Is Keto Safe?
Is Keto Safe?
Established and emerging evidence demonstrate that ketogenic diets are safe and sustainable. Explore new research, reviews and myth-busting videos from expert scientists and clinicians.
What is a Keto Diet?
What is a Keto Diet?
A ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat eating plan designed to shift the body’s metabolism from carbohydrates to fat. By significantly reducing carbohydrate intake, the body enters a metabolic state known as ketosis. In ketosis, the body burns fat for energy, rather than glucose alone, and in the process, the liver creates ketones, which serve as an alternative and supportive energy source, particularly for the brain.
A keto diet generally has the macronutrient profile of 60-75% of calories from fat, 15-30% from protein, and 0-10% from carbohydrates. This encourages the body to burn dietary and stored body fat for energy, leading to fat loss in those carrying extra weight, and improved metabolic health. A ketogenic diet has been shown to have significant therapeutic benefits for treating, reversing and preventing various conditions, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, serious mental illness, autoimmune disorders and other disorders.
A ketogenic diet has long been associated with health risks, but a closer review of the medical literature does not substantiate these claims. Concerns include high cholesterol, heart disease risk, kidney dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, and others. These concerns are based largely on flawed studies, incorrect assumptions, and inaccurate representations of the evidence. Thousands of people around the world are healing from disease with ketogenic diets. We welcome you to explore our content around the efficacy and safety of therapeutic carbohydrate reduction, so you can assess the benefits and perceived risks for yourself.
A ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat eating plan designed to shift the body’s metabolism from carbohydrates to fat. By significantly reducing carbohydrate intake, the body enters a metabolic state known as ketosis. In ketosis, the body burns fat for energy, rather than glucose alone, and in the process, the liver creates ketones, which serve as an alternative and supportive energy source, particularly for the brain.
A keto diet generally has the macronutrient profile of 60-75% of calories from fat, 15-30% from protein, and 0-10% from carbohydrates. This encourages the body to burn dietary and stored body fat for energy, leading to fat loss in those carrying extra weight, and improved metabolic health. A ketogenic diet has been shown to have significant therapeutic benefits for treating, reversing and preventing various conditions, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, serious mental illness, autoimmune disorders and other disorders.
A ketogenic diet has long been associated with health risks, but a closer review of the medical literature does not substantiate these claims. Concerns include high cholesterol, heart disease risk, kidney dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, and others. These concerns are based largely on flawed studies, incorrect assumptions, and inaccurate representations of the evidence. Thousands of people around the world are healing from disease with ketogenic diets. We welcome you to explore our content around the efficacy and safety of therapeutic carbohydrate reduction, so you can assess the benefits and perceived risks for yourself.
New Research Finds Ketogenic Diet-Induced High Cholesterol Does Not Predict Heart Disease
New Research Finds Ketogenic Diet-Induced High Cholesterol Does Not Predict Heart Disease
April, 2025. A one-year prospective study found that very high cholesterol in 100 otherwise metabolically healthy individuals on a ketogenic diet for an average of 5 years did not correlate with atherosclerosis.
April, 2025. A one-year prospective study found that very high cholesterol in 100 otherwise metabolically healthy individuals on a ketogenic diet for an average of 5 years did not correlate with atherosclerosis.
April, 2025. A one-year prospective study found that very high cholesterol in 100 otherwise metabolically healthy individuals on a ketogenic diet for an average of 5 years did not correlate with atherosclerosis.
Additional Publications
Myths and Facts Regarding Low Carb Diets
Myths and Facts Regarding Low Carb Diets
March, 2025. Teicholz et. al argue that ketogenic approaches should be considered viable, evidence-based interventions rather than dismissed as fads. The publication addresses common misconceptions—such as fears of kidney or heart damage—and explores practical considerations, including patient adherence, affordability, and environmental impact. This article is a rigorously referenced clinical opinion designed to support both healthcare providers and patients considering ketogenic therapies.
March, 2025. Teicholz et. al argue that ketogenic approaches should be considered viable, evidence-based interventions rather than dismissed as fads. The publication addresses common misconceptions—such as fears of kidney or heart damage—and explores practical considerations, including patient adherence, affordability, and environmental impact. This article is a rigorously referenced clinical opinion designed to support both healthcare providers and patients considering ketogenic therapies.
March, 2025. Teicholz et. al argue that ketogenic approaches should be considered viable, evidence-based interventions rather than dismissed as fads. The publication addresses common misconceptions—such as fears of kidney or heart damage—and explores practical considerations, including patient adherence, affordability, and environmental impact. This article is a rigorously referenced clinical opinion designed to support both healthcare providers and patients considering ketogenic therapies.
The Cholesterol Code Movie
The Cholesterol Code Movie
The Cholesterol Code follows one man’s health journey, sparking a global investigation that could upend everything we think we know about cholesterol, low-carb diets, and heart health. Visit the site and sign up for the newsletter to stay informed on the film's general release and read up on all of the related lean mass hyper-responder (LMHR) research.
The Cholesterol Code follows one man’s health journey, sparking a global investigation that could upend everything we think we know about cholesterol, low-carb diets, and heart health. Visit the site and sign up for the newsletter to stay informed on the film's general release and read up on all of the related lean mass hyper-responder (LMHR) research.
The Cholesterol Code follows one man’s health journey, sparking a global investigation that could upend everything we think we know about cholesterol, low-carb diets, and heart health. Visit the site and sign up for the newsletter to stay informed on the film's general release and read up on all of the related lean mass hyper-responder (LMHR) research.
Keto Research & Insights
Dive deep into the safety and efficacy of keto diets with our videos and blogs.
Does the Brain Need Carbs? Debunking 4 Myths About a Ketogenic Diet
Bret Scher, MD, FACC
The body doesn't require dietary carbs: Keto diets usually include some carbs, the body can make glucose from fats and proteins, and the brain effectively uses ketones.
A Cardiologist’s Dilemma: High LDL & ApoB Doesn’t Predict Plaque in This Group of People
Hannah Warren
Ketogenic therapy is transforming lives. Around the world, tens of thousands of people use this powerful metabolic intervention to improve their physical health, treat chronic diseases, and find relief from serious mental illness.
Can You Eat Keto Long-Term? 7 Key Takeaways
Hannah Warren
The safety and sustainability of a long-term ketogenic diet is a hot topic with conflicting opinions. This article from Metabolic Mind explores the evidence behind staying in ketosis for extended periods. You can also check out my video on this topic for more information. Here are the key takeaways:
Beyond LDL: Exploring Calcium Scores and CTAs for Better Cardiac Insights
Hannah Warren
It seems like a fiction novel, that an engineer can go on a personal health exploration and end up challenging everything we think we know about cholesterol and how we diagnose and monitor heart disease.
Can patients do ketogenic therapy for a psychiatric condition without the help of a metabolic psychiatrist?
Hannah Warren
We recommend working with trained clinicians when implementing a medical keto diet, but what are the options if a patient cannot access metabolic psychiatry care?
Does Keto Cause Heart Attacks?
Hannah Warren
Sensational headlines about health topics are everywhere these days. For example, one recent headline claimed that the keto diet will increase your risk of heart attack. Is this true? Should you stop your nutritional ketosis therapy?
Is Ketosis Safe? Breaking Down The Myths
Hannah Warren
Emerging evidence and clinical experience indicate that ketosis is a safe and effective treatment for restoring mental and metabolic health. You may have heard that ketosis is a dangerous, life-threatening condition to avoid at all costs. Is this true? In a word, no.
Load More
Keto News
New research from The Lundquist Institute finds ketogenic diet-induced high cholesterol does not predict heart disease
A one-year prospective study found that very high cholesterol in 100 otherwise metabolically healthy individuals on a ketogenic diet for an average of 5 years did not correlate with atherosclerosis.
Low-carb keto diet may not raise heart disease risk, new study suggests
Low-carb keto diet may not raise heart disease risk, new study suggests
Keto Channels & Resources
From expert insights to personal stories and support, explore Metabolic Mind’s YouTube channel and podcast, and a growing number of other channels dedicated to exploring the safety of keto.
Keto Research & Insights
Dive deep into the safety and efficacy of keto diets with our videos and blogs.
Does the Brain Need Carbs? Debunking 4 Myths About a Ketogenic Diet
Bret Scher, MD, FACC
The body doesn't require dietary carbs: Keto diets usually include some carbs, the body can make glucose from fats and proteins, and the brain effectively uses ketones.
A Cardiologist’s Dilemma: High LDL & ApoB Doesn’t Predict Plaque in This Group of People
Hannah Warren
Ketogenic therapy is transforming lives. Around the world, tens of thousands of people use this powerful metabolic intervention to improve their physical health, treat chronic diseases, and find relief from serious mental illness.
Can You Eat Keto Long-Term? 7 Key Takeaways
Hannah Warren
The safety and sustainability of a long-term ketogenic diet is a hot topic with conflicting opinions. This article from Metabolic Mind explores the evidence behind staying in ketosis for extended periods. You can also check out my video on this topic for more information. Here are the key takeaways:
Beyond LDL: Exploring Calcium Scores and CTAs for Better Cardiac Insights
Hannah Warren
It seems like a fiction novel, that an engineer can go on a personal health exploration and end up challenging everything we think we know about cholesterol and how we diagnose and monitor heart disease.
Can patients do ketogenic therapy for a psychiatric condition without the help of a metabolic psychiatrist?
Hannah Warren
We recommend working with trained clinicians when implementing a medical keto diet, but what are the options if a patient cannot access metabolic psychiatry care?
Does Keto Cause Heart Attacks?
Hannah Warren
Sensational headlines about health topics are everywhere these days. For example, one recent headline claimed that the keto diet will increase your risk of heart attack. Is this true? Should you stop your nutritional ketosis therapy?
Is Ketosis Safe? Breaking Down The Myths
Hannah Warren
Emerging evidence and clinical experience indicate that ketosis is a safe and effective treatment for restoring mental and metabolic health. You may have heard that ketosis is a dangerous, life-threatening condition to avoid at all costs. Is this true? In a word, no.
Load More
Keto News
New research from The Lundquist Institute finds ketogenic diet-induced high cholesterol does not predict heart disease
A one-year prospective study found that very high cholesterol in 100 otherwise metabolically healthy individuals on a ketogenic diet for an average of 5 years did not correlate with atherosclerosis.
Low-carb keto diet may not raise heart disease risk, new study suggests
Low-carb keto diet may not raise heart disease risk, new study suggests
Keto Channels & Resources
From expert insights to personal stories and support, explore Metabolic Mind’s YouTube channel and podcast, and a growing number of other channels dedicated to exploring the safety of keto.
Keto Research & Insights
Dive deep into the safety and efficacy of keto diets with our videos and blogs.
Does the Brain Need Carbs? Debunking 4 Myths About a Ketogenic Diet
Bret Scher, MD, FACC
The body doesn't require dietary carbs: Keto diets usually include some carbs, the body can make glucose from fats and proteins, and the brain effectively uses ketones.
A Cardiologist’s Dilemma: High LDL & ApoB Doesn’t Predict Plaque in This Group of People
Hannah Warren
Ketogenic therapy is transforming lives. Around the world, tens of thousands of people use this powerful metabolic intervention to improve their physical health, treat chronic diseases, and find relief from serious mental illness.
Can You Eat Keto Long-Term? 7 Key Takeaways
Hannah Warren
The safety and sustainability of a long-term ketogenic diet is a hot topic with conflicting opinions. This article from Metabolic Mind explores the evidence behind staying in ketosis for extended periods. You can also check out my video on this topic for more information. Here are the key takeaways:
Beyond LDL: Exploring Calcium Scores and CTAs for Better Cardiac Insights
Hannah Warren
It seems like a fiction novel, that an engineer can go on a personal health exploration and end up challenging everything we think we know about cholesterol and how we diagnose and monitor heart disease.
Can patients do ketogenic therapy for a psychiatric condition without the help of a metabolic psychiatrist?
Hannah Warren
We recommend working with trained clinicians when implementing a medical keto diet, but what are the options if a patient cannot access metabolic psychiatry care?
Does Keto Cause Heart Attacks?
Hannah Warren
Sensational headlines about health topics are everywhere these days. For example, one recent headline claimed that the keto diet will increase your risk of heart attack. Is this true? Should you stop your nutritional ketosis therapy?
Is Ketosis Safe? Breaking Down The Myths
Hannah Warren
Emerging evidence and clinical experience indicate that ketosis is a safe and effective treatment for restoring mental and metabolic health. You may have heard that ketosis is a dangerous, life-threatening condition to avoid at all costs. Is this true? In a word, no.
Load More
Keto News
New research from The Lundquist Institute finds ketogenic diet-induced high cholesterol does not predict heart disease
A one-year prospective study found that very high cholesterol in 100 otherwise metabolically healthy individuals on a ketogenic diet for an average of 5 years did not correlate with atherosclerosis.
Low-carb keto diet may not raise heart disease risk, new study suggests
Low-carb keto diet may not raise heart disease risk, new study suggests
Keto Channels & Resources
From expert insights to personal stories and support, explore Metabolic Mind’s YouTube channel and podcast, and a growing number of other channels dedicated to exploring the safety of keto.
Citizen Science Foundation
The Citizen Science Foundation (CSF) is a public charity dedicated to advancing the field of Citizen Science by empowering ideas outside traditional academic and institutional frameworks. Currently, its primary focus is research surrounding Lean Mass Hyper-Responders (LMHR).
Dr. Nick Norwitz's Free CME
Become a member of Metabolic Health Initiative (MHI) and claim CMEs for learning the longitudinal data from the KETO-CTA trial studying cardiovascular risk in Lean Mass Hyper-responders on a ketogenic diet.
Keto Mojo
Keto Mojo is a brand of blood ketone and glucose monitoring kit designed for individuals following a ketogenic diet. It provides a convenient way to track ketone levels and blood sugar without the need for a separate meter for each.
Carb Manager
Carb Manager is an app designed to help users manage a sustainable, low-carb way of eating, particularly for those following keto or low-carb diets, with features like macro tracking, meal planning, and a large recipe database
Own Your Labs
Before starting ketogenic therapy, it’s a great idea to request labs that will establish your metabolic health baseline and identify any pre-existing conditions. You can order them yourself from Own Your Labs.
Metabolic Health Initiative
Metabolic Health Initiative (MHI) has a mission to revolutionize medicine by elevating nutrition & metabolism in treating disease, increasing health span, and improving human performance through live events and digital education.
Society for Metabolic Health Practitioners
The Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners (SMHP) represents researchers and clinicians working to improve metabolic health through education, training, and support of nutritional and lifestyle approaches, including carbohydrate reduction.
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We’ll keep you up-to-date with the most essential new videos, blogs, scientific papers, and news.
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© 2024 Metabolic Mind
© 2024 Metabolic Mind
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© 2024 Metabolic Mind
Guides & Directories
© 2024 Metabolic Mind