Some people claim the keto diet can increase testosterone levels, boosting their desire for sex. While there is limited research on the topic, this diet may help individuals with certain chronic conditions.
The keto diet is a very low carbohydrate eating plan
Some research, such as a
Read more to learn about the link between the keto diet and sex drive, how the diet affects the body, and more.
The ketogenic diet may improve sexual function in certain populations, but there is relatively limited research on the topic.
A person’s sex drive is largely dependent on their testosterone levels. Having low levels can reduce libido, according to an
Some research has looked at the benefits of a keto diet in people with chronic health conditions. A
Another
While a low calorie ketogenic eating plan has associations with improved libido and sexual function, it may not be a long-term safe option. There is limited research studying the long lasting effects of a keto diet.
Some keto diet supporters claim that the eating plan can increase testosterone. While some evidence supports this, the research is inconclusive.
A small
However, some research has opposing views.
An
Some research indicates the keto diet
It does this by replacing carbohydrates, which provide glucose, the body’s main source of energy, with fat. When a person’s carbohydrate intake is very low, the body breaks down fat for fuel. It converts these into ketones, which then become a source of energy.
Cutting out carbohydrates causes the body to shed water weight in a short time. This can make a person feel like they have lost a significant amount of weight quickly. However, they have simply lost water weight, not fat. In the long term, the diet can promote fat loss.
The original aim of the keto diet was to treat epilepsy. Findings also suggest this eating plan may help metabolic disorders and some neurological conditions,
- certain cancers
- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive nervous system disorder causing a loss of muscle control
- dementia
- traumatic brain injury
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, research only supports using the keto diet for doctor-managed epilepsy treatment. Although evidence suggests the diet may be effective for treating certain health conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, more research is necessary to understand its long-term health effects.
The keto diet can cause both short- and long-term side effects.
Short-term side effects
Effects from the keto diet that typically go away within a few weeks
- headaches
- nausea
- vomiting
- dizziness
- constipation
- tiredness
- lack of exercise tolerance
- insomnia
Long-term side effects
The
Additionally, very low carbohydrate diets, such as the keto diet,
At present, there is limited research looking at the long-term effects of the keto diet. While much is unknown, a
- hypoproteinemia, or low protein levels
- hepatic stenosis, or fatty liver disease
- kidney stones
Finally, the large amount of fat consumption that the keto diet involves
Some research suggests that the keto diet may improve sexual functioning and increase libido in people with chronic health conditions. It may be particularly beneficial for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
However, research has not shown a direct link between keto and sexual health. It is likely that because the diet improves the overall quality of life in people with certain health conditions, sexual improvements are a positive side effect.
There is limited research on the long-term implications of the keto diet. Individuals should also contact a doctor or dietitian before starting a new eating plan.