Perhaps you’ve already heard about the ketogenic diet that produces unspeakable benefits to general health and more specifically for treating ailments such as diabetes, epilepsy, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Keto’s aim is transforming the body’s fuel source from glucose to ketones, by-products of fatty acids’ breakdown. Ketogenic diets bring carbohydrate consumption down to less than five percent of the daily caloric intake and replace these calories with those from fat, resulting in a 24 hours a day fat burning state and hence, massive weight loss.

You can read more about the ketogenic diet here.

Supplements on Keto: Do we need them?

Supplements on a keto diet are not an absolute necessity, but they do make the process easier and more effective by helping your body enter and remain in ketosis. Whether your diet is healthy or not, this depends on the quality of the macro and micronutrients consumed. If focusing strictly on one’s macros, it would be easy to neglect some of the micro elements the body needs to function healthily. Changing metabolism from burning carbs to burning fat is a huge adjustment where supplements can help.

Benefit #1: Reducing the Symptoms of Keto Flu

Keto flu is a normal adaptive response of the body to the ketosis process. Most people go through such a physical weakening when they just start the keto diet and although only lasting a few days, supplements can help prevent the nutrient deficiencies and make the transition smoother.

Benefit #2: Filling Nutritional Gaps

Eliminating some foods from one’s diet is inevitably accompanied by losing important vitamins and minerals specific to those foods. While trying to figure out the best plan to introduce vitamins into your body, supplements can consolidate all your requirements and help maintain the right balance your body’s needs.

Benefit #3: Achieving Your Health Goals

Understanding the way supplements work will allow you to determine whether you really require them or not. Some supplements help support general health, while others enhance your mental function or boost energy levels.

The Top Six Supplements on Keto

1. Exogenous Ketones are ketones in the form of supplements with the same molecular structure as that of the body. Research shows that exogenous ketones do put body into ketosis and accelerate the adaptation. These supplements can boost ketone levels instantaneously so even if you consumed some extra carbs or protein while on diet, you will not be pushed out of ketosis. Exogenous ketones are also beneficial in terms of suppressing appetite, increasing energy levels, and enhancing brain activity. You can choose your exogenous ketones supplement here.

2. MCT Oil is an oil type that contains pure Medium-Chain Triglycerides – fats used more easily than others by the body. MCTs can promote greater ketone production and weight loss, boost your energy and control appetite. MCTs are easily broken down by the liver and immediately enter the bloodstream providing fuel for the brain and muscles. There is a large selection of MCT Oil found here.

3. Sodium is one of the electrolytes – essential minerals for the human body. Ketogenic diet is accompanied by major fluid loss during the first weeks. Electrolytes leave the body with any fluid release and this can result in a keto flu, headache, brain fog or fatigue. Sodium eases the keto flu symptoms by controlling the amount of water in the body and supporting nerve and muscle function. Sodium can be compensated by adding sea salt to your foods and drinks.

4. Magnesium is another electrolyte that controls the heart rate, blood sugar, muscle and nerve functioning. Being deficient in magnesium results in fatigue and muscle spasms. You can get magnesium from keto foods such as leafy green vegetables, pumpkin seeds and avocados but it is hard to reach the needed level without consuming extra carbs. This is why magnesium supplement is a great solution for many keto dieters. If you feel your body lacks magnesium, you can order it here.

5. Potassium is the electrolyte responsible for fluid balance, normal blood pressure, and electrical activity in heart and muscles. Deficiencies in potassium cause tiredness, weakness and constipation. Keto sources like nuts, mushrooms, leafy green vegetables and salmon contain potassium. If you are very active or consume enough foods limited in potassium, it makes sense to take potassium supplements.

6. Fish Oil is best source of Omega-3 fats that are vital for brain and heart health as they fight inflammation in the body, lower heart disease risk, and ease symptoms of depression. Omega-3 supplements maximize the keto diet’s impact and for overall health. Order your Fish Oil here.

For some, the ketogenic diet may progress easily and smoothly while for many of us, minor supplemental help is needed. All supplements are individual and should be chosen personally whether by adding electrolytes, Omega-3, MCTs or some more ketones to your diet. Some supplements will help you transition easily, while others will enhance your athletic performance, and others will boost your energy levels and benefit your overall health. By adding these natural and safe supplements, you are making your keto experience in the most effective and healthy way.