Senior Health: Is the Keto Diet Safe for Seniors?

The latest fad diet making waves? The keto diet, where people are cutting out sugar and carbs left and right! And more importantly, they have had successful weight loss doing so.
Have you found yourself wanting to give keto a try? If so, and you’re an older adult, you may also be wondering if the keto diet for seniors is safe. So, Home Care Assistance is ready to help you find out!

What is Keto?

First, just what exactly is this keto diet all about it? In essence, the ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet with the ultimate goal of putting your body into ketosis. Ketosis is the natural process that occurs when your body lacks the carbs needed to burn for energy. So instead, your body burns fat and makes substances called ketones, which your body then uses for fuel.
When you break down the nutritional “rules” of keto and take a look at the numbers, you’ll find that this diet will require lots of food measurements and daily diet logs. Generally, you will take in 70 to 80 percent of your total daily calories from fat, 10 to 20 percent from protein, and five to 10 percent from carbohydrates.
Now to answer the primary question.

Is the Keto Diet for Seniors Safe?

There isn’t a direct answer, unfortunately. Since we are all individuals, our health goals and needs vary greatly from one another. We suggest taking the advice below before you start any diet, especially if you’re a senior in home care.
You’ll want to make sure you are already in moderately good health before you begin. On the keto diet, you’ll be cutting out some important food groups which is not recommended for seniors who struggle with an eating disorder or uncontrolled diabetes. Conversely, the keto diet can be a great tool for the senior who wishes to take control of their blood sugar, or take in more nutrients they lack, like iron, fats, or B12.
We highly suggest talking with your doctor before you begin the keto diet, or any other major diet. Your doctor will help you assess your overall health and any other conditions, which can be important factors when determining whether or not to give the keto diet for seniors a try.
For more information on senior home care or diet tips for older adults, feel free to call Home Care Assistance and schedule a consultation!