What is the age limit for the Keto diet? Is it safe for kids?

The Keto or Ketogenic Diet has become a widely known approach to help someone undergo fat loss. This dietary approach has been defined as the process where someone consumes a high amount of food that contains protein, and food that contains fat and removes carbs from his or her food portions. Keto diet aims to keep carbs in check by removing them entirely from your meal plan. This diet is simple but effective, especially in the treatment of cancerous tumors and epileptic seizures. But some have wondered, “Can I use the keto diet for my children and teens?” Explore the answer to this as it will be revealed in this article.

What is the age limit for the Keto diet? Is it safe for kids?

Considerably, the diet is safe. Research and other approved studies have shown that there is no age limit for the keto diet. Adults as old as 70 can go on this diet. Some have their children on the diet from childbirth, others from a very young age. Adults who are young (youths) have noticed positive changes when they do the keto diet. 

Is the Ketogenic Diet Safe for Kids and Teens?

For many years, the keto diet has proven to be effective in the treatment of seizures in children. It has also played a significant role in stopping the advancement of cancerous cells in the body by starving them till they eventually die. The rate of success in this area has added to the confirmation that the keto diet is safe for kids and teens. But are there any potential risks associated with the keto diet? Keep reading and your concerns will be treated.

Concerns about the Keto Diet for Youth

There is a probable chance for youths to experience constipation (hard stool) because of the nature of the keto diet. This becomes a case if he does not take enough water. Lack of water can also form problems for the vital organs in youths such as the kidney. Mood disorders such as depression, low self-esteem, sadness, and mood swings can befall young adults. And because this diet is a low-carb diet, youths may develop hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar). 

Youths may also experience an increase in their level of cholesterol as they take in high-fat instead of carbs. High level of cholesterol is responsible for heart disease risk in people.  

Potential Risks of the Keto Diet for Children

Children who undergo the keto diet may have a nutritional deficiency. This nutritional deficiency may be a low level or a total cut out of essential vitamins and minerals such as sodium and potassium. Remember that these nutrients help develop the body. When they are lacking, it could cause serious health problems.  The risks of the keto diet also include developing a bad way of eating as it does not sustain in the long run. It may also lead to acidic blood in children.

Recommended Age Minimums to Start Keto

There is no specific minimum age to start keto. Studies have shown that it is beneficial for everyone of all ages. However, it is recommended that some factors be considered such as nutritional needs as this may differ in individuals.

Sample Keto Diet Plan for Children

Here is a sample plan of keto for kids. There is no best keto plan. This is a 7-day meal plan that can be modified according to the needs of the child. Snacks can be taken. However, be careful that the child should not eat carbs of more than 50 grams a day.

Sunday: Yoghurt, granola, beef burger, satay sauce, stir-fried chicken, mushrooms, pepper, eggs and vegetables.

Monday: Eggs, tomatoes, cheese, roasted turkey, cucumber and pepper.

Tuesday: Scrambled eggs, chicken salad, avocado, onion, beef stew with celery, nut butter, spinach, olive.

Wednesday: Broccoli, pepper, omelet, slices of cheese, egg salad with chicken breast, nuts, onion, and spices.

Thursday: Milk smoothie, spinach, protein powder, shrimp, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and boiled egg.

Friday: Fried eggs, avocado, blackberries, tomato, green vegetables, fish, green beans and kale chips.

Saturday: Scrambled eggs, green onions, tomatoes, pork meat with any non-starchy vegetable, berries and nuts. 

How the Keto Diet Works to Promote Ketosis

To benefit maximally from the keto diet, the body needs to enter a metabolic state of Ketosis. This is a condition where the body burns fat for fuel. Keto diet works to promote this state in the following ways:

Burning Fat Instead of Carbs for Fuel

Carbohydrate that is taken into the body is often broken down into sugar. Normally, the body burns sugar for energy. The body is in ketosis when it burns fat for energy instead of carbs because there is no adequate amount of carbs in the body. During the process of this breakdown, a compound called ketones is formed and this forms the body’s primary fuel source. 

The period of time it takes for a body to enter Ketosis varies individually. Those who take in high amounts of carbs may experience a delay in entering this state while those who normally take average or low carbs rapidly enter it.

Prospective Benefits of the Keto Diet for Adults

High intake of carbs has been associated with acne and other skin-related problems. Keto Diet can help adults manage these problems. It has the potential benefit of reducing the risk of cancer such as brain cancer. This is because it will starve cancer cells and eliminate them eventually. It can also improve heart rate.

Benefits of the Keto Diet on Blood Sugar and Promote Weight Loss

It is well known that when the body has plenty of carbohydrates, it will make the sugar level in the blood very high because sugar is stored in carbohydrates. Since the keto diet is a low-carb, nutritionists recommend it for people who battle with Type-2 Diabetes. Keto also works effectively in lowering blood sugar as it concentrates on fat and not carbs to derive energy.

The benefit of the keto diet is also seen in the increase of insulin levels in the body. It can also promote weight loss. This is as a result of intake of high protein and high fat. It increases the burning of calories and fat and reduces weight in overweight and obese individuals.  

7 Tips for Doing the Keto Diet Safely at Any Age

Implementing the keto diet can be done safely at any age as long as you take the appropriate measures. These measures are summed up in the 7 tips below.

Contact a Dietitian before you start a Keto Diet

A registered dietitian should be promptly contacted before you start a keto diet. Together, you will evaluate and assess the benefits, side effects, and threats of the diet. He will also suggest and formulate a meal plan that is tailored to suit your nutritional needs. It is especially prudent to make this consultation if you have an underlying health condition. Adjustments and modifications can be made as to how the keto plan can best be followed for desired results.

Focus on Healthy Fats for Your Keto Diet Plan

Do not starve your body of fats simply because you hear that fat kills. Healthy fats are good for the body and they are obtained from sunflower seeds, nuts, seeds, fish, olives, etc. Add this to your keto diet plan. Your body will need high fat in order to make the keto diet work. Try adjusting to what and how you eat every day. Make sure your diet includes more oil such as olive oil and go for non-starchy veggies instead of whole grain.

Stay Hydrated on the Keto Diet

Taking carbs makes your body retain water. So a keto diet means that this water is flushed out. But you need water for proper body function. In order to maintain hydration and retain this fluid, you should drink plenty of water.

Include Vegetables in Your Keto Diet

Adding some fruits and vegetables (especially non-starchy veggies such as broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage, and so on) to your keto diet is one good thing to do because they are low in carbs and low in calories.

Supplement Electrolytes on the Keto Diet

During your keto diet journey, your kidney passes out more water and electrolytes. It is vital that these electrolytes are replaced. It can also help you to easily overcome the “Keto flu”. You can do this by taking in sodium, potassium, and salt. Ensure your food and drink is properly salted. Make sure you also eat bell peppers and other non-starchy vegetables. 

Monitor for Side Effects of the Keto Diet

While Keto Diet has benefits, it also has side effects. One of it is called the “keto flu”. Some people do not have any issue with it while some look really dejected when they have it. The “Keto flu” process starts when the body begins to adjust to the new state of ketosis. You may also experience sicknesses like constipation, diarrhea, nausea, etc. Learn about these side effects and ways you can manage them when it comes.  These illnesses usually go away after a few weeks. But if they persist, you may want to stop the diet.

Limit Processed Foods and Foods with added sugar

Processed and refined foods are rich in carbohydrates. If you must be on the keto diet, you need to restrict your intake of these kinds of foods. They include cake, cookies, chocolates, soda etc. Don’t eat whole grains or food like rice and bread either. Go for keto-friendly food instead. Remember that the keto diet is not something that you can break in between the plan. Discipline is required if you must stick to it. 

How the Keto Diet May Help Senior and Older Adult

The Keto Diet has been proven to have health benefits for seniors and older adults. Keto diet may help in the following ways:

Promoting Healthy Weight Loss for Older Adults

The Keto diet is often recommended as a weight loss diet in older adults who want to maintain body mobility and health. It can drastically lose body fat while at the same time preserving muscle mass.  

Regulating Blood Sugar in Older Adults

Keto diet can help older adults, especially diabetic patients and those with prediabetes, regulate their blood sugar levels. This is one key factor to help improve their overall health.

Potential Benefits of the Keto Diet for Seniors

A Keto diet can improve the energy level of seniors. This is because ketones offer prolonged energy and serve as better fuel for the brain cells and nerve cells. It also has the potential to reduce inflammation in different parts of the body thus improving their health. 

Why the Keto Diet is Not Recommended for Most Children

The keto diet was initially used to treat epileptic seizures in children. However, some people argue that eliminating a certain diet from food groups is not good for children as they need all the classes of food to thrive. They reason that there are other healthy options that could be tried to improve weight loss in children instead of putting them on a diet like keto. 

Concerns about Keto Diet for Growing Child

The growing child needs adequate nutrients and minerals for the normal function of the body. Cutting out carbs can lead to body malfunction and growth impairment. When a child consumes high amount of fat and low carbs, he or she may experience difficulty when he wants to poop.  They may be easily fatigued even as young as they are. They may be excessively selective on the kind of food they eat. Some parents are even concerned that cutting out carbs can make their child lose essential nutrients that he needs to build up the body. They may also be mentally retarded.

Risks of the Keto Diet for Weight Loss in Children

Studies have been conducted to show whether the keto diet has potential risks in helping a child lose weight. Some of the findings that were discovered were that a diet that restricts the intake of carbs (such as the keto diet) can have an effect on the eating habits of the child. It may not make a child get the kind of body that he wants. It may make a child start comparing himself or herself with other well-formed children. This can lead to depression and sadness. It can also lead to a reduction in the density of the bones.

How Keto May Impact a Child’s Development

At an early stage in life, a child needs to grow and develop fully. The keto diet however changes the development of a child. They may experience unpleasant changes in their height, stature, and overall look. They may also begin to behave and function in a way that is not proper. 

Nutritionists also agree that the keto diet may not give the child the essential nutrients he needs for development. He may suffer from impaired growth and developmental disabilities. With this, they have come to the conclusion that keto has a negative impact on a child’s development.

Conclusion: Ketogenic diet for Older Adults and kids age range

The ketogenic diet has been useful for treating a number of illnesses such as cancer, tumors, and epilepsy. An older adult can use it to achieve healthy skin and for effective weight management. It may also be beneficial for kids who are overweight. The Keto diet also requires discipline and commitment.

Always check with your doctor before you begin the keto diet journey. They will give you the appropriate and adequate medical supervision.