The Keto diet aids weight loss and diabetes control, but when mixed with certain meds, it can cause serious health issues.
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The Keto diet has gained global acclaim for its ability to help individuals lose weight and stabilize blood sugar levels, especially among those battling type 2 diabetes.
Its low-carb, high-fat approach has made it a go-to option for many seeking rapid results. However, when not closely monitored or combined with certain medications, particularly those affecting kidney or heart function, it can lead to dangerous, even life-threatening outcomes.
One woman’s journey shows how potassium-rich Keto foods and anti-diuretic medications interacted, resulting in kidney failure. Her experience is a reminder that diets must be tailored and medically supervised, not treated as universal cures.
A Mother’s Journey to Reverse Diabetes Type II
At 52, a mother of four made a bold decision to reclaim her health.
Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and facing the long-term consequences of elevated blood sugar, she turned to the Keto diet, high in fats and proteins, and almost devoid of carbohydrates.
Her meal plan included fatty meats, organ meats, eggs, legumes, nuts, leafy greens, and avocados.
Over eight years, her blood sugar levels gradually went down from over 25 mmol/L to a stable 6 – 9 mmol/L without diabetes medications.
Her results seemed miraculous. But without her knowledge, her health was taking a silent turn for the worse.
When the Cure Becomes a Complication
Flush with confidence from her improved blood sugar readings, she believed she had finally escaped the grips of diabetes.
However, her blood pressure began to spike dramatically.
She had been on both diabetes and blood pressure medications for some time and thought that she had conquered one of the two conditions.
Her doctor changed her blood pressure medications, putting her on an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB).
ARB medications are effective in lowering blood pressure. They can, however, interfere with the body’s ability to regulate potassium, increasing the risk of high potassium levels in the blood.
Unfortunately, regular use of medication that was correctly prescribed by her doctor unknowingly set off a dangerous chain reaction.
As the months passed, she noticed swelling in her ankles. Walking became painful, and breathing became labored.
These were clear signs that her cardiovascular system – and possibly her kidneys as well – were in distress.
When she finally shared her concerns with our online community seeking a second opinion, the possibility of potassium overload came up.
Her diabetes type 2 reversal diet was rich in potassium, a mineral that, when in excess, can be deadly.
The blood pressure medication she was on interfered with her body’s ability to flush out excess potassium. It was a dangerous combination.
The Hidden Risk of Potassium Overload
Most people know potassium as a healthy nutrient, essential for nerve function and heart rhythm.
However, in excessive amounts, especially when not excreted properly by the kidneys, potassium can poison the body.
This is a danger for those on Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ACE) inhibitors and Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARB), two categories of blood pressure medications, which lead the body to retain excess potassium.
Keto-friendly foods such as green leafy vegetables, organ meats, legumes, nuts, and avocados are all high in potassium.
When combined with medications that prevent its excretion, the result can be catastrophic with time.
In this woman’s case, her potassium levels soared undetected, silently damaging her kidneys and heart.
When she finally received a comprehensive medical assessment, the diagnosis was grim: stage 5 kidney failure—the final and most severe phase, requiring immediate dialysis or kidney transplant.
A Timely Intervention and a Sobering Lesson
Her blood medication was immediately switched to a diuretic, which increases urine production. This helped her to eliminate excess potassium from the body.
The response was almost immediate. The swellings on her feet subsided, the pain eased, and she could walk again.
While she did not require dialysis immediately, her journey to full stability is going to take time.
Her blood pressure normalized when excess potassium was flushed out of her bloodstream. Fluid retention improved, and her symptoms gradually improved.
We have advised her to give a chance to lifestyle changes before considering the dialysis route, a decision her doctor agreed with.
Her blood sugar has risen slightly, a manageable trade-off considering the gravity of her earlier condition. More importantly, she is now more aware than ever of the delicate interplay between diet and medication.
A Word of Caution for Keto Enthusiasts
This case is a powerful reminder that every diet, no matter how effective it is for some, must be approached with care, especially for individuals on long-term medications or with pre-existing health conditions.
Elevated blood pressure, swelling in the extremities, fatigue, sleep difficulties, and breathing problems are not symptoms to ignore.
They may be signs of internal organ strain, not just minor side effects of a dietary change.
Patients must take an active role in understanding how the nutrients in their diets interact with their medications.
That explains why I insist that I don’t prepare generalized diet plans. Getting a particular individual’s diet right is a journey. So many considerations are needed before one prepares a diet plan.
Doctors, too, should look beyond lab numbers and consider the full dietary context of their patients’ lifestyles.
Conclusion
While the Keto diet is beneficial for reversing certain health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, it is not a magic pill, especially when an individual has been diagnosed with more than one health condition.
Health is multifaceted, and managing chronic conditions requires a balanced approach that includes medical oversight, dietary awareness, and attention to the body’s warning signs.
It is a delicate balance, requiring adjustments from time to time.
Susan Catherine Keter
For the HealthWise Team
Photos By S. Keter and Pexels.com
