The Keto Diet and Immunity: What You Need to Know
When it comes to boosting immunity, there are a lot of fads and diets out there promising to do just that. One of the more popular ones is the Keto diet, a low-carb, high-fat diet that has been gaining popularity in recent years. But can the Keto diet really help boost your immunity? This article examines the relationship between the Keto diet and immunity and what you need to know.
What is the Keto diet?
The Keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that is designed to put your body into a state of ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic state in which your body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. By drastically reducing your carbohydrate intake, your body is forced to rely on fat for energy, which can lead to weight loss and other health benefits.
How does the Keto diet affect your immune system?
There is some evidence to suggest that the Keto diet may have a positive effect on your immune system. One study found that the Keto diet could help to reduce inflammation, which is a key driver of many chronic diseases, including autoimmune disorders. Another study found that the Keto diet could help improve immune cells function called T cells, which play a critical role in fighting off infections.
However, it’s important to note that more research is needed in this area. While the early evidence is promising, we don’t yet fully understand how the Keto diet affects the immune system, and more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Tips for following the Keto diet to support your immune system
If you’re interested in trying the Keto diet to help support your immune system, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Focus on nutrient-dense, whole foods: While it can be tempting to load up on bacon and butter when following the Keto diet, it’s important to focus on nutrient-dense, whole foods. This means eating plenty of vegetables, healthy fats like avocado and olive oil, and high-quality protein sources like grass-fed beef and wild-caught fish.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is important for overall health, but it’s especially important when following the Keto diet. Because the diet is so low in carbohydrates, your body may excrete more water than usual, which can lead to dehydration if you’re not careful.
Work with a healthcare provider: Before starting any new diet, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe for you. This is especially true if you have any underlying health conditions or take medication that could be affected by the diet.
While some evidence suggests that the Keto diet may positively affect the immune system, more research is needed to confirm these findings. If you’re interested in trying the Keto diet to support your immune system, focus on nutrient-dense, whole foods, stay hydrated, and work with a healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe for you.