Keto Diet has been an effective way of weight loss for years. However as per a new study by the University of Toronto, Canada, published in Nature Microbiology, “Low-carb diets, including the Keto Diet, may be linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer that affects the colon and rectum.” The researchers used mice in their study and kept them on low carbs, normal and westernized diets and different strains of bacteria. They checked whether these diets affect several bacteria and how they may contribute to the development of colorectal cancer.
The result revealed that a specific strain of E. coli, when blended with a diet low in carbohydrates and soluble fibre, promotes the growth of polyps in the colon, a potential precursor to cancer. To provide a better understanding of the connection between the Keto Diet and colorectal cancer, researchers introduced bacteria that were earlier associated with the disease like Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides Fragilis, Helicobacter Hepaticus And Escherichia Coli Into Mice.
The mic then ate either a low-carbohydrate diet deficient in soluble fibre, a high-fat and high-sugar diet or a standard diet to measure the dietary impact on cancer risk. According to senior author, Alberto Marin, a professor of immunology at U, “Colorectal cancer can be caused due to varied factors including the gut microbiome, diet, environment and genetics.”
While this is not the first time low-carb diets have been stated as harmful to health.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is one of the most often diagnosed in the US. It occurs in the colon and rectum and one out of 2 men and one out of 26 women are affected. In recent years, colorectal cancer cases have seen an increment in different age groups. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Colorectal cancer holds a 5-year survival rate of 64.4%.”
While there is no way to ensure that one can prevent colorectal cancer, some effective ways to lower their risk include eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, limiting processed foods and red meat, ceasing smoking and limiting alcohol intake.
The Impact of Low-carb Diet: Major Health Issues
- Stress in Kidneys: Keto diets include high-fat animal foods like meat, eggs and cheese as they do not contain carbs. If you keep on eating a lot of such food, you may have a higher risk of kidney stones. As per the studies, the keto diet reduces the citrate, released in the urine.
- Digestive issues and Changes in gut bacteria: Since the keto diet restricts carbs, it can be tough to meet the daily fibre requirements. Some of the richest sources of fibre including high-carb fruits, whale grains, and starchy vegetables are eliminated from the diet since they have too many carbs. It leads to digestive discomfort and constipation.
- Harm Bones: Several studies in animals state that the keto diet harms bone strength due to the reduction in bone minerals that may occur as the body adapts to ketosis.
- Chronic Diseases and Early Death: Some reports suggest that high-fat, low-carb diets focused on animal foods can cause poor health results. On the contrary, diets focused on vegetables as sources of fats and proteins bring numerous advantages. A long-term observational study forecasts said that animal-based low-carb diets to higher rates of death from cancer, heart issues and other diseases.
Summing Up
While the keto diet is considered an effective way of losing weight and gaining other health advantages in the short term, it may cause nutrient deficiencies, poor health and now cancer as per the new study. Due to these risks, it is advised to consult your dietitian before going for any diet plan to avoid such health challenges.
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