The Ketovore Diet: Pros and Cons

Have you heard of the Ketovore Diet? It's a unique twist on the popular Ketogenic diet that's been making waves in the health and fitness world for quite some time. The Ketovore Diet is essentially a combination of the Keto diet + Carnivore diet, hence the name “Ketovore.”

The idea behind this hybrid diet is to consume high amounts of fat and protein while limiting carbohydrate intake, just like the Keto diet. However, instead of incorporating plant-based foods like leafy greens and low-carb vegetables, the Ketovore Diet consists mostly of animal products like meat, fish, and dairy.

Ketovore Diet has been praised for its potential to aid in weight loss and improve overall health markers like blood sugar levels and cholesterol. At the same time, there have been concerns about this diet's long-term sustainability and potential negative health effects since it's heavily focused on animal products.

Now, you might be wondering if the Ketovore Diet is a good fit for you. Let's help you. We'll explore the pros and cons of the Ketovore Diet. So, whether you're curious about the Ketovore Diet or just looking to learn more about the latest trends in the nutrition world, keep reading to learn about the controversial Ketovore diet.

Pros Of The Ketovore Diet

The Ketovore diet is certainly unconventional, but it has gained popularity among keto enthusiasts due to its potential benefits. Let's explore some potential benefits of the Ketovore Diet and how it may improve your health and well-being.

A. Potential For Weight Loss

The Ketovore diet promotes weight loss by forcing the body to burn stored fat for energy instead of glucose from carbohydrates.

By consuming high amounts of fat and protein and limiting carbohydrates, the body enters a state of ketosis, where it starts using ketones as its primary source of fuel. This process can lead to reduced appetite, as ketones are known to have an appetite-suppressant effect.

Additionally, the high protein content of the Ketovore diet can help preserve muscle mass, which is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism and burning calories.

Several studies have demonstrated the potential weight loss benefits of the ketogenic diet, a key component of the Ketovore diet.

For example, a 2013 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that obese individuals who followed a ketogenic diet for 24 weeks lost an average of 14.4 kg (31.7 pounds) of body weight.

Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that obese individuals who followed a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (similar to the Ketovore diet) for six months lost an average of 14.5 kg (32 pounds) of body weight.

B. Improved Energy Levels

The Ketovore diet can increase energy levels by stabilizing blood sugar levels and reducing the body's reliance on glucose for energy.

When the body uses ketones as its primary fuel source, you get steady and sustained energy, unlike glucose, which can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes.

Additionally, since the Ketovore diet eliminates processed foods and sugar, you don't experience energy crashes and fatigue caused by such foods.

While there is limited scientific research on the energy benefits of the Ketovore diet specifically, many individuals who follow this diet report increased energy levels and improved mental clarity.

Some proponents of the Ketovore diet, such as (Vanessa Spina of the Optimal Protein Podcast) claim that the high protein content of the diet provides a stable and sustained energy source throughout the day.

C. Reduced Inflammation

The Ketovore diet can help reduce inflammation by eliminating foods that trigger inflammation in the gut and throughout the body. This includes processed foods, sugar, and grains.

Additionally, the high-fat content of the Ketovore diet can provide anti-inflammatory benefits, as certain types of fat (such as omega-3 fatty acids) have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. [Source: Frontiers]

While there is limited scientific research on the inflammation-reducing benefits of the Ketovore diet specifically, many of the foods that are eliminated on this diet (such as processed foods and sugar) have been shown to cause inflammation in the body. [Source: Live Ancestral]

D. Improved Insulin Sensitivity

When insulin sensitivity is impaired, the body requires higher insulin levels to regulate blood sugar levels. This can lead to insulin resistance, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and other chronic diseases.

Research has shown that the Ketovore diet can improve insulin sensitivity by reducing carbohydrate intake and promoting the production of ketones. This can help individuals with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes to better manage their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet increased insulin sensitivity in overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes. The study participants consumed a diet that consisted of 70% fat, 10% carbohydrate, and 20% protein for 14 days. The results showed that insulin sensitivity improved by 75% in the participants, and their blood sugar levels decreased.

Another study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine compared the effects of a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet to a low-glycemic index diet in overweight individuals. The study found that the ketogenic diet significantly improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control compared to the low-glycemic index diet.

Furthermore, a review of studies shows the connection between a carnivore diet and insulin sensitivity.

E. Increased Mental Clarity

Supporters of the Ketovore diet claim that it can increase mental clarity and focus. While some anecdotal evidence supports this claim, scientific research is still limited.

One theory is that the Ketovore diet can increase mental clarity by promoting the production of ketones, which are byproducts of fat metabolism that the brain can use for energy.

A study published by Neurobiology of Aging found that a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet increased ketone production and improved cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Another study published in the journal Brain Research found that a ketogenic diet improved cognitive function and reduced anxiety in rats. While animal studies can't be extrapolated to humans, this study suggests that a ketogenic diet may have neuroprotective effects. Despite these findings, there is still limited research on the Ketovore diet specifically and its effects on mental clarity.

Cons of the Ketovore Diet

As you know, there are potential health benefits of the Ketovore diet, including weight loss, improved blood sugar levels, and reduced inflammation. However, like any diet, it also has its drawbacks. In this section, let's discuss the cons of the Ketovore diet.

A. Difficulty Adhering To The Diet

One of the biggest challenges of the Ketovore diet is sticking to it. The diet requires a significant reduction in carbohydrates and an increase in fat and protein intake. For many people, this goes against their usual eating habits and can be difficult to maintain in the long term.

Moreover, the Ketovore diet is highly restrictive. It eliminates entire food groups (like fruits, vegetables, and grains), limiting the range of foods that can be eaten. This can make it challenging to meet nutritional requirements and find satisfying and enjoyable foods.

Some people may also experience social isolation when following the Ketovore diet. Eating out or attending social events can become challenging, as many foods on offer are not compatible with the diet. This can lead to feelings of frustration and social exclusion.

Scientific studies have also found that adherence to the ketogenic diet, which shares many similarities with the Ketovore diet, can be difficult for some people. A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that the main reason for non-adherence to the ketogenic diet is difficulty in sticking to the diet, the lack of flexibility, and the need for planning and preparation of meals.

B. Potential Nutrient Deficiencies

The Ketovore diet may also result in nutrient deficiencies. This is because the diet limits the consumption of many nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are important sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Furthermore, the high intake of animal products in the Ketovore diet can lead to excess of certain nutrients, such as protein and saturated fat, while lacking in others, such as vitamin C and potassium.

A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that athletes following a ketogenic diet, which is similar to the Ketovore diet, had lower levels of several important vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D.

Similarly, overconsumption of protein in the Ketovore diet can result in increased uric acid levels, which can put you at risk of developing kidney stones. [Source: Harvard Health]

C. Risk Of Increased Cholesterol Levels

Another potential downside of the Ketovore diet is the risk of increased cholesterol levels. The diet is high in animal products, which are a major source of dietary cholesterol. When consumed in excess, dietary cholesterol can increase blood cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease.

A review published in the Journal of Lipid Research found that the ketogenic diet can increase some people's LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. However, the review also noted that the effects of the diet on cholesterol levels could vary depending on individual factors such as age, sex, and baseline cholesterol levels. [Source: NCBI]

D. Other Side Effects

The Ketovore diet can cause many side effects due to the production of ketones. Here are some negative side effects associated with high ketone levels:

1. Ketoacidosis: If ketone levels become too high, it can lead to a condition known as ketoacidosis, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. Ketoacidosis occurs when blood pH levels become too low due to the accumulation of ketones.
2. Dehydration: High ketone levels can cause dehydration, as the body eliminates excess ketones through urination. This can lead to dry mouth, thirst, and decreased urine output.
3. Electrolyte imbalances: Ketosis can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the body, including sodium, potassium, and magnesium. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, and irregular heartbeat.
4. Bad breath: High ketone levels can cause a fruity or acetone-like odor on the breath, which is often described as “keto breath.”
5. Digestive issues: Some people may experience digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, or abdominal pain when they first start a ketogenic diet or enter ketosis.

Increased cholesterol levels: In some people, a high-fat ketogenic diet can increase cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease over time.Please note that not everyone will experience these negative side effects of high ketone levels, and some of these side effects can be mitigated with proper hydration and electrolyte balance.

Conclusion

As the popularity of the ketogenic diet has grown, so has the interest in its variation, known as the “Ketovore” diet. This diet combines the principles of the ketogenic diet with the carnivore diet, emphasizing the consumption of animal products and limiting carbohydrates to near zero.

While there are some potential benefits to this approach, there are also some potential drawbacks that should be considered.

Overall, the Ketovore diet can be an effective way to lose weight and improve overall health, but it may not be appropriate for everyone, especially those with a history of heart disease.

Additionally, the diet can be challenging to follow long-term due to the limited food choices and potential side effects. If you're considering following the Ketovore diet, talk to your healthcare provider first. They can help determine if the diet is appropriate for your needs and guide you on what foods you must eat to meet your daily nutritional requirements.

If you'd like to learn more about the ketovore diet, please click on the link below:

Ketovore Diet: Beginner's Guide