Is keto the way to go? 6 Ways the diet naturally balances hormones

11/30/2019 / By Melissa Smith

The ketogenic diet is one of the most popular weight-loss diets that people try today. But people with hormonal imbalances may also follow this type of diet.

Keto is a high-fat, low-carb diet that involves significantly reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat. As a result, the body is put into a ketone-burning state called ketosis. When this happens, the body becomes more efficient at burning fat for energy. It also turns fat into ketones in the liver, which can be used as an energy supply for the brain. (Related: The keto diet: Tips to make sure that the eating plan is working for you.)

Adhering to the keto diet may support many hormones in the body, particularly in the case of three major areas: insulin, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and menopause. Here are six ways that this diet can help ease symptoms of hormonal imbalance.

1. It lowers blood sugar levels.

For menopausal women and those who have PCOS, insulin resistance can lead to even more stored fat. As a result, this weight gain and insulin resistance can worsen the estrogen-dominant symptoms of menopause. They can benefit from following the keto diet as it can help balance insulin, reduce blood sugar levels, and lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

2. It eases hot flashes.

Hot flashes, which affect both menopausal women and those with PCOS, are associated with changes in estrogen levels. These occur when the brain area responsible for regulating stress becomes less stable, and when suddenly triggered, can lead to a sudden and uncomfortable increase in body temperature. Hot flashes typically pass within minutes.

The keto diet can help reduce hot flashes by providing ketones, which are a constant source of fuel for the brain that is more easily utilized and maintained at more stable levels than glucose.

3. It supports brain health.

Among other things, menopause can affect cognitive function due to the changes in reproductive hormones. Similarly, PCOS and insulin problems also contribute to cognitive problems that may lead to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. These conditions are partially linked to the brain’s need for fuel. With low hormone levels, the brain finds it hard to get what it needs. The keto diet can protect against these cognitive problems by providing the brain with a different source of fuel that inhibits lapses in energy stability.

4. It aids in weight loss.

Keto can regulate ghrelin and leptin — hormones responsible for controlling appetite. This means that following the keto diet can make you feel less hunger, making you eat less. It also regulates insulin, which is essential for post-meal energy use. In addition, the foods in the ketogenic diet are rich in nutrients, which means that you can eat less without harming your body.

Problems with these hormones can lead to increased hunger, reduced feelings for fullness after eating, and imbalanced insulin levels that may also trigger your desire to eat to get more glucose.

5. It boosts energy and enhances sleep.

Hormone disruptions causing hot flashes and mood changes can drain your energy. They can also interrupt your sleep, making you feel tired and restless. Worse, they can trigger an increase in the production of cortisol, increasing your stress levels.

The keto diet can help with these issues as it is loaded with nutrient-dense fats and protein, which both serve as slower-burning forms of energy. This means that there will be no post-meal crashes from blood sugar declines, and a steadier source of energy throughout the day.

A keto diet can also improve gut health, which contributes to the production of serotonin. Additionally, it helps regulate cortisol, reducing stress levels. This can lead to higher energy throughout the day and better sleep at night.

6. It fights inflammation.

Inflammation triggers symptoms of PCOS or menopause. Fortunately, the keto diet includes foods loaded with omega-3 fatty acids such as mackerel and salmon. Omega-3s are known to reduce inflammation in the body, resulting in less pain and symptoms of inflammatory conditions.