Keto vs Ayurveda: Which Diet Is Better?- Part 1

With the buzz around celebrity diets going around these days in the media, we are sure that you must have heard of the Ketogenic (keto) diet. But, did you know about the Ayurvedic diet? And how does it hold up against the uber popular Keto diet?
Let's explore this angle in this article today.
What Is A Keto Diet?
The Ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that aims to eliminate glucose as the primary source of energy by drastically reducing carbohydrate intake. This kicks in the natural mechanism of ketosis in your liver that burns the stored fats in your body for fuelling your daily energy needs [1] .
While in principle this is a great way to lose weight fast, the diet, unfortunately, has many side effects.
According to Ayurvedic expert at Lever ayush Dr. Mahesh, the Ayurvedic Diet should consist of all the six tastes; one should plan the meals according to the seasons and as per the environment. The diet should also be based on the individual's body constitution, condition and need.
Dr. Mahesh opines, "Weight is a necessity to every individual to the extent that it is very much acceptable to his mind. Food is a source of nutrition for the body and at the same time it is also a very good source of medicine at the time of need. Health can be well maintained only when the food we consume not only provides nutrition but also takes care of the body as medicament."
So Is Keto Bad For Health?
Your body goes into a natural state of ketosis when you fast. But the keto diet artificially induces this by cutting out most carbs from your meals. And since carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients vital for your body, this drastic cut-down leads to a wide range of side effects, like these:
  • Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
  • Low blood sugar
  • Frequent headaches and dizziness
  • Diarrhoea initially and then constipation
  • Feeling fatigued
  • Frequent urination
  • Low blood pressure
  • Weird, nail-polish-like smell in breath (acetone breath)
  • Muscle cramps and tremors[2].
So is there a better alternative for people who want to lose weight? An alternative that will not make them yo-yo back and regain weight? Something more holistic with lasting results?
There is. It's called the Ayurvedic diet.
Picture Courtesy: BeautyGlimpse.com
New Vs. Old: Losing Weight The Right Way
When it comes to losing weight, most of us are too impatient to take the sturdy and well-paved path to it. Instead, we choose the flashy fad diet that promises us the Moon but leaves us depressed when the results vanish after a few months.
So if you truly want to lose weight the right way, your best bet lies in changing your habits and lifestyle gradually by drawing wisdom from tried-and-tested principles, like those from the annals of Ayurveda.
Check out our next article in the series to find out how Ayurveda can be used for weight loss!
*Dr. Mahesh is the Professor and HOD of the Department of Dravyaguna, Jeevan Jyothi Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital, Aligarh