Dr. Berg Table of Contents
Explore the safety and benefits of Is Keto (Ketogenic Diet) Safe for Kids . Learn how a nutrient-dense, low-carb diet can support children’s health, especially those with epilepsy.
Is keto safe for kids
Now if you think about it , the most popular diet for epilepsy for children is the ketogenic diet because it really is effective .
And the problem , though , I see with that diet is they did a lot of liquid fat , that you would drink all this oil .
I don’t recommend that .The type of ketogenic diet that I recommend is very nutrient dense .
It’s with lots of vegetables
The essence of keto
So the essence of keto really is low carb .
Low carb .
Now an average , child that’s between 1 3 years old has 12 teaspoons of sugar .
That’s a problem .
An average 4 to 6 year old has 21 teaspoons of sugar .
So keto is very , very healthy because our bodies were not designed to run on that much sugar .
It’s gonna set them up for blood sugar problems .
I mean , that was me growing up .
I ate tons of sugar .
I probably I would just raid the cupboards with sugar .
I mean , I would constantly be eating sugar .
Keto bombs
So keto is extremely healthy if you do it correctly .
But you need a lot of vegetables .
Now , kids like sweets , or especially if you start them out like that , so you’re gonna have to make little , alternative healthy snacks , pleasure foods .
Like , they’re called keto bombs .
Chocolate & Peanut Butter: Keto Fat Bombs
Ingredients
½ cup coconut oil
½ cup peanut butter
2 tbsp cocoa powder
¼ tsp vanilla
40 drops of stevia
Directions
Melt oil, peanut butter, cocoa powder, and sweetener. Add vanilla. Pour into molds (can use measuring cup or spoon). Freeze for about 30 minutes. Store container in the fridge!
And if you combine that with a minute fasting and have the , these healthy desserts at the end of the meal , not with a snack and just have 3 meals a day .
I think it’s gonna be really healthy for your child .
The problem is starting kids out on an unhealthy sugar diet , it’s hard to change , especially if they’re teenagers .
But you have to do different things like bribing them and giving them things like , and I’m just kidding , by the way .
Giving them things like alternative sweeteners , like , keto bombs that are like little cookies that have no sugar , but they’re sweet .
They won’t know the difference .
So I would start to use that .
So it is something that’s healthy and natural and I highly recommend it .
Can kids do intermittent fasting
In fact , they should , especially if they’re overweight .
If you wanna help a child lose weight , intermittent fasting is the most powerful thing .
What to do if a child is overweight
The problem is you have to get their agreement because sometimes it’s difficult .
A lot of kids love to snack and they have they just cannot snack .
How a child could do intermittent fasting
I would start with 3 meals a day and at the meal you’re gonna have to make some really good keto bombs or cookies .
I’ll put some links down below .
And that way they’re not gonna be hungry or craving .
Now if you could eventually go to 2 meals a day , that would be incredible .
But just make sure those meals are really nutrient dense .
It’s not about calories .
It’s about nutrient dense .
So they’re gonna have to be do large salads , do the the kale shake with berries , things like that .
With a little bit of berries .
So you start off with 3 meals , no snacks , then go down the 2 meal .
I would not do one meal unless the child is really really overweight .
So on top of that , I’m gonna recommend you supplement because a lot of teenagers just don’t consume the balance of nutrients that they need .
Should a child that’s not overweight do fasting?
Now what if the child’s not overweight and they’re in the sports and they’re thin ?
What do you do ?
I would still recommend this .
I would do 3 meals a day , but I would probably add some starch because if you don’t , their metabolism is so fast , they’re gonna just get too thin .
And I’m talking about adding a red potato , yam with butter , wild rice , beans , sprouted bread .
It’s called Ezekiel bread .
And I think you actually have a very healthy child .
key Points:
- Can kids do fasting? Yes! I believe kids absolutely should do intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting is especially important if the child is overweight. A lot of kids love to snack, but I don’t believe this is healthy. It may be best to start with three meals a day.
- With the meal, you could include healthy fats or tasty keto bombs to help them not to be hungry or have cravings. If you could get the child down to two meals a day, that would be even better, but the meals need to be very nutrient-dense. Supplements may also be beneficial, especially for teenagers.
- Intermittent fasting may still even be beneficial for children that are not overweight and are into sports. In this situation, three meals a day may be best. You would also want to add starches to the child’s diet like red potatoes, yams, wild rice, beans, or sprouted bread.
DATA:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-kids-shouldnt-go-on-the-keto-diet-for-weight-loss
FAQ:
Is it OK for Kids to Do Keto?
For most children, a strict keto diet isn’t recommended without a medical indication and professional supervision. Children are in a crucial stage of growth and development, requiring a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients, which a restrictive diet like keto might not provide. This includes carbohydrates, which play a significant role in children’s diets as they are a primary energy source that supports their rapid growth and activity levels.
What is the Minimum Age for Keto?
There’s no defined minimum age for the ketogenic diet in the context of managing specific medical conditions like epilepsy, as its use in such scenarios is carefully monitored by healthcare providers. For non-medical purposes, imposing a keto diet on a child, especially very young children, is generally not advised due to the potential risks of nutrient deficiencies and impacting their growth and development.
Is Keto OK for a 14-Year-Old?
A 14-year-old, like other children and adolescents, is still in a critical period of growth and development. Unless a ketogenic diet is medically recommended and supervised by healthcare professionals for specific health issues, it’s important to focus on promoting a balanced diet that ensures they receive all the necessary nutrients to grow and develop healthily. If there is a particular concern behind this interest, such as weight management or dietary issues, consulting with a healthcare provider or a dietitian is the best course of action.
Can Children Take Ketones?
If you are considering exogenous ketones as a supplement for children, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before proceeding. These supplements are typically used by adults following a ketogenic diet to boost their ketone levels. However, the necessity, safety, and effects of such supplements in children, especially outside a medically supervised ketogenic diet for specific conditions, are highly questionable and not widely recommended.
Can Kids Eat Low Carbs?
Yes, kids can consume a diet that is lower in carbohydrates compared to the typical Western diet, provided it is well-balanced and still includes the necessary nutrients for their growth and development. It’s important to prioritize nutrient-dense carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while reducing the intake of refined sugars and processed foods. Any major dietary changes should be guided by a health professional to ensure children’s dietary needs are met without compromising their energy levels or nutritional intake.
Can Babies be on a Keto Diet?
No, a ketogenic diet is not recommended for babies. Infants have specific nutritional needs that are crucial for their growth and brain development. A ketogenic diet, being high in fats and very low in carbs, does not meet the dietary requirements for infants. It is typically reserved for specific medical conditions and under strict medical supervision. Babies’ diets should be balanced and include an appropriate mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to support their rapid growth and development. Before making any dietary changes for a baby, it is critical to consult with a pediatric healthcare provider.
