didn't want to spend whatever remaining time on earth with chronic ailments. I was on the verge of being diagnosed with nasty conditions like Type 2 Diabetes and high blood pressure. Constant joint pain and acid reflux were already part of my days, not to mention poor sleep and an even poorer mood. Things have changed, and all those dastardly circumstances are far in the past. Well, about eleven and a half years in the past, to be precise. My blood sugar averages 72; I take no medications, and a daily teaspoon of cod liver oil is my only supplement—same thing for My Lovely Mate. And we're old(ish)!
Yes, keto is safe ... for me. We all must find that which works, stick with it, tweak when necessary, and don't worry what others proclaim as fact. There are facts (water boils at 212ºF at sea level) and then there are so-called "facts"(there's one best nutrition protocol for everyone).
I'll continue as I have been and have no concerns. Not about my food choices, anyway. There are plenty of other interesting, weird, trying, dangerous, wondrous, scary, inspiring, and depressing things going on.
And 'twas ever thus.
Disclaimer: I’m not a medical doctor, researcher, or Ph.D., but instead, I’ve been fortunate to have had the time and resources to research the ketogenic diet, also known as LCHF (low carb/high fat). The information I share is based solely on my understanding of that research. We are all responsible for our own choices, including what we put in our mouths, and there’s no substitute for each of us checking things out ourselves. And I’m not a medical professional in any way. Go Keto With Casey is not a medical site. “Duh,” you might say. But best to make it clear to all. I welcome questions, comments, and even civil criticism. I’m still learning. So, if you have something to add, go for it. Links in this post and all others may direct you to affiliate links, where I will receive a small amount of the purchase price of any items you buy through those links. Thanks!
